Our leadership team

Chris joined Helping Hand as CEO in 2019. He has over 25 years of executive level leadership experience across various sectors including professional services, financial services and healthcare. His most recent position was as Managing Director of a leading SA professional services firm, Hood Sweeney, where he consulted extensively to clients on business growth, strategy and corporate governance.

Chris was a board member of Helping Hand for nine years and chaired the Finance & Property committee from 2012-2015. He is currently a SA regional committee member of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and a board member of Windmill Theatre. He has served on a range of other boards and committees, predominantly in the not for profit sector and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. His qualifications include BSc (Hons); MBA; Diploma (AICD); Diploma of Financial Services; Level 1 Accredited Executive coach.

Chris is passionate about leadership and bringing his commercial and consulting expertise to ensure the growth and ongoing success of Helping Hand.

Neil O’Reilly joined Helping Hand as Chief Financial Officer in 2021. He has over 15 years of executive level leadership and senior financial experience across various sectors including professional services, mining, media and construction. His most recent position was as Chief Operating Officer of leading SA residential construction company, Rivergum Homes, where he supported the successful implementation of a renewed strategic direction.

Prior to this, Neil was with Nova Entertainment Group, where he oversaw the operations of the Nova 919 and FiveAA radio stations, following a successful period in senior finance roles within the Group. Neil is a Board member for SIDS & Kids SA, an SA based not for profit providing bereavement support and education services. Neil has also previously served on the Board of Brand SA. His qualifications include BCom; CPA; MBA. Neil brings his business acumen and commercial expertise to ensure the sustainable growth and long-term success of Helping Hand.

Natalie has had an extensive career across SA state government, employee advocacy and workers compensation. She has substantial knowledge and experience in all facets of this critical role including industrial relations, work health & safety, organisational development, people and performance and change management.

Natalie is a qualified lawyer, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, certified in ProSci change management and is currently doing her certification program with the Australian Human Resources Institute. She has served on several not-for-profit boards and committees and is joining Helping Hand to make a positive difference in an organisation that aligns true to her personal values.

James joined Helping Hand in November 2022, bringing extensive experience working in the not-for-profit sector in aged care, disability and retirement living.

Prior to joining Helping Hand, James was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Clayton Church Homes. His previous roles include: General Manager, Business Development, Masonic Homes, Head of Aged Care Strategy and Business Development at Anglicare and Chief Executive Officer at the MS Society of SA/NT.

Melinda joined us in 2021 from Eldercare, where she was the General Manager for the past three years overseeing all of their eleven metropolitan and regional sites. Prior to that she held senior Nursing Director roles in SA Pathology and at Flinders Medical Centre (Cancer & Ambulatory Services). She has exceptional skills in operational management, risk management, quality, clinical governance and is a highly accomplished clinician.

With a recently completed mini MBA and participation in a number of leadership development programs, Melinda is well placed to lead and further develop our team in the residential portfolio.

Samantha is the Executive Manager Strategy and Engagement at Helping Hand. She has extensive experience in aged care and local government and graduated from the University of South Australia with degrees in Marketing and Human Resources. With over 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications, her passion is to utilise consumer insights in the development of products and services. Samantha has a strategic mindset, and her broad experience has included the development of major brand campaigns, new products to market, environmental master-planning, project management and sponsorship.

Samantha fosters a collaborative and creative work environment that empowers her team to excel. She believes in cultivating a culture of collaboration and building strong relationships with stakeholders, including cross-functional teams, executive leadership, and external partners. At Helping Hand, Samantha has oversight of the marketing and communications unit, consumer engagement and partnerships, strategy support unit and the admissions team.