Connect with Michelle

Michelle Varcoe MAICD MAHRI MFIA
CEO & Founder / Director

Michelle is the founder of Gembridge Australia, with over 25 years of experience in Executive Search, Recruitment, and HR, specialising in the For Purpose (Not-For-Profit, NFP) sector. Her work is driven by a passion for empowering individuals and organisations to achieve thriving impact.

Since 2008, Michelle has focused on ‘for purpose’ recruitment, managing leadership roles, including CEO, C-Suite, Directors, Fundraising, Philanthropy, Advancement, Marketing, Communications, and Operations. Her focus on NFP leadership, governance, and fundraising has consistently helped organisations achieve both people and philanthropic goals, ultimately creating meaningful change.

Michelle has a strong track record in delivering successful recruitment projects in partnership with For Purpose organisations, combined with deep expertise in Fundraising and Philanthropy. She has led capital and major gift programs from strategy through to implementation, securing transformational gifts and driving impactful change.

Michelle currently serves as a Director/Trustee for the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) and is an active member of the Melbourne Women’s Fund. She has also been a Director/Trustee for the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Foundation (2018-2024). Michelle is a professional member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA), Philanthropy Australia, EducatePlus, AHRI, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Jenni D’Orival
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

B.Management (Marketing, HR), B.A.Sc (Human Movement)

Jenni is a highly experienced professional with over 15 years in the For Purpose/NFP sector, specialising in senior leadership, executive, and specialist recruitment. Since joining Gembridge in 2020, she has successfully led appointments across CEO, general management, fundraising, philanthropy, policy, people & culture, marketing, and communications roles.

Prior to her recruitment career, Jenni held senior positions in strategic fundraising and communications, where she developed and implemented major campaigns and built strong stakeholder relationships. This background gives her a deep understanding of the sector and the leadership capabilities required to drive impact. Jenni is passionate about connecting exceptional talent with organisations that make a difference.

DAWN PATRICK
SENIOR RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT

Dawn has over 15 years of experience across the Healthcare and Education sectors, as well as Event and Project Management. These roles helped her develop strong organisational and relationship-building skills, which now enable her to guide clients and candidates smoothly through the recruitment process and achieve successful outcomes for both.

Since joining Gembridge in 2022, Dawn has focused on building meaningful connections and sourcing exceptional talent in the For Purpose sector. Her recruitment expertise spans roles in Philanthropy, Fundraising, Partnerships, and Advancement, and she is passionate about helping people find opportunities where they can make a real impact.

Lisa Krishtul
SENIOR RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT

Lisa brings over 15 years of diverse experience across Corporate Partnerships, Recruitment, Account and Brand Management. Her background includes roles in the not-for-profit, retail, and wholesale industries, where she has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify and connect key stakeholders, develop strategic partnerships and manage high-value relationships. This experience has given her a deep understanding of what organisations look for in top talent and how to build successful teams that align with business objectives.

In her recruitment role, Lisa’s focus will be on connecting exceptional talent with roles in Partnerships, Fundraising and Marketing within the For Purpose sector. Her most recent role in the not-for-profit space has ignited a passion for creating positive impact, driving her commitment to support organisations in achieving meaningful change. With her extensive background in developing mutually beneficial relationships and delivering successful outcomes, she is dedicated to helping both clients and candidates reach their full potential.

Lauren Taylor

Research & Database Specialist

With a diverse background in Healthcare, Arts and most recently Healthcare Recruitment, each of Lauren’s experiences has been underpinned by a strong customer focus.

Lauren is passionate about providing outstanding candidate care and understands the nuances of supporting people through that important journey.

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

With a background embedded in business transformations and establishing high performing teams, Troy brings a wealth of knowledge for strategy and business improvement and managing business operations including finance, technology, systems, risk and compliance.

Leroy
Director of Wellbeing

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