Our People
Our team is our greatest asset. Though small in size, our impact is great. Fueled by our enduring commitment to BBM's legacy and future, we consitently strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those within our BBM community, including Little Brothers and our scholars.
Led by CEO, Suellen McCaffrey, and guided by a skilled Board of Directors, our team manages a variety of crucial roles to support BBM's mission. This includes preserving and maintaining our rich history and legacy by facilitating Little Brother networks, projects and events. It also includes managing and administering our Global Footprints Scholarship program, by connecting young scholars to opportunities abroad for career development that matches their vocational interests.
Board of Directors
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Marco Colli
Non-Executive Director | Chair
Marco has over 30 years of executive experience in engineering, project management, and commercial practice, working with Australian and multinational corporations in roles such as General Management, Strategic Sales, Business Development, and M&A Integration across diverse industries.He holds an MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM), a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), and a Bachelor of Science from The University of Sydney. A Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Marco now focuses on leadership roles with for-purpose organisations, leveraging his expertise to drive impact and innovation.
"Throughout my career I have had a personal passion to develop people to their full potential and I feel a great alignment between this and BBM’s vision and purpose."
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Nathan Gore-Brown
Non-Executive Director
Nathan has 30 years of experience in the automotive industry across Australia and Europe, holding various sales, technical, and leadership roles. A BBM Trade Scholarship recipient in 2001, he reflects on this experience as a cornerstone of his career. Today, Nathan focuses on sustainable transport solutions, with a particular emphasis on electric vehicles.An auto electrician with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Nathan brings strong business acumen, innovation, and team-building skills to the BBM Board, which he joined in 2019. As Deputy Chair, he has recently focused on the finance and governance aspects of BBM, supporting its mission to empower young Australians.
"BBM played an integral role in my early career, so giving back as a director is a true pleasure. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our scholars experience the same opportunities that shaped my journey."
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Karen Phin
Non-Executive Director
Karen is an accomplished company director with over 23 years’ experience on not-for-profit Finance Committees and Boards including as Chair of a Foundation Investment Committee. She is a former investment banker and has extensive finance, governance and capital management experience. Karen currently serves on a number of listed company boards.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts/Law (Honours) from the University of Sydney, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from FINSIA and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
“I am passionate about mentoring young people and giving them support to ensure they have the best chance of succeeding in their chosen field. BBM’s scholarship program is an impactful way to support and develop young Australians in vocational careers and make a better future for us all.”
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Eric Haines
Non-Executive Director | Treasurer
Eric is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) with a Bachelor of Commerce from UNSW and extensive expertise in financial planning, tax, auditing, and advisory services. A Financial Adviser for over 30 years, he holds multiple professional accreditations, including Registered Tax Agent, SMSF Auditor, Company Auditor, and Legal Practitioner External Examiner. Eric is also a Justice of the Peace and a Financial Planning Specialist through the Chartered Accountants program.
Migrating to Australia in 1974 as a Little Brother, Eric began his career as an accounting clerk for BBM's then-Treasurer while studying at UNSW to become a qualified accountant. He later joined his mentor Ken Johnstone (a fellow Little Brother) as a partner in Johnstone Haines & Fergusson Chartered Accountants, combining full-service accounting with financial planning as a core offering.
Eric’s lifelong connection to BBM and his professional expertise equip him to contribute meaningfully to the Board. His passion for BBM’s mission is matched by his leadership in forming the Finance Committee and working alongside professional advisors to ensure financial sustainability and strategic growth.
“As a Little Brother who has enjoyed the benefits provided by my sponsorship to Australia and continued association with many of the board members, I feel privileged to be able to give back in some way for the great benefits I have obtained through this association.
I would not have been able to migrate to Australia without this support; and I believe we are now empowering current sponsored young adults to build their careers and contribute to a better future for Australia."
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Mary Ramsay
Non-Executive Director
Mary is an accomplished non-executive director, chair, and governance professional with over 25 years of experience in financial services, digital transformation, commercialisation, and innovation strategy. She currently serves on the boards of BBM, Waverley College Foundation, and Proveda (specialising in aged care, NDIS, and mental health) and represents Hanley Energy, a global energy and engineering tech scale-up in Australia. Her previous governance roles include directorships with the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) and advisory board memberships for Greatest Good (a social enterprise marketplace) and IAG Satellite’s Poncho Insurance innovation platform.
Mary brings a wealth of expertise in digital innovation, risk, and financial services to BBM, drawing from her executive career as Head of Digital at ASX Ltd, General Manager of Partnerships and Innovation at Stone & Chalk, and senior roles at AMP, BT, Tourism Australia, Western Sydney University, Coopers & Lybrand, and American Express.
She holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney, a Master of Commerce from the University of New South Wales, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
“I am incredibly passionate about BBM’s vision and dedication to support young people become inspiring leaders and innovative thinkers in their field. I really enjoy seeing the sponsor recipients grow and learn through the amazing global experience that BBM provides.”
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Daniel Dal Bon
Non-Executive Director
Daniel is a seasoned Human Resources professional with extensive experience in workforce dynamics and industrial relations. Since September 2021, he has served as the HR Lead at Dendrobium Mine, managing on-site HR and employee relations for underground metallurgical coal mining operations. With South32 currently transitioning this part of the business to GM3, Daniel is playing a key role in navigating this significant organisational change, anticipated to be completed by August 2024.
Holding a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management and a Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking), Daniel combines academic knowledge with hands-on industry expertise. As a past BBM scholar, he brings a unique perspective to the Board, leveraging his practical and strategic insights to contribute to BBM’s innovative and forward-thinking approach.
“I am invested in the work of BBM because I desire to inspire and support young Australians in achieving their personal growth and their career aspirations.”
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Lachlan Pike
Lachlan has more than 20 years’ experience in both the funds management industry and the horticultural industry, with a particular focus on investment management, financial risk management and corporate governance. Lachlan was the beneficiary of a similar international scholarship during his own tertiary studies, which has made him passionate about ensuring that other Australians across many fields can access these types of opportunities.
Lachlan holds a Bachelor of Applied Finance/Laws from Macquarie University, a Bachelor of European Business from the Ecole de Management de Normandie, and a Master of Agriculture (Economics) from the University of Sydney.
“During my own studies I was fortunate to achieve a similar scholarship to study internationally, which was a defining moment for me has greatly influenced me since. I am passionate about ensuring that other Australians can access these types of opportunities.”
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Christine Polson
Non-Executive Director
A forward thinking and high energy Chief People Officer, Christine is a dedicated, communicative, and empathetic leader who thrives on building businesses through a people first approach.
“Joining the Board of BBM is an absolute privilege. I am looking forward to supporting the BBM team and the young scholars as they learn to develop their courageous leadership skills and contribute to the sustainable future of our planet.”
Christine joined the Board in 2021.
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Dorothy (Dot) Pawlukowski
Non-Executive Director
Dorothy is an experienced independent and executive director and over 15 years experience as a senior manager and solicitor in banking and finance, both in Australia and the UK. Dot applied to join the BBM Board as she is passionate about investment in the education and development of young people. She is inspired by BBM’s objective to develop young leaders and custodians of a sustainable planet and future. Dot joined the Board in 2021.
Our Team
Suellen McCaffrey
Chief Executive Officer, BBM Ltd
Suellen McCaffrey has been the Chief Executive Officer of BBM Youth Support since July 2021, initially joining in an interim role before her permanent appointment. Based in Sydney, New South Wales, she provides leadership, strategic, financial, and operational oversight to ensure the success of the organisation's mission and programs.
Suellen is a visionary and strategic leader with a strong focus on culture and people. She has successfully led high-performing teams across various sectors, including financial services, education, and community organisations. Her expertise includes strategy, leadership, business and change management, human resources, and communications.
Suellen is known for her ability to foster individual and organisational growth. She balances energy with clarity, empathy and insight; engaging with people in a respectful and compassionate manner. Her inspirational leadership has made a significant positive impact on many lives, both personally and professionally.
“Together we change our world - one conversation, one journey at a time”.
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Carmen Welss
Communications and Programs Manager
Carmen joined BBM as Communications and Program Manager in 2018. She has extensive experience in communications, event and program management for both community and environmental organisations. As Programs Manager her focus is on supporting our Global Footprints Scholars through workshops and resources to maximise the opportunity of their scholarship as individuals and as a cohort. Carmen works closely with BBM’s sustainability consultant to ensure the program delivers on our vision and purpose, supporting young people to become practical, impactful leaders who grow a better, more sustainable future. As Communications Manager, Carmen shares the impact of BBM’s work and the stories of the people involved in our programs. As a Certified Scrum Master, Product Owner and Agile Leader, Carmen is also leading the organisation’s Agile transition, improving internal and external communication and collaboration, reducing risk and ensuring we are able to respond quickly to opportunities that create value for the people we exist to serve.“In my role I can put the organisation’s sustainability goals front and centre of my work, while also working directly with the scholars and telling their incredible stories. I am always learning and feel inspired by the change young people are creating in the world.”
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Samantha Andrews
Scholarships Administrator
Samantha Andrews is the Programs Administrator at BBM, where she plays a key role in empowering Global Footprints Scholars to pursue their purpose and contribute to positive, transformative change, whilst also supporting the legacy community to share their stories. With a background in small businesses, government and non-profit sectors, Samantha brings a diverse range of experience and expertise to her work.Samantha's attention to detail and problem-solving skills drive the creation of efficient processes and strong information systems for BBM’s programs. Her leadership in transforming BBM’s Salesforce system has improved team performance while prioritising those they serve.
Passionate about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Samantha supports emerging leaders tackling global challenges, ensuring scholars have the resources, training and support to thrive.
"I’m so inspired by the scholars we work with and love seeing how they grow through their experiences in the program and overseas travel," says Samantha, reflecting her deep commitment to fostering the next generation of changemakers.
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Maria Ellensohn
Legacy Manager
Maria Ellensohn joined BBM as Legacy Manager in 2021, bringing over 20 years of experience as a Social Worker specialising in the health and disability sectors. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Management and Social Work, equipping her with advanced expertise in community engagement and organisational development. At BBM, Maria plays a key role in developing policies, establishing frameworks, and implementing processes to strengthen the operations and impact of the legacy division.
In her role, Maria is dedicated to advancing the division by driving strategic initiatives and fostering meaningful connections within BBM’s community of former youth migrants. Additionally, she is committed to supporting former youth migrants in navigating and addressing the effects of trauma and other challenging life experiences and is responsible for all dealings with the Redress Scheme.
“I am honoured to support the individuals who form the foundation of BBM’s mission,” Maria says. “I look forward to creating pathways for trust and empowerment that reinforce the legacy, health and wellbeing of our community.”
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Dick Steell
Volunteer Archivist - BBM
An ex-Little Brother himself, Dick has been in charge of the Big Brother Movement Archives for several years. He has catalogued the extensive records held at BBM Youth Support and continues to assist Little Brothers and their families to access their records and tell their “Living Stories”.
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David Coleman
Volunteer - BBM
David Coleman came to Australia in 1963 with the Big Brother Movement. He volunteers his time to archive the records of thousands of Little Brothers who came before and after him. He archives paperwork and photographs and preserves the stories for the Little Brothers and their families who continue to reconnect with the organisation.