Mike Baird is the CEO of McKinnon, working to improve Australia’s public administration, supporting effective political leadership, and strengthening the nation’s democratic institutions. Mike has over 30 years’ experience in banking and financial services (including senior roles at NAB, Deutsche Bank and HSBC), was former NSW Treasurer and served as the 44th Premier of NSW. Mike is passionate about family, sport and looking after the community’s most vulnerable. Most recently he was CEO, HammondCare, an independent Christian charity providing health, palliative care, dementia, and aged care services.

Jay Weatherill is the Executive Director of Democracy at McKinnon and, together with Mike Baird, seeks to strengthen Australia’s democracy. Jay was Premier of South Australia for over six years and a Minister for 16 years. He holds Law and Economics degrees and is an Industry Professor at the University of South Australia and an Ambassador for Reggio Children. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Australia Day Honours list for his work in early childhood development. Most recently, he led the Thrive by Five campaign for early years reform with the Minderoo Foundation.

As COO & Director of Leadership Leigh oversees finance, operations, people and governance enabling the work of McKinnon, whilst also providing strategic leadership to our McKinnon Leadership portfolio. Leigh has deep executive experience across the UK, US, and Australia including NAB and Xero; bringing commercial acumen and governance expertise to long-term, systems-focused reform. She has held multiple board roles across the arts, human rights and the private sector, reflecting her commitment to community, cultural diversity and inclusive leadership.

Rod Glover is a policy economist specialising in innovation at the system and societal levels. As the CEO and Academic Director of MKI, Rod supports the leaders who are tackling the most complex public policy problems. Rod has worked in and with governments for 25 years, including as Deputy Secretary in Victoria’s Department of Premier and Cabinet, Senior Economic Adviser to Australia’s Shadow Treasurer and Senior Adviser to an Australian Prime Minister. He was Professor of Policy and Impact with the Monash Sustainable Development Institute.

Sam has been with McKinnon since its inception in 2015. She has been instrumental in the establishment of McKinnon, working with the Co-founders to establish its purpose and early programs such as the McKinnon Institute and the McKinnon Prize. Prior to joining McKinnon, Sam held senior roles in brand, marketing and product development for Target, Moose Enterprise and Mattel in Australia and New York. In addition to her executive role with McKinnon, she is on the Board of the McKinnon Institute.

Seamus has spent his career working with public sector leaders to design, advocate for and deliver public policy reforms. As Director of Strategy & Research, Seamus supports the delivery of McKinnon's programs and development of new areas of focus. Seamus has previously worked as Chief of Staff to the Victorian Treasurer, as an adviser to two Prime Ministers, and as a management consultant with The Boston Consulting Group.

In her role as Director of Marketing Communications Belinda and her team are responsible for brand strategy, campaign delivery, media engagement and events that support McKinnon in achieving its mission. She has previously held senior marketing roles at Macquarie Bank, Deloitte and ING delivering brand transformation, global campaigns and customer acquisition strategy. She is passionate about the role of government to provide equity and opportunity for vulnerable Australians.