Our Team

Shaun is a proud Garigal man and a highly respected public policy senior executive and economic development specialist.  Previously serving as the Director of First Nations Economic Wellbeing at NSW Treasury, Shaun has led initiatives that integrated economic evidence into policymaking, particularly focusing on the economic well-being of First Nations communities

His work has included leading advice on cost-benefit analysis, evaluation, guiding data reforms under the Closing the Gap initiative, and driving technical research on the First Nations business sector and women's economic participation.  

Shaun is motivated by progressing major reform and supporting local economies, having worked within community, private and government settings. He is an advocate of collective impact, place-based and people-centred approaches to First Nations economic prosperity.

Associate Professor Rick Macourt is a proud, queer Gumbaynggirr man, lawyer, and economic specialist. He leads First Nations Economics as Managing Director of Strategy and Foundation and serves as Associate Dean of First Nations Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney.

With over 15 years of experience spanning government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors, Rick is deeply committed to advancing the economic development of First Peoples. As the former Director of First Nations Expenditure and Outcomes at NSW Treasury, he spearheaded the state’s inaugural Indigenous expenditure reporting processes and established the groundbreaking First Nations budget process in 2021/22. Previously, Rick held an executive role at the Westpac Group, overseeing First Nations affairs, and has a rich history in government, monitoring, evaluation, and negotiation, with senior positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, City of Sydney, and Standards Australia.

Rick is a published author with Oxford University Press, a member of the First Nations Advisory Board of Siemens Australia, and a Non-Executive Director on the board of Barnardos Australia.

Lindsay is a proud Gija man with over 25 years of experience driving strategic outcomes across government, industry, and community sectors. With extensive policy and strategic leadership experience in the Western Australian government, Lindsay has specialised in regional economic development, investment strategy, policy design, and local government service delivery. He previously led First Nations-focused consultancy practices at EY, delivering high-impact programs and masterclasses for leading institutions, including the Australian Rural Leadership Program and the Australian Major Projects Leadership Academy. Lindsay is deeply committed to designing governance frameworks and embedding robust cultural integrity systems, ensuring alignment between economic objectives and genuine community values. His career reflects a strong dedication to authentic stakeholder engagement, land-based economic development, and achieving meaningful outcomes for First Nations communities.

With over 20 years of experience across government, academia, and community sectors, Donna is a respected Aboriginal leader dedicated to advancing systems change through cultural authority, governance, and collaboration.Her career has been defined by a commitment to embedding Aboriginal voices within decision-making frameworks and shaping strategies that promote reconciliation, cultural resilience, and long-term social impact.Donna brings a unique ability to bridge the worlds of policy, culture, and practice, guiding organisations to engage meaningfully with Aboriginal communities and lead with integrity.Drawing proudly on her Yamatji and Malgana heritage, and her cultural ties to Yawuru and Wardandi peoples, Donna’s approach is deeply relational and strategically focused. She believes progress is built through respect, partnership, and courage — ensuring that cultural leadership informs not only the journey, but also the systems that sustain meaningful change.

Elaine is a senior executive with extensive experience in regional and remote Northern Australia, specialising in regional and economic development, governance, and community-led reform across Aboriginal organisations, industry bodies, and the not-for-profit sector.She has held senior leadership roles including Chief Executive Officer of the Broome Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Executive Manager of the Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber, working closely with Aboriginal businesses, Traditional Owner groups, industry, and government to strengthen local economies, improve procurement access, and support sustainable, place-based development.Elaine brings deep expertise in strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and governance, with a strong understanding of the practical challenges facing regional and remote communities. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and is currently completing an Executive MBA.

Leanne is a well-respected ally and FNE’s Manager, Community Impact. Since entering the financial services industry in 2002, she has developed strong relationships with Aboriginal companies, communities, and individuals across Eastern Australia. Leanne is passionate about financial education and fostering trusted, connected relationships. Drawing on her professional experience, she has provided practical support and created opportunities for people in regional, remote, and urban areas. This dedication was particularly evident in her previous role as Manager of Indigenous Business at Westpac.

Chris is a highly accomplished and trusted management consultant with extensive experience across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. As an experienced management consultant, he specialises in all facets of business analysis and solutions, particularly in effective project delivery for large-scale and complex organisational transformations across various industries. As a graduate of Victoria University, holding a MBA and a Master of Change, Innovation, and Leadership, Chris is known for developing and maintaining key stakeholder relationships, collaborating to create and embed meaningful change, and leveraging innovative and agile ways of working. Raised on Dharug land and now residing on Wurundjeri Country, Chris has contributed to major initiatives, including evaluating large-scale programs, implementing data management systems, and supporting partnership resourcing.

Madii is a Wiradjuri woman and accomplished social impact professional with over six years of experience leading diversity, inclusion, and Aboriginal engagement strategies across Australia’s infrastructure sector. Her career spans major organisations, including CPB Contractors, Laing O’Rourke, and John Holland, where she has driven the design and implementation of Reconciliation Action Plans, Aboriginal Participation and Social Procurement strategies, and cultural capability programs.​​Madii holds a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact and is completing a Master of Business Administration at UNSW. She is passionate about advancing First Nations self-determination, embedding Aboriginal perspectives in policy and industry, and creating pathways for meaningful inclusion across Australia’s major projects.

Mas is a proud Malu Kiwai Boigu and Mua Islander man from Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) with Aboriginal ties to Mapoon in the Western Cape York.  As an experienced professional with more than 20 years across Commonwealth agencies, community organisations, and economic development sectors, he has a proven track record in governance, stakeholder engagement, program delivery, community consultation and supporting the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Australia's First Peoples. His career spans long-term government service, business banking, Indigenous governance and community-led projects, complemented by strong communication, leadership and strategic thinking capabilities.