Governance & Management

State President - Geraldine Hawkes

The involvement of Geraldine Hawkes’ family in Glasgow with St Vincent de Paul Society nurtured her attentiveness to the value of all people.

Since arriving in South Australia in 1988 with her husband Paul and their two children, she has visited Conferences, been welcomed by Companions in their homes, and led formation and leadership sessions for the Society in SA.

Joining Salisbury Conference in early 2020, she was elected as Regional President for Central District and in 2023 was appointed as a Vice President for SA. In August 2024, Geraldine was elected State President.

She has served on SA State Council for four years, and is a member of the National Mission, Membership and Spirituality Standing Committee. Geraldine has extensive practice of ministry, leadership and governance in various church, community and public service arenas, across Australia and in the UK.

Geraldine is motivated by a long-held commitment to see each person, particularly those experiencing deprivation, marginalisation or rejection, not as a problem to be resolved, but as a gift to be received.

“Being part of the global Vincentian community of friends reminds me daily of the beauty of every human being. It gives me the courage, strength and hope to work together to assist practically and advocate politically for processes and policies that enable the more equitable sharing of resources and for all to experience a deeper sense of self-worth.”

Chief Executive Officer - Evelyn O'Loughlin

Evelyn O’Loughlin joined the organisation in September 2022 and is a respected leader with over 25 years’ executive experience across corporate, not-for-profit and government sectors. A passion for community and culture has led Evelyn to the not-for-profit sector after a career spanning many sectors and industries, including working overseas in the United Kingdom and Greece.

Previous roles include Executive Manager Community Services with disability services & support organisation Orana Australia. Prior to this from 2008 to 2021, Evelyn was CEO of one of South Australia's largest not-for-profit peak bodies, Volunteering SA&NT, leading the volunteering sector across South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Evelyn’s Board and governance appointments, include Chair of international development organisation, Motivation Australia Inc. Previous appointments include Premier’s Council for Women, Volunteering Strategy for South Australia, Flinders University Business School Advisory Board and the South Australian Social Enterprise Council Inc. Between 2010-2013 Evelyn South Australia's appointee to the Federal Government’s 13 member Not-for-Profit Sector Reform Council.

Evelyn holds a Bachelor of Education degree and is an alumni of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation program. She has also been recognised on the South Australian Women’s Honour Roll and in 2019 was a State Finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards.