Darian joined Cufa in November, 2021
Darian brings over 15 years of experience working across Australia’s aid sector, including a decade managing the Australian Government’s Aid program as a governance and humanitarian specialist.
As the CEO of Cufa, Darian will oversee a dynamic program portfolio across the Asia Pacific focused on the economic development of disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. Cufa promotes financial literacy, employment, enterprise and livelihood, and financial institution development. Through the Sydney team and network of local country offices, Cufa works with communities, institutions and governments to address and overcome the causes of poverty in our region.
Cufa’s board is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of the organisation.
Damon joined the Cufa board in June 2020
Damon joined the Cufa board in June 2020. Damon is a government relations and strategic communications specialist with over 20 years’ experience in designing and delivering government relations, strategic communications and social research programs for high profile clients in Australia and internationally.
He has experience in Federal Government working for the Finance Minister as well as on multiple federal and state political campaigns. Damon is the owner and Principal of Christmas Jalili, a public affairs, strategic communications and social research advisory consulting private sector organizations and industry groups on issues in business, finance and politics. Prior to that, Damon was also a Partner and Head of the Government Relations Practice at Kreab (formerly Gavin Anderson).
Kim joined the Cufa’s Board in June 2022
Kim is an experienced Board Director and legal professional with over 30 years’ expertise in legal practice, governance, risk, and social justice. She joined CUFA’s Board in June 2022 and also serves as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, supporting financial literacy and microenterprise in vulnerable Asia-Pacific communities. She is also Chair and Director of Anika Legal, a nonprofit legal service helping renters at risk of homelessness, focusing on governance, strategy, and advocacy for housing justice.
In July 2025, Kim joined the Board of the Queen Elizabeth Centre, contributing to governance and strategy to improve outcomes for vulnerable families and children.
Kim’s legal career spanned over 34 years at Maurice Blackburn, advocating for injured clients, leading teams, and serving six years on the firm’s Board. She achieved Accredited Personal Injury Specialist Accreditation and was Lawyers Weekly’s Insurance Partner of the Year in 2018.
Her previous board roles include ten years on RMIT Law School’s Advisory Board and 15 years with the Law Institute of Victoria’s Personal Injury Advisory Board. Since retiring from legal practice in June 2025, Kim supports not-for-profits and community causes, including refugee volunteer work.
Jo joined the Cufa’s Board in June 2022
Jo joined the Cufa Board in June 2022. Jo is a senior executive with the Westpac Group with more than 20 years experience in Strategy, Transformation, Organisational Change, Operations and Risk Management across Financial Services and Aviation sectors.
Jo also supports the Westpac Foundation who help to build stronger, more inclusive communities by backing social enterprise creating jobs and supporting small and local charities making a difference in their local community.
George joined the Cufa Board in May 2023
George is a Finance Executive, passionate about leading firms to deliver strong and sustainable financial results. He currently leads the Commercial Finance function at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, guiding the firm through strategic investment decisions.
A qualified Chartered Accountant, George’s earlier career started in External Audit at Deloitte, shifted to Internal Audit at one of Australia’s leading health funds and meandered into a range of transformational and analytical finance positions.
George is energised by CUFA’s unique approach to coordinating community-led assistance in the Asia Pacific region.
