Staff
Anthony (Tony) Baird – Investments Executive
Tony Baird has spent most of his working life in the investment world. In 1968, he began work in London for a merchant bank, Schroders, and in 1972 joined a firm of stockbrokers, Wood MacKenzie & Co, in Edinburgh. He was with them for 9 years, becoming both a partner and a member of the Stock Exchange, London.
In 1981, he and his family moved to Australia to join a local stockbroker, and he became a member of the Melbourne Stock Exchange, (later the Australian Stock Exchange), in 1982. Until Tony retired from full time work in 2005, he spent the final 10 years of his career at UBS, during which time he was in charge of the Melbourne private clients business.
Darren McConnell – Finance Executive
Darren McConnell has over 17 years experience in the professional accounting and finance industry, primarily working in chartered firms and commercial roles. Darren commenced his career in regional Victoria working as a Senior Accounting Manager and later as Practice Manager of Duesburys, a large multi-office regional chartered accounting firm for eight years.
In 1998 Darren relocated to Melbourne, continuing to work in professional practice in tax consulting and superannuation. He was with the Myer Family Office for approximately five years, working with high net wealth family groups, investment companies and large not for profit entities in the philanthropic sector.
Darren started at the Trust in August 2005 and is responsible for managing the business functions of the Trust's operations including accounting, finance and administration and also manages the Trust's investment reporting. Darren acts as Company Secretary to the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and its associated entities. He has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and is a Certified Practising Accountant.
Chris Wootton – Grants Executive
Chris Wootton joined the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust as Grants Executive in April 2008 from the RACV Foundation where he was the Executive Officer.
Chris originally began his career as a secondary teacher and moved to the Soil Conservation Authority as an education officer. From 1986 to 1993, he worked at the Board of Works/Melbourne Water in a number of management roles including being responsible for water conservation programs, staff training and development, internal communications and corporate sponsorships. In 1993 he moved to the University of Melbourne as Community Relations Manager and then General Manager of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office. Chris returned to the water industry in 2002 as Business Manager of Water Services Association of Australia, the peak body of the Australian Water Industry. In 2004, he became the inaugural CEO of WaterAid Australia, a new international aid and development agency which provides safe water, effective sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest people.
Chris is married with four daughters and enjoys reading and playing tennis.
Sarah Bartak – Grants Administrator & Communications Manager
Sarah has been with the Trust since 2006 and is responsible for grants administration and management of the Trust's various publications. She has more than 17 years administrative and project management experience working for public and private organisations in arts and event management and brings a broad range of skills to her role. After many years of being the person applying for grants, she is enjoying working on the giving side.
Sarah has a BA (Media and Asian Politics) from Swinburne University and a Graduate Diploma in Arts and Entertainment Management (Deakin University).
Pamela Beech – Receptionist & Office Administrator
Pamela has been with the Trust since February 2003. She has extensive experience in administrative and executive secretarial positions and has worked in a range of industries including mining, publishing, education and psychology. Before commencing with the Trust she was secretary to the Deputy Director of the Catholic Education Office.