Our Leaders

Richard is an experienced business leader, strategist, and change agent with more than 30 years of experience helping organisations navigate growth, transformation, and operational improvement across the not-for-profit, consulting, technology, and international business sectors. Prior to taking on the role of CEO at The Bridge, he has held senior executive roles including Acting CEO, COO, Director, Partner, and consultant, leading diverse functions spanning operations, people and culture, technology, customer service, governance, risk, and organisational strategy.

Known for his collaborative and people-centred leadership style, Richard has successfully led organisational growth, cultural change, mergers, major system implementations, and business transformation initiatives in Australia, Europe, North America, and the United Kingdom. He is passionate about developing high-performing teams, creating sustainable organisations, and helping people and businesses realise their potential.

Beyond his professional career, Richard is a committed community leader, volunteer, mentor, and international masters athlete. His experience as a CFA volunteer firefighter, sporting club president, and community contributor reflects a strong commitment to service, resilience, and leadership both inside and outside the workplace.

David Kazakoff has more than 20 years of experience in the employment services sector, with expertise in contract compliance, governance, quality assurance, and risk management. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles within both small and large not-for-profit organisations, overseeing compliance functions and supporting continuous service improvement. David also brings valuable public sector experience from his time with the Australian Government Department of Employment.

David holds a Bachelor of Business from Victoria University and a Certificate IV in Employment Services.

He is passionate about the employment services industry and is committed to helping people facing significant barriers to employment achieve greater independence, inclusion, and improved life outcomes through meaningful work.

At The Bridge, David is dedicated to ensuring participants receive the support they need to reach their goals and realise their potential.

Melinda has over 20 years’ experience in Human Resources, working across corporate, education, health, local government and the not-for-profit sector. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Human Resources), a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and a qualification in Gender Equality.

Over the past three years at The Bridge, Melinda has led a range of people and culture initiatives focused on strengthening leadership capability, supporting organisational growth, and building an engaged and inclusive workplace. She is passionate about helping people and teams thrive and brings extensive experience in workplace relations, organisational change, coaching, learning and development, and diversity and inclusion.

Melinda is committed to creating positive workplace cultures where people feel connected, valued and empowered to do their best work.

Naomi leads the Marketing, Brand and Engagement divisions at The Bridge, bringing a strong background in strategic brand and marketing and a passion for purpose driven work.

Originally from London, she spent 15 years in the media industry before moving to Australia, where she built experience across health, legal, aged care and not for profit sectors. Her expertise spans branding, communications, customer insights, onboarding, and marketing strategy – all of which she now applies to strengthening The Bridge’s reach and impact.

Naomi is committed to improving how The Bridge connects with the community and helping more people access disability services.

Nicole has worked in the disability and social services sector for more than 30 years and has been part of The Bridge’s journey through some significant changes, including the transition to the NDIS.

She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Intellectual Disability), a Graduate Diploma in Disability Leadership, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Throughout her career, she has worked across a range of roles, from direct service delivery through to senior leadership.

Nicole is passionate about making sure people with disability receive quality supports that help them achieve their goals and live the life they choose. She brings a wealth of experience, a practical approach, and a strong commitment to ensuring services continue to meet the needs of the people and communities The Bridge supports.

Siân originally trained as a pharmacist in the UK and has enjoyed a career working internationally in the UK, Europe, US and Australia. This has involved leading teams across countries and cultures to ensure positive, productive and supportive work environments. Siân is highly motivated to ensure everyone in the community has opportunity to participate fully and is proud to be part of The Bridge Inc.

David is Fellow of the CPA and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he is currently the Group CFO at Elenium Automation Pty Ltd , a leading technology Company that manufactures electronic equipment for the Aviation and Medical sectors. Prior to this David had 27 years in Senior roles in the manufacturing sector both in Finance and Operational Management. David also has held Non Executive Director Roles with Dairy Australia and Snapsil Corporation and has a strong understanding of the governance requirements in both listed and unlisted Companies.

Tanya is an experienced non-executive director and governance professional with a portfolio of board roles across aged care, disability services, and community health. She brings to The Bridge a strong commitment to building connected, inclusive communities where people of all abilities can participate fully and achieve their potential. With over 20 years’ executive experience in healthcare and neuroscience technology, Tanya brings to the boardroom deep expertise in strategy, risk oversight, stakeholder engagement, and organisational transformation. Her background spans both commercial and not-for-profit environments, giving her a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing purpose-driven organisations. Outside her board roles, Tanya is CEO of Public Works Collaborative, a mission-driven research and design organisation that partners with for-profits, non-profits, and government agencies to co-create solutions that advance public health and strengthen communities. She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Sanjay is a seasoned non-executive director specialising in governance of small to large not-for-profits companies, including aged-care and other health care boards. He is a Physicist and Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). He also is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia (FGIA). Sanjay has chaired the Finance, Audit and Risk Management and Investment Committees and has been the Victorian State Councilor at Governance Institute of Australia, where he chaired its ‘think tank’ professional development Committee on contemporary governance and risk management practices.

Sally Bennett is an experienced Governance and Risk professional who is currently the Director of Risk Management & Enablement for the Arts Centre Melbourne. Sally has had significant experience in large Aged Care and Disability organisations, and was previously the Chair of IDV Inc which has now merged with The Bridge. Sally specialises in transformational change, embedding risk and governance cultures in organisations. Sally has worked across a wide range of organisations including several utilities, local government, health, construction and manufacturing, ranging from medium sector to large multi-nationals. BSC, Grad Dip OHS, Grad Dip Chem Eng, MBA, MAICD.

Bernadette is passionate about helping people connect with their communities through engagement in community groups, activities, training, and employment opportunities. Currently, Bernadette serves as the Group General Manager, Legal & Governance at a leading aeromedical care company. Bernadette is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Bernadette has also held Non-Executive Director roles with IDV Inc and the Association of Corporate Counsel.