Communities at Work

Michelle Colefax was appointed as the CEO of Communities at Work in October 2022, responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, management, and financial affairs of Communities at Work. Michelle is committed to and driven by the work of for-purpose organisations that contribute to the wellbeing, capability and capacity development of individuals in our community. She is an experienced professional executive having worked in complex operating environments in both the Community Services and Federal Government sectors. Michelle specialises in business transformation and strategy and governance frameworks, incorporating technical expertise in risk management, strategic planning, financial planning and analysis, business case development, program review, resource allocation, design, and execution in the not-for-profit and government sectors.

Suzy was appointed to the position of People, Culture and Wellness Director at Communities at Work in March 2022. Reporting to the CEO, she works across all levels of the organisation to develop and implement effective People, Culture and Wellness strategies, frameworks, policies, procedures and programs through the People, Culture and Wellness team. Suzy has a strong history in the Not for Profit sector, previously leading roles in Human Resources with local and national organisations. Suzy is a Certified Practitioner of Human Resources (CPHR), is a registered Change Management Practitioner and has a graduate certificate in Industrial Relations. Outside of work, Suzy loves travelling, enjoys socialising with friends, reading any and all genres of books, powerlifting at the gym and waiting patiently for her daughter to come home and visit from Melbourne.

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Kellie oversees 12 Early Education and Care Services, 15 Out of School Hours Care Programs, 10 School Holiday Programs, 85 Family Day Care Educators and 5 In home Care Educators, for Communities at Work. Kellie’s Management and Leadership Teams lead the delivery of early education and care to over 4,000 children in the ACT. A long standing advocate of cultural competence, child rights and the positive outcomes of childhood education, Kellie has worked at all levels of Early Education and Care. Her long and varied career began as a high school student completing a Certificate II in Child Care and spanned into opportunities for career and qualification progression throughout the last 25 years in the sector. When not leading the Children’s Services of Communities at Work, Kellie loves nothing more than spending time with family and friends, travelling and gardening.

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Ruth Zanker is the Director for Community Services, a newly structured area combining Community Assistance (including Seniors and Community Transport), Community Development, and our food, clothing, and accommodation programs as well as volunteering. Since joining Communities at Work in 1994 she has worked in early childhood, supporting the vulnerable through criminal and family law proceedings, homelessness, food rescue, and emergency relief program management. In 2022 this increased into the areas of community transport and disability services. She has represented the community in many peak body groups, is part of the Social Recovery Network related to disaster support and has been on both State and National Boards related to her work. Ruth's values of community are the foundation of everything she strives for both professionally and personally. Outside of work, Ruth is a keen amateur florist, gardener, and makes the most of Canberra's social and learning opportunities.

Tim McNevin has more than 25 years of experience in leadership, management and training in business, government, education and not-for-profit sectors. Tim has formal qualifications in further education and has been a tertiary lecturer in the management as well as the operational service areas of the hospitality industry. He holds formal qualifications in life coaching, management, human resource development, training and career development. Tim is passionate about working with people to help them identify and reach their goals, helping them overcome difficulty and adversity and walking with them to greater levels of satisfaction, performance and effectiveness. Appointed as Principal of Galilee School since the beginning of 2017, Tim has a vision for the school that sees growth and development of the students, the staff and the facilities. Outside of school Tim is committed to his family, his faith and his Cricket Club.

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Marion is based in the Tuggeranong office. Prior to joining us, Marion was the CEO of a charity focused on nutrition education and advocacy. She also worked for many years as a management consultant, specialising in people and change management.

Marion grew up in France and came to Canberra nearly 20 years ago as an exchange student. She was meant to be here for 1 year but never left. She’s obsessed with handstands, bodyweight strength, and pole dancing!

“I am excited to have joined Communities at Work,” says Marion, “especially after working in an entirely remote organisation. I’m keen to make a meaningful contribution.” 

Chloe leads the Centre of Professional Learning and Education (CPLE) to deliver high quality, innovative training within the Canberra region. Chloe joined Communities at Work in 2013 as an Early Childhood Educator where her passion for the education sector flourished. After leading many of the educational teams across Children’s Services, she moved into the vocational education sector. Her role as Trainer/Assessor provoked Chloe’s interest in adult education and supporting others to discover their own career passions and personal strengths. She represented the organisation at the ACT Training Awards as VET Teacher of the Year Finalist 2022 where she was able to continue to advocate for the VET sector. As RTO Manager, Chloe’s leadership is seeing the RTO explore innovative approaches to education and implement new business initiatives. Chloe is an advocate for accessible education and strives to create inclusive learning environments. Outside of work, Chloe can be found running her family farm and immersing herself in renovation projects.

George assumed the role of Chief Operating Financial Officer in October 2023, responsible for the overall financial, ICT, communications, facilities, and management of the organisation and providing leadership and direction to the Corporate Services functions.

George has extensive strategic planning and management experience across a range of industries in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. His expertise is in financial management, human resource management and procurement.

George has demonstrated accomplishment in building high-performing teams and cultures with excellent negotiation skills, with the proven ability to engage productively with both internal and external stakeholders. George’s interest includes swimming, cycling, and cricket, and he is an avid amateur historian.

Elna Jennings is a senior marketing professional with executive leadership experience in stakeholder engagement, strategy and social impact. She has a strong history in diplomacy and international relations and has consulted to several countries on trade promotion and diplomacy.

In 2018 Elna migrated with her husband and two children from South Africa, where she founded and headed a marketing agency for over two decades. Before joining the Comms@Work Team, Elna worked at The Indigenous Marathon Foundation as the Fundraising and Partnerships Manager. She is a published author and keynote speaker on topics relating to social enterprise and peak performance.

Fitting to say, Elna is a keen endurance athlete herself, specialising in ultra marathon running and long-distance triathlon.

With her “Ironwoman grip” she looks forward to adding value to the communities we serve.