About – Our team
Introducing our senior leadership team
Our senior leaders collectively bring a wealth of experience in designing and facilitating locally-led humanitarian programs, management, fundraising and leadership.
Elijah Boul OAM
Chief Executive Officer
Elijah joined Act for Peace as our CEO in 2024. As a former refugee with extensive professional experience in human services, advocacy, people management and not-for-profit leadership, and a member of the Anglican Church, Elijah is well positioned to lead Act for Peace’s essential work in empowering people displaced around the world.
He has received numerous awards for advocacy and community services including an Order of Australia Medal in 2019 and the Australian of Year QLD Hero Award (2019).
Elijah is currently the Chair of Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland and Member of the Settlement Advisory Council, Department of Home Affairs.
“Humanity is limitless. The world is calling us to provide support for people in need at this time. We are the creators of the future, and it requires bringing our hearts, minds and souls together to create a world where everyone belongs.”
Geoff robinson
Head of Partnerships & Program Impact
Geoff is an accomplished leader in the humanitarian and development sector with over 25 years of experience delivering community programs and emergency responses across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. He has worked across private, government and not-for-profit sectors, with a strong focus on social justice and sustainable development.
Geoff is skilled in strategy, partnership building, and securing funding through grants and donor engagement. His collaborative, people-centred approach has led high-performing teams, strengthened partner capabilities and delivered practical, inclusive solutions in complex settings.
“We all have a role to play when it comes to confronting injustice. Working with Act for Peace gives me an opportunity to do my part and support others with lived experience tackle the challenges they face.”
james thomson
Senior Protection & Policy Advisor
Head of Strategic Engagement
James has 25 years’ experience in regional and global level advocacy on refugee and humanitarian protection issues, program and policy development, research and advocacy. James is a founding member of the International Detention Coalition and the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network. He has served on government delegations to UNHCR’s Executive Committee and engaged in a wide range of global displacement and protection forums. James also founded and chaired the global ACT Alliance Protection Working Group and the Protection Working Group of the Australian Council for International Development.
“Beyond the litany of daily horror in Gaza and Myanmar, Act for Peace is building a safer world for all. And we’ve taken aim: resolving the global displacement crisis – taking action to create the foundations for peace and stability.”
Ruthann Richardson
Chief Fundraising & Marketing Officer
Ruthann has two decades of fundraising experience spanning two continents. Driven by a passion for empowering ordinary individuals to create significant, tangible impacts in the lives of others, Ruthann’s unwavering dedication and expertise fuel her mission to cultivate meaningful opportunities for positive change through Act for Peace.
“I am continually inspired by the strength and resilience of people forced from their homes. I believe that we all have a part to play in creating a better world for the millions of people who have been displaced by conflict and disaster. By working together, we can ensure that everyone finds a safe place to belong.”
Tricia Keys
Head of Operations
Tricia joined Act for Peace in November 2021, to lead the Business Services and Operations team. She comes from an allied health background and has been working in the not-for-profit and international development sector for over 15 years, including in leadership positions within Australia for UNHCR and the Brien Holden Vision Institute. She has a thorough understanding of development and extensive experience in regulatory compliance; plus has a special interest in effectiveness and shaping organisational culture.
“The communities and partners whom we work with at Act for Peace inspire me in supporting the millions of people who are asylum seekers, refugees and displaced.”
