Meet the Team
Our founders and leaders are experienced entrepreneurs who understand the challenges facing rural Australia and see the potential that entrepreneurial activity and social enterprise presents for improved rural prosperity.
Our Team
Matt Pfahlert
Matt is a well-known social entrepreneur with a long-standing commitment to rural Australia
One of Australia’s pioneering social entrepreneurs, Matt is helping to shape regional and rural Australia through igniting entrepreneurship in young people and their communities.
Matt started his first social enterprise in 1993 at the age of 23, working with ‘at risk’ young people in wilderness settings. His passion and drive for positive social outcomes saw him receive the prestigious Young Australian of the Year Award in 1996.
Motivated by a desire to create prosperous, healthy, thriving communities, in 2016 as co-founder and CEO of the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE), Matt led a $2.5M community buy-back of the Old Beechworth Gaol. A neglected Australian heritage icon famed for its connection to Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang and located in Matt’s hometown. The site is being re-purposed as an exemplar of social enterprise, impact investment and rural rejuvenation through community owned assets.
You can hear about Matt and his social enterprise journey in this ABC Radio interview:
Mary Anne Scully
Mary-Anne Scully loves working with and supporting regional people to achieve financial independence. She is an experienced business strategist, educator and communicator.
Mary-Anne grew up on a mixed grazing and cropping property at Coolah in Central West NSW. Now based in Albury Wodonga on the NSW/Victorian border. Mary-Anne led the development of the first regional presence for Global Sisters – an organisation that is about making business possible for women who are excluded from mainstream employment due to their circumstances.
Initially trained as a broadcast journalist, Mary-Anne is adept at identifying and communicating stories and connection points that resonate with people. She later embarked on post graduate studies in environmental management to offer a communication ‘bridge’ between business, science and sustainability.
Meg Allan
Meg Allan, hailing from the remote town of Mallacoota, possesses a deep-rooted passion for thriving rural communities, displayed through her committed work supporting the 2023 REJUVENATE cohort.
Meg’s commitment to rural futures is not limited to her professional role. She’s also a co-founder of the Wilderness Collective Mallacoota, a community-led project propelling the community towards a self-determined and sustainable future through the catalysts of enterprise, education, and co-working.
As the Strategic Partnerships Lead, Meg leverages her firsthand experience advocating for rural communities and knowledge in systems change.
Jamie Meyer
As ACRE’s Head of Marketing, Jamie is passionate about using strategic marketing and impactful brand communications to create positive social change for rural communities and future generations.
With more than two decades of experience across multinational corporations, government and the social enterprise sector, Jamie brings expertise in strategic marketing, brand development, portfolio strategy, communications and community engagement.
With a passion for harnessing the power of brands and impact-led storytelling, Jamie works to strengthen ACRE’s profile and positioning, amplify its impact, and connect audiences to the programs, ideas and opportunities that are rejuvenating rural Australia.
Pete Ekstedt
As Chief Customer Officer, Pete draws on his deep experience to build strong customer and partner relationships, and secure future opportunities that enhance ACRE’s sustainability and social impact.
Pete is the son of a wool classer and a nurse. He grew up on the Bellarine Peninsula and has lived in Victoria’s central highlands since 2007. Throughout his diverse career, Pete has served as a corporate executive, charity CEO, counsellor, business coach, university lecturer and consultant.
Pete’s keen focus lies in promoting the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of both rural communities and individuals. Pete enjoys a laugh and a good story.
Samantha Menzies
Samm has collected over 25 years’ experience in the Disability, Arts, Health and Community Services sectors developing, facilitating and coordinating a diverse range of community based programs and workshops.
Throughout her career, in her capacity as a facilitating artist Samm has worked alongside youth and adults at risk, and with adults with diverse intellectual and physical needs. In addition to her Artist qualifications, Samm is a qualified Counsellor and has, in her past been a Registered Nurse, and in both capacities, being drawn to working with ageing adults both in clinical and community settings. Samm has also worked in both mainstream and specialist education settings, as a project based Artist and in her capacity as Counsellor.
Behind the scenes, Samm manages her nature based Creative Residencies business, which invites people to spend time in and around the great outdoors, to work on their own creative endeavours while all the “other things” are taken care of. The endless beauty of the North East of Victoria has been a lifelong inspiration and is the place that most deeply resonates with Samm. She feels so lucky to be able to share her “home” with others.
Working creatively, listening intentionally and with consideration to others and their stories, and finding “outside of the box” solutions to life’s puzzles are the motivations that drive Samm. In her role as a Facilitator Lead for ACRE, Samm is excited to use her passion for communicating and sharing knowledge in an inspiring, meaningful and inclusive way.
Colin Bowey
Colin joined ACRE in June 2024, bringing a treasure trove of experience from steering the finances in both small and large organisations.
Born and raised in Rural Victoria, and completed his university studies in Regional Victoria, Colin is deeply committed to supporting local communities.
With a background in business and computing, he’s the numbers guy, a wizard with spreadsheets, and has a knack for untangling number knots and keeping things running smoothly.
Colin’s passion for youth development shines through his over 10 years as a Scout Leader and many more years as a junior hockey coach. He’s equally devoted to small business and entrepreneurship, having spent many years providing training and consulting in accounting software, helping countless small businesses thrive.
Colin also has a keen interest in Artificial Intelligence and Recreational Mathematics. When he’s not crunching numbers or counting magic beans, Colin enjoys retro computers and programming, geocaching, telling “funtastic” Dad jokes, or wrangling goats on his hobby farmlet.
Vanessa Huxley
As Chief Financial & Operating Officer, Vanessa is delighted to draw on her skills to contribute to enhancing ACRE’s capacity to build entrepreneurial skill in rural communities.
Vanessa brings expertise to ACRE from over 20 years in senior finance leadership positions across agriculture, healthcare, retail and consumer products industries in a range of organisations, from ASX listed companies to family business.
Living in North East Victoria since 2018, Vanessa enjoys the rural lifestyle and contributing to her local community.
Michelle Leggat
As ACRE’s People and Culture Advisor, Michelle is dedicated to supporting the team in creating positive and vibrant futures for Australia’s rural communities.
Her passion for rural Australia was ignited during five years as the owner and manager of a wilderness retreat in Wollemi National Park. Here, she learned about the challenges of snakes, fires, and floods, as well as the extraordinary closeness and resilience of rural communities and the incredible privilege of being deeply connected to the land. During this time, Michelle actively contributed to the Putty rural community by initiating projects to reduce loneliness and support remote workers.
Her career journey has been diverse and fulfilling, predominantly in the education sector across South Africa, England, and Australia. Starting as a teacher, she has also worked in Courseware Development, Marketing, Branch Coordination, and People and Culture/Change Management. Michelle holds a degree in Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy of World Religions, and a diploma in Graphic Design and Fine Art.
Michelle’s commitment to social causes is evident from her involvement in race relations programs during apartheid South Africa, co-founding the Villawood Vollies volunteer program in Sydney’s detention centre, and fundraising for the CanToo Foundation through Bridge Runs and Ocean Swims.
Currently residing in the beautiful fishing town of Bermagui (NSW), Michelle is passionate about making a positive impact on people’s lives and bringing her skills and experience to a role that aligns with this vision.
Michelle Anderson
As ACRE’s Impact Lead, Michelle is passionate about making evidence visible, accessible, and actionable. A social researcher, evaluator and educator, she champions collaborative approaches to amplify rural voices, insights and stories, in driving meaningful change.
Michelle’s commitment to enabling young people’s agency began as a public school teacher and led her to embrace new opportunities. She worked in the UK, earned her PhD from the University of London, and led rural and educational initiatives at the Australian Council for Educational Research.
Motivated by connecting and understanding diverse perspectives, Michelle ran her own educational business for a decade, collaborating with senior leaders across sectors and serving as an advisor on a philanthropy grants panel.
No stranger to ACRE, Michelle led their ‘Social Enterprise Schools’ pilot evaluation and was researcher-in-residence for the 2023 REJUVENATE rural initiatives.
Today, Phillip Island is Michelle’s home-base, by the ocean and its 40,000 little penguins.
John Ryks
John is passionate about working alongside communities to create effective place-based change and brings more than 20 years of experience across the community, government and academic sectors.
Raised in rural Waikato on New Zealand’s North Island, John completed both his Masters and PhD at the University of Waikato, focusing on community-led approaches to regional planning and development. He later worked with New Zealand’s Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Māori Development in Wellington, partnering with community-based social service providers and supporting Māori rights and interests in decision-making processes.
John went on to lead New Zealand’s only National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis, where he managed multidisciplinary teams undertaking applied research into regional development. This work formed part of the New Zealand Government’s National Science Challenge focused on building stronger towns, cities and regions.
More recently, John was Director of the Centre for Just Places at Jesuit Social Services in Melbourne, leading work across urban and rural communities in Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. His role focused on scaling place-based operations, social enterprise development and community-building initiatives.
John began working with ACRE in 2025 as a Researcher in Residence, helping refine a measurement framework for understanding community renewal across rural and regional Australia. His work reflects a deep commitment to community-led development, collaboration and long-term social impact.
Ash Miller-Kirkpatrick
Ash brings more than 30 years of international experience across the community, education, sustainability and land-based sectors, with a strong focus on fostering community connection, wellbeing and place-based outcomes. Passionate about collaboration and innovation, she has worked across private, public and not-for-profit sectors, supporting individuals and communities to connect, learn and thrive.
Her experience spans project management, strategic development, training and education, with leadership roles across rural and remote communities in North East Victoria, the Lake District, the north-west USA and rural Europe. Based in rural Victoria, Ash has held national leadership, project management and vocational training roles with The Outdoor Education Group, alongside earlier education and community development roles in the UK, including positions with the University of Cumbria and the University of Central Lancashire.
Ash has extensive experience developing education programs, leading community-focused initiatives and supporting collaborative, place-based approaches to change and development. She is deeply connected to the outdoors and rural living, with a passion for sustainable community projects, lifelong learning and sharing knowledge with others.
Driven by a belief in the power of education, connection and community, Ash is committed to supporting positive change, resilience and growth in individuals and communities alike.
Megan Scott
Megan brings more than 16 years of entrepreneurial and leadership experience across finance, operations, administration and community-focused enterprises. With a strong background spanning small business, outdoor education, accommodation, retail and corporate sectors, she is known for her exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage complex priorities with calm and care.
Her experience includes 12 years as Co-Owner of Berry Mountain Cycles, alongside key operational and leadership roles with YMCA Howman’s Gap and Southbound Adventures. Across these roles, Megan has developed extensive expertise in business operations, financial management and people-centred systems that support strong teams and positive community outcomes.
Passionate about the outdoors, community connection and enabling impactful work behind the scenes, Megan brings a practical, thoughtful and solutions-focused approach to her role within ACRE’s Finance and Operations team.
Em Knox-Knight
Matt Cohen
Matthew Cohen is General Manager of Community Owned Australia and The Rural Fund, bringing more than 30 years of executive leadership experience across the private, social enterprise and not-for-profit sectors.
At ACRE, Matthew is helping to design and build new pathways for rural communities to access the support and capital they need to own and sustain important local assets. He brings extensive experience across strategy, finance, governance, operations and organisational growth, having held CEO, COO, CFO, General Manager and board roles throughout his career.
Matthew serves as Chair of The Old Beechworth Gaol and continues to support organisations across Australia through advisory and leadership roles. His professional background includes senior positions with Gross Waddell ICR, Prime Financial Group, Westpac, PwC and Cap Gemini.
A strong believer in community service, Matthew has dedicated many years to volunteer leadership, including roles with Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club, school and preschool committees, community sporting organisations and youth programs.
Matt Perfect
Matt Perfect is an independent facilitator, mentor and adviser who helps people, organisations and communities create greater impact through meaningful collaboration and purposeful commerce. With a background in procurement, leadership development and systems change, Matt brings deep expertise in social procurement, social enterprise and impact-driven partnerships.
After more than a decade working with organisations including BHP, NAB and Toll Group, Matt shifted his focus to supporting social enterprises, community organisations and leaders to grow their impact. He has worked with clients across Australia, facilitating learning, mentoring emerging leaders and helping organisations build stronger, more inclusive economies.
Contracted by ACRE as Program and Market Development Adviser, Matt supports the development of place-based delivery partnerships that bring world-class social enterprise learning and development opportunities to rural and regional communities. He is passionate about unlocking the power of local relationships, collaborative leadership and purposeful spending to create lasting social and economic value. Matt believes every dollar spent is an opportunity to strengthen communities, and every conversation is a chance to create positive change.
Place-Based Facilitators
Rebecca Iliffe
Rebecca is proud to support the delivery of the Social Enterprise Academy and ACRE’s first larger scale Social Enterprise Schools program in NSW. ACRE is a recipient of a NSW Department of Education Student Wellbeing Innovation Fund which will see many more schools take part, extending the Social Enterprise Schools program in NSW. In 2024, 20 primary and secondary schools across NSW will receive a fully funded and facilitated place, helping build a strong network of young enterprising people.
Rebecca is the founder of her own social enterprise, an experienced educator and secondary teacher, project manager, and an Associate Facilitator with the Social Enterprise Academy.
Tash Rands
Tash Rands is the Place-Based Facilitator for ACRE’s Social Enterprise Schools program delivery in Mallacoota, working closely with students, teachers, and mentors to support hands-on, locally grounded learning that connects students with real community experience.
Having returned to Mallacoota after living and working overseas, Tash is committed to contributing to her local community. Tash supports the day-to-day running of ACRE’s social enterprise partner, the Wilderness Collective, as Office Administrator. Tash also hosts the local youth group and runs her own small business providing gardening and social support for elderly residents – fostering intergenerational connection.
Our Board
Brady Cronin
Brady is passionate about building sustainable communities with a holistic lens across culture, people and environment. With a particular focus on working with rural communities to build their capacity to thrive.
As a Monash University Adv. Science – Global Challenges graduate who grew up on Gunaikurnai Country, Maffra in Gippsland, Brady brings a wide breadth of experience in science communication, research, leadership and social enterprise education to the ACRE Board.
Currently a Team Leader – Ecological Outcomes at NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Brady is entrenched in leading floodplain ecology and research projects and collaborating with Traditional Owner communities across the Murray to improve outcomes for cultural heritage protection, water and land management and First Nations youth connections and aspirations.
Anne Gripper
Anne has enjoyed working in leadership roles in sport for 23 years. She is currently the Executive Director of Sport and Recreation at the NSW Office of Sport. Anne became involved in philanthropy when she founded the June Canavan Foundation in 2010. As Chair of this Foundation, she takes an active role in contributing to raising the profile of small scale philanthropy. She is also a Director of Cycling Australia.
Matt Pfahlert
Matt has worked as business consultant specialising on projects combining economic and social benefits. This work involved strategic and business planning, organisational development, & leadership programs. For his contribution to rural Victoria and young people Matt was awarded Leadership Victoria’s – Community Leader of the Year in 2004.
Kerrie OBrien
Kerrie O’Brien is a journalist, writer and editor with more than 30 years experience. She is currently a senior writer for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald and has covered architecture and design, the arts and entertainment, food and travel, and business and finance.
Jacyl Shaw
Bringing over two decades of expertise spanning industry, government, and higher education, Jacyl is the Executive Director of Harpswell a Foundation that advances young women leaders across South East Asia with education, training and supportive networks.
Her diverse professional background includes roles as a global director of innovation, higher education strategic adviser, corporate lawyer, and Supreme Court Judges’ Associate. Jacyl holds a BA, LLB, LLM, and a Masters in Enterprise. An accomplished MC, speaker and facilitator, Jacyl is passionate about purpose oriented leadership and making complexity accessible through creative storytelling.
Lachlan Baird
Lachlan serves as Chair of the ACRE Board – an experienced executive in the financial services industry, most recently as the CEO of Prime Super for close to twenty years. This role included significant involvement in direct investing in property and infrastructure assets in Australia and internationally.
Lachlan has a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical), a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Chartered Accountant.
ACRE Board Alumni
The ACRE Board and Organisation is incredibly grateful for the dedication of past serving Board members, who over the years have generously committed their time and expertise, helping ACRE to become the purpose driven social enterprise that it is today.
Clayton Neil
ACRE Co-Founder, COO & Board Director, 2013 – 2023
Co-Founder of ACRE, for more than a decade Clayton Neil shaped the vision and growth of ACRE, alongside Matt Pfahlert. Drawing from his extensive experience in economic and community development, cycle tourism, rural development, business finance and stakeholder engagement, Clayton has been instrumental in steering the organisation forward. His strengths in financial management and strategic focus on business expansion played a pivotal role in securing funding for ACRE and building a sustainable social enterprise model. The sector continues to benefit from Clayton’s leadership in his role as General Manager of Commercial at Merriwa Industries.
Jonathon Chapmam
ACRE Board Director & Chair, 2013 – 2022
For close to a decade, Jonathan Chapman committed himself to the ACRE Board, serving in various capacities, notably as founding Chair. His tenure was marked by a wealth of knowledge, mentoring and guidance, drawing from his background as a non-for-profit profit CEO, chartered accountant at PwC in London and Melbourne, and an Executive in Property and Investment.
Adrian Appo
ACRE Board Director, 2015 – 2018
Adrian Appo is a Gooreng Gooreng Man from South East Queensland, who during his five years on the ACRE Board Adrian contributed a wealth of insight and knowledge to guide the early development of ACRE.
Julia Keady
Board Director, 2018 – 2023
Julia Keady dedicated five years of service to the ACRE Board, bringing her invaluable expertise as a social impact strategist to the table. Her contributions were pivotal in enhancing the ACRE brand, spearheading fundraising efforts, and forging crucial philanthropic alliances.
Tiffany Winters
Board Director, 2023 – 2024
Tiffany is a proud Murrawari First Nations, born and raised on the lands of the Ngemba people in Far North West NSW.
Holding a BA in Community and Social Development and a Diploma in Aboriginal Studies, she champions the integration of Indigenous knowledge with modern social entrepreneurship. Her advocacy extends towards sustainable and inclusive business practices that honor cultural heritage while fostering community empowerment. Through her innovative approach, Tiffany is redefining rural entrepreneurship in Australia, blending traditional wisdom with contemporary business models for a more sustainable and inclusive future. Her leadership is pivotal in promoting economic innovation that respects and preserves Indigenous values. During her time as a Board Director Tiffany generously shared her invaluable knowledge and experience to guide ACRE’s work.