The Beacon Foundation team

The Beacon Executive

Scott Harris - Chief Executive  Scott came to Beacon from a successful career in sales and management in Tasmania and Victoria as well as involvement in running other small businesses. Together with his wife Jo, Scott is the Tasmanian agent for several national and overseas products. In his role at Beacon Scott has been instrumental in taking Beacon from a Tasmanian only organisation to now having a presence in over 100 communities across Australia in all states and both territories. In July 2007 Scott was awarded a scholarship for excellence in social venture, leadership and management to attend Harvard Business School. Outside of work Scott has spent 20 years playing Australian Rules football where he is his club’s games record holder, former coach and president. He is married to wife Jo and has two young sons Samuel and Luke.
Julie Parke - National Operations Manager  Julie joined the Beacon Foundation in August 2008 and comes with 15 years experience working in the non profit and charity sector in Melbourne.  Julie has worked in adult education, corporate community engagement and road trauma support. At the other end of the spectrum Julie has also worked for IBM Australia as a Health Industry Specialist after spending some years as a registered nurse and midwife.  In addition to nursing qualifications, Julie holds a Bachelor of Adult Learning and Development and a Master of Management in Community Management. Married with three young adult children, Julie and her husband enjoy using their four wheel drive to accomplish environmental work in inaccessible places.  She also enjoys reading, cooking and spending as much time with her family as possible.d Development and a Master of Management in Community Management.
Leigh Bartlett - Investor Relations Manager Leigh is employed fulltime as Beacon's Investment Relations Manager. Over the past 12 years Leigh has had a successful career in sales and marketing for the corporate and non profit sectors. Most recently he has worked as the Business Development Manager with The Smith Family. Leigh enjoys working with Beacon supporters to develop mutually beneficial partnerships that achieve positive and measurable outcomes. Outside of work Leigh loves spending time with his wife Nadine and their daughter Kadence, as well as cheering on the mighty Richmond Tigers!
Jo Breen - National Communications Manager  Jo started with Beacon in February 2009 after a 24 year career in the media, and has recently moved into the role of communications manager for Beacon. Jo will combine this role with management of the growth of Beacon schools in the north east. A long time Goulburn Valley resident, Jo is based in Shepparton, Victoria and is passionate about the region, its future and engaging young people in making a meaningful contribution to their own lives and to the community. Jo was the first female editor of the Shepparton News, and during her time with the paper garnered a deep knowledge and love for the Goulburn Valley, its people and the wonderful lifestyle the region offers her young family. Married to Rod, with three daughters, Abbey, Molly and Grace, Jo spends most weekends following the girls with their sport. She is involved in many community and sporting groups in Kyabram where she lives, and loves the company of family and friends.
Please click on the links below to see members of the state office No Dole teams: Victoria and South Australia Queensland New South Wales Tasmanian Western Australian