Connect with Michelle

Michelle Varcoe
MAICD MAHRI MFIA
CEO & Founder / Director

Michelle Varcoe is the Founder and CEO of Gembridge Australia, where she’s spent the past eight years connecting talented people with organisations that are changing the world. She specialises in the NFP sector, driven by a genuine passion for helping organisations and leaders create meaningful impact.

Michelle believes deeply in the transformative power of the right person in the right role. When the right individual joins an organisation, confidence grows, teams strengthen and culture lifts, ultimately amplifying the impact they create together. This purpose energises her and the Gembridge team each day.

Since founding Gembridge in 2019, Michelle has built her reputation finding the right leaders for the right roles – from CEOs and C-Suite executives to senior specialists in fundraising, marketing and operations. Her deep understanding of leadership, governance and fundraising strategy has helped organisations strengthen teams and achieve transformational results.

Before launching Gembridge, Michelle recruited across nursing, banking, financial services and marketing in both Dublin and Melbourne. She made a deliberate choice: focus exclusively on the For Purpose sector, aligning her skills with her values. Michelle’s expertise extends beyond recruitment – she’s led capital campaigns and major gift programs, securing significant philanthropic support and driving sector-wide impact.

Michelle currently serves as Director/Trustee for the Museum of Australian Photography and is an active member of the Melbourne Women’s Fund. She previously held a board position with the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Foundation (2018–2024).

Beyond work

Michelle’s perfect day involves time with family and friends, tennis, or hiking. She recently completed Tasmania’s Three Capes Track and has taken up sailing keelboats.

Jenni D’Orival
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Jenni brings six years’ experience in executive recruitment, specialising in the not-forprofit and purpose-driven sectors. Prior to recruitment, she spent 14 years working in the not-for-profit sector, including in senior roles across strategic fundraising and communications.

She leads and delivers senior and executive search assignments across leadership, fundraising, philanthropy, marketing, communications and corporate services, partnering closely with boards, CEOs and senior leaders to design and run rigorous, consultative recruitment processes.

Jenni is known for her structured approach, strong stakeholder management and practical advice throughout the recruitment lifecycle. In addition to managing recruitment projects and searches, she leads and coaches a small team of senior consultants, with a focus on quality, consistency and long-term client relationships.

She brings a deep understanding of the not-for-profit landscape and a commitment to building leadership capability that enables organisations to achieve their mission.

Beyond work

Jenni is a keen recreational runner and gym-goer, typically training for half-marathon events and aiming to tackle her first full marathon in 2026. She enjoys travel, staying active, and spending relaxed time with family and friends. She is passionate about personal development and continuous learning, and values balance, resilience and building strong connections both in and outside of work.

DAWN PATRICK
SENIOR RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT

Dawn has spent the last 3.5 years in not-for-profit executive search including roles in Fundraising, Communications and Advancement. Prior to that, she has spent over 15 years of experience across the Healthcare and Education sectors, as well as Events and Project Management. These roles helped her develop strong organisational and relationship-building skills.

Dawn has a strong background in relationship and stakeholder management with a focused approach on client and candidate relationships, communications and care. With her understanding of the For Purpose sector, she works hand in hand with organisations to fill their teams with like-minded GEMs.

Beyond Work

Dawn enjoys the opportunities to learn and upskill in various areas. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and catching up on movies. She is also a keen baker and enjoys trying new recipes and sharing that love with her kids. She also enjoys travelling and exploring new places.

Lisa Krishtul
SENIOR RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT

Lisa brings over 15 years of professional experience across sales, marketing, corporate partnerships and recruitment, with the past three years dedicated to the not-for-profit sector. Her career spans roles in for-purpose, retail and wholesale environments, giving her a strong commercial lens alongside a genuine commitment to social impact.

With a background in sales and marketing, Lisa has a proven track record of building trusted relationships, identifying strategic talent needs and connecting organisations with people who drive growth and purpose. She understands what high-performing teams look like from the inside out and brings this insight into every search.

At Gembridge, Lisa recruits across a broad range of roles, with particular expertise in executive search, corporate partnerships, brand and marketing, and relationship fundraising positions. She is known for her thoughtful, people-first approach and genuinely loves getting to know candidates and clients — building meaningful connections is at the heart of why she loves recruitment.

Beyond Work

Lisa is an avid shopper and keen thrifter who loves exploring markets, travelling to new destinations, spending time with friends and family, and uncovering hidden gems.

Lauren Taylor

Research & Database Specialist

Lauren brings 20 years of diverse experience across administration and accounts management in Healthcare and Arts, including the last five years specialising in forpurpose recruitment coordination and candidate care.

In her role as Research and Database Specialist, Lauren supports the team through project coordination, database management, candidate care and research. She is committed to delivering an excellent candidate experience and ensuring smooth, consistent operational processes across all assignments.

Driven by a passion for helping people connect with the right opportunity, Lauren brings a calm, detail-oriented and supportive approach.

Beyond Work

Lauren enjoys reading, creative writing and exploring nature. She also loves unwinding with video games and engaging in creative pursuits that balance her analytical strengths with imagination, play and curiosity.

MALU FABELLO
SENIOR RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT

Master’s (Management), B.A.

Malu is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in recruitment, executive advisory roles and strategic leadership. Dedicated to making a positive impact on the non-profit sector, Malu brings a strong commitment to fostering positive change. 

Malu is particularly passionate about promoting the arts as part of her broader commitment to community development, empowering minority groups and celebrating diversity.

TROY VARCOE
DIRECTOR, Manager OF FINANCE, TECHNOLOGY & BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION

Troy Varcoe is the Director and Manager of Finance, Technology & Business Transformation at Gembridge, bringing more than 27 years of professional experience across IT, business operations, and the not‑for‑profit sector.

As a co‑founder of Gembridge, Troy established the operational, financial, and technology functions that underpin the company today, and continues to lead these areas, driving efficiency, modernisation, AI, and innovation. He oversees Gembridge’s finance, technology, systems, risk, and compliance, while also managing the OnHire division and continuously enhancing internal processes to strengthen service delivery. Within the NFP recruitment landscape, Troy’s blend of analytical thinking, problem‑solving, and people‑centred leadership enables Gembridge to operate with precision, responsiveness, and continual improvement.

Beyond Work

Troy is a musician and tennis enthusiast who enjoys life on the Mornington Peninsula with his family and their groodle, Leroy. He brings the same curiosity and creative energy to his personal interests as he does to his role at Gembridge.

Leroy
Director of Wellbeing

Responsible for keeping spirits high and ensuring everyone gets their daily dose of happiness.