Meet the FINZ Board

Gwen Green 

Gwen has over 20-years fundraising and communications experience with a passion for developing new income opportunities and shaking up existing fundraising strategies, to maximise income generation. With fundraising experience in the UK and New Zealand, and globally as part of the Oxfam International Income and Growth Leadership Team, Gwen advocates the benefits of changing things up!

Launched in 2019, Gwen is the CEO of “Your Philanthropy Coach”, working with not-for-profit organisations and individuals to develop and hone winning fundraising, communications, and marketing strategies. Delivering best practice techniques, tailored uniquely with each organisation’s donors and beneficiaries in mind.

Jim Datson 

Jim is no stranger to governance in general and FINZ in particular. He was a Founding member and inaugural Secretary of TAIF Chapter 6 New Zealand (the forerunner to FINZ) followed by Northern representative and then President of FINZ in the 1990s. Jim has been actively involved in constitutional reviews and author of a number of FINZ submissions to government on a range of issues. He also co-authored the first formal fundraising training modules (Skills 1, 2 and 3) used by both FIA and FINZ and became the first in New Zealand to be granted CFRE status.

Hannah Molloy (She/her)

Co-Chair

My interest lies in improving advocacy and resourcing in the community, events and arts sectors, with a view to creating an equitable ecosystem where grassroots organisations can participate and succeed.

I have more than 10 years of experience in governance most recently as acting chair of an NFP reconfiguring its governance/operating model in a time of considerable financial distress. I think it’s important to lend my skills and experience to enhancing organisational resilience and equity however I can and am often humbled by the trust people place in me by inviting me to be part of their kaupapa.

 

Bernadette Murphy

Treasurer and Northern Regional Committee representative

With a wealth of experience in various domains, I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact and driving successful outcomes. My diverse skill set includes strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Throughout my career, I have held key roles in nonprofit and corporate sectors, leveraging my expertise in fundraising management to support organisations in achieving their financial sustainability goals. I love working across campaigns, implementing effective fundraising strategies, and passionate about creating positive change.

 

Rachel Jefferies

Southern Regional Committee representative (She/Her)

Kia ora, I’m Rachel and I represent the Southern Regional Committee on the FINZ Board. I am a senior consultant with AskRIGHT and am based in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

For over two decades, I have worked with charitable organisations and cultural institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand, serving as fundraiser, copyeditor, musician, and board member.

As a professional fundraiser and member of FINZ, I find great satisfaction in fostering the growth and development of fellow fundraisers. I'm passionate about creating a supportive environment where we can all excel and make a greater impact in our respective causes. Together, we can amplify our effectiveness and drive positive change for the organisations and communities we serve.

 

Gavin McLellan

Secretary (He/Him)

I’m Gavin, and I joined LifeFlight in Wellington as Development Manager for high value in 2021. I arrived in Aotearoa in 2020 from Glasgow with my Kiwi wife and 3-year-old son and now established amongst the vineyards of Martinborough!

I bring over 20 years' experience in fundraising, mainly in the UK, covering a range of causes including overseas aid, arts and museums, cancer care, children and youth services. 

I’m excited to be playing a part in a new board for FINZ as we reflect on the past 40 years and build your professional body for the future.

 

Renata Krzyszycha

My career in fundraising began over 15 years ago and I haven’t looked back since. In Poland, I worked at SOS Children’s Villages, part of the largest international non-governmental organisation providing a loving home to children without parental care and keeping biological families together. Since 2003 I have worked, studied, and travelled around the world (Europe, USA, Australia, South America and Asia). In 2016 I moved to New Zealand and I worked at Save the Children and Cancer Society Wellington.  Currently, I am working as Individual Giving Manager for The Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand, to end avoidable blindness in the Pacific.

Every year I attend fundraising conferences, workshops and online events (IFC, FIA and F&P), where I share my experience and learn about innovations and global trends in the sector. Staying in touch with friends working in NGOs makes me feel a part of global fundraising family. Since my arrival to New Zealand I have attended the FINZ conference every year.

What I bring to the table as a board member of FINZ, is my experience across all types of fundraising and a network of international experts. I am passionate about change, and I would love to see FINZ continue moving in the right direction, to be organisation led by fundraisers and for fundraisers.

 

 

Jason Cowlam 

For over 15 years I have been working in the fundraising sector, across national and international charities. My experience is predominantly based upon implementing integrated acquisition, cultivation, and solicitation campaigns that focus on enriching stakeholder experience and growing donor engagement. Throughout my career I have enjoyed the opportunities and support afforded to me as a FINZ member. I look forwarded to playing a part in the FINZ kaupapa as it continues to grow and inspire future fundraisers.