COMMISSION STAFF

Mark Darby

Executive Director

Email: executivedirector@fulbright.com.au

Mark Darby joined the Australian-American Fulbright Commission as Executive Director in March 2000. He has extensive experience in not-for-profit management, educational exchange and international development.

Prior to Fulbright, Mark was Executive Director of the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program, an Australian Federal Government initiative placing 18-30 year old Australian professionals on assignments in developing countries in the Asia Pacific. He was founder and Executive Director of the Australian branch of the Canadian-based Youth Challenge International and worked with them in South and Central America and the South Pacific.

Mark was a lecturer in Leisure and Tourism Studies at the University of Technology, Sydney and worked in the United States as the National Selection Coordinator for Operation Raleigh USA, selecting and placing 17-25 year old Americans throughout the world on the British based program of science and community service.

Mark has an MBA in Not-for-profit and Educational Management, an M.A. by research from the University of Technology, Sydney focusing on the “Personal development related to an international volunteer experience”, and a B.A. in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of California, Chico.

Lyndell Wilson

Program Manager

Email: programmanager@fulbright.com.au

Lyndell is responsible for managing the Fulbright Program which includes coordinating the Australian and American Fulbright selection process, supporting Australian and American Fulbright scholars, and promoting the Fulbright Program particularly within Australian universities and institutions.

Lyndell brings to the Fulbright Commission strong client relationship management and program coordination skills gained during her employment as Client Service Manager (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) at IDP Education Australia. Prior to her work with IDP, Lyndell worked with DeakinAustralia, the commercial arm of Deakin University, coordinating the delivery of a range of Certificate IV - VI training programs to government employees including Department of Defence, Centrelink and ACT Government.

Originally trained as a high school music teacher, after gaining a Bachelor of Education (Music), Lyndell spent a number of years singing at a range of venues from local restaurants and wine bars to the Canberra Theatre, and the Sydney Opera House, before concentrating on her career within the Australian Public Sector.

The recipient of an American Field Service Scholarship in her last year of high school, Lyndell understands the unique cultural, educational and personal opportunities and challenges facing Fulbright Scholars.

Lesley Piko

Finance Manager

Email: financemanager@fulbright.com.au

Lesley takes care of anything to do with money and finance, as well as taking the minutes for Fulbright board meetings.

Lesley joined Fulbright after a long career in accounting and finance, which included managing her own accounting practice for 13 years. She is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Lesley has worked as a company accountant in the community sector, with a national industry association, with small business and her own accounting practice - Lesley brings a wealth of experience to Fulbright.

Prior to joining Fulbright, she was the Director of Corporate Services with Belconnen Community Services Inc. She has also worked with Diabetes Australia Ltd, SDN Children’s Services, Master Builders Australian and the YWCA of Canberra. She is currently a Board Member of the ACT Division of General Practice.

Lesley has a Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Flinders University and in 2002 completed a Masters of Business Administration at Deakin University.

Kate Lyall

Administrative Officer

Email: administrativeoffice@fulbright.com.au

If there is something that needs doing and you don’t know who to contact, then Kate is your gal.

Kate is responsible for the office systems, which covers a myriad of areas. She also works closely with the Australian Fulbright Alumni Association (AFAA) to ensure the smooth running of their chapter activities and membership both in Australia and the U.S., along with managing the logistics of the Commission's office so the organisation can achieve its goals.

The US Senior Specialist program and Fulbright Alumni Initiative Grant programs are looked after by Kate. She also maintains the Commission's databases and is therefore the person to contact with your change of address details.

Though an American by breeding and birth, Kate lived and worked in England for 25 years building a career in the Lloyd’s of London financial community in the City of London. Being married to a Royal Naval officer brought about numerous opportunities to travel the world and she later relinquished her partnership in a Lloyd’s reinsurance broking house in order to move to Australia with her husband on a diplomatic posting.

Now with her family being permanent residents in Australia, her U.S. background and global experiences are put to use in providing additional insights to her Fulbright colleagues.

Leanne Edmonds

Administration Assistant

Email: Administration@fulbright.com.au

Leanne joined the Australian-American Fulbright Commission as the Administration Assistant to the Program Manager, on a part-time basis, in August 2007.

Leanne has experience in database entry, customer services and administration. She has previously worked in the Clerical Supply and Air Movement fields within the Australian Defence Force, discharging in 1999 to raise a family and undertake part time work in the civilian sector.

Leanne, originally from Bundaberg, settled in Canberra in 2007 after relocating from Darwin and is whole heartedly embracing the Capital’s lifestyle. The office has, in turn, embraced the unique cultural opportunities Leanne has introduced, such as “Tim-Tam Tuesday”.

At Fulbright Leanne provides administration support to the Commission, engages in contact with Fulbright scholars, prepares documentation and looks after all incoming email inquiries into the Fulbright website.