Meet our team

Lieut-Colonel Simone Robertson commenced as Head of SAID in December 2015. Her almost 40 years as a Salvation Army officer (minister) has included leadership of front line services and at executive level. Simone has served at five different Salvation Army headquarters including the International headquarters in London, UK. Supporting International Development has been part of Simone’s DNA for all her officership and she has taught leadership skills in India (Mizoram) and Tanzania. Simone is driven by her passion to make a positive difference in the world. She uses her leadership expertise, energy and compassion to enable SAID to bring hope where it’s needed most.

Mark has studied a Bachelor in Social Science (Psychology), Bachelor of Law and Diploma in Marketing and Business Management, and is a practicing Solicitor. Mark has extensive experience in building systems and processes for large corporations, and his specialty is in policy and procedure development, marketing and communication, MoU’s, contracts and compliance. Mark has worked in policy development in Bangladesh and is currently completing his PhD.

Craig completed a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and is a Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia. Craig has extensive experience in auditing and financial management within the not-for-profit industry. Recently, Craig has specialised in fraud bribery and corruption prevention. Previous to The Salvation Army, Craig spent 12 months working with NGOs in Vietnam, assisting them to strengthen their financial management systems.

Rachael completed a Master of Social Development (International), Bachelor of Arts (Development Studies and International Relations) and Advanced Diploma in Youth Ministry. Rachael has worked on projects in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and has a particular interest in refugee issues. She has also worked in a compliance capacity, creating structures and processes to ensure best practice standards were met.

Connor has completed a Bachelor of International Development and is currently studying a Master of Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development. He has worked on projects in Africa, Asia and Central America and has a particular interest in Climate Justice and Environmental Sustainability. He has project monitoring experience in multiple contexts and completed capacity building for project proposal development and addressing cross-cutting issues.

Naomi has studied a Master of Research (Anthropology) and Bachelor of Arts (Development Studies & Culture Change). Naomi has experience in community development in both a local and international context, and has also undertaken significant research in the area of health and resilience in Ghana. She is a member of the Africa Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific.

Stephanie has a Bachelor of International & Global Studies (Honours) and has experience in microfinance and community development projects. She has visited projects in India and the Philippines, and brings extensive knowledge on marketing and communications as it relates to project compliance and impact reporting.

Clint has a Master of Law and International Development and has international development experience across seven countries in South and South East Asia. In his current role. Clint is responsible for a program portfolio across Myanmar, Pakistan, Indonesia, Philippines, and India. Prior to working for SAID, he worked for an anti-trafficking organisation in Mumbai, an NGO in China, and a development consultancy in Washington, D.C.

Zoe provides SAID with project management and compliance support. She is currently studying a Master of Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development and has previously studied a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) majoring in human geography and modern history. Previously, Zoe has worked in program evaluation and undertaken extensive research in South and southeast Asia.

Drew has been an officer in The Salvation Army for 34 years and has been involved in many different forms of ministry. Drew and his wife, Leanne, have had appointments in Australia, Papua New Guinea, London and Romania. Drew has experience in drug and alcohol recovery, corps program ministry, international disaster recovery and chaplaincy, amongst other ministries. Currently, Drew shares his time with SAID in Australia and International Emergency Services (IES) basedn London. He lives in Melbourne and enjoys being near family.

After teaching in secondary schools for seven years, Ron has served as a Salvation Army officer for 33 years, along with his wife Robyn. This has included Corps leadership, Divisional leadership and Executive leadership in The Philippines. His overseas appointment awakened a deep desire to support The Salvation Army’s mission in countries where resources are desperately needed. Joining the SAID team in September 2018 as Mission Support Manager he now uses his experience to provide these resources in very practical ways. One of his key roles is being a SAID Engagement Officer where he enjoys sharing stories of the ministry of SAID, encouraging people to know that their support makes a huge difference.

Emerald has completed a Bachelor of Arts, double major in International Relations and International Law and Global Governance, with a minor in Spanish and Latin American Studies. Emerald has internship experience with Australian NGOs in Communications and Marketing with international fundraising and advocacy, as well as in Campaign Management for indigenous advocacy. She has international experience in Nicaragua, Central America and Peru in South America working in humanitarian and community development projects. She has volunteered locally in human rights organisations, domestic violence centres and refugee detention centres.