About – Governance
The international humanitarian agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia
confronting injustice through the global act alliance
Act for Peace is governed by a Board of Directors, which is responsible for providing leadership, strategic guidance and overseeing the implementation of our strategic initiatives.
The Board is accountable for the performance of Act for Peace and aspires to excellence in governance standards.
our vision
A world where everyone belongs.
Current Board of Directors
Leigh Cleave
Chair – BMus, Grad Dip Teaching, MBA, CFRE, FFIA
Leigh is a fundraising and marketing consultant with over 20 years experience of leading teams across diverse organisations. Leigh is internationally accredited with CFRE and is a Fellow of the Fundraising Institute of Australia. Leigh was appointed to the Board in 2018 and was appointed as Chair in December 2023. She is a member of the Finance, Accountability, Innovation and Risk Committee and Policy, Partnerships and Programs Committee.
Alison Preston
Deputy Chair – BA Journalism
Paul Nichols
BA, BSW, MBA
Paul is an international development consultant specialising in design and monitoring and evaluation. Paul was formerly an executive at the Department of Foreign Affairs, and senior executive of non-government organisations in Australia and overseas. Paul was appointed to the Board in 2018, and serves on our Finance, Accountability, Innovation and Risk Committee.
Samuel Richards
Treasurer – BA Business/Commerce
Sam brings over 20 years as an experienced investment advisor, with a specific focus on leveraging capital for social and environmental impact to enhance economic development and empowerment. Sam serves on several for-purpose boards and investment committees and is currently the Managing Director for Brightlight Impact Advisory. Sam joined the Act for Peace Board in November 2022 and is chair of the Finance, Accountability, Innovation and Risk Committee.
Jamieson Davies
BA, MA
Jamieson has over 20 years of experience managing international aid and development organisations in Africa, Asia, Australia and the USA, with a focus on strengthening partnerships with faith-based institutions and reducing inequality. Jamieson was appointed to the Board in November 2018 and is the Chair of the Policy, Partnerships and Programs Committee.
Tim Budge
B Sc(Hons), Dip Ed, B Theol, MBA, PhD
Tim’s professional history spans community development, human rights, organisational change and social entrepreneurship. He has 30 years international development work, including executive director roles in Australia and in Asia, Africa and the Pacific. He has served on governance boards of local community organisations, Australian NGOs and international agencies. Tim was appointed to the Act for Peace Board in 2024 and serves on the Policy, Partnerships and Programs Committee.
