Governance & Management

State President - Brad Hocking

Brad Hocking says his time as a Vincentian began with ‘a mistake’ but he has only fond memories of his time with the Society which began when his youth group found itself double-booked at a church hall… the other group turned out to be the Vinnies conference from the Adelaide suburb of Seacombe Gardens. 

Despite volunteering roles with sporting clubs and growing up in a disadvantaged suburb, Brad was largely unaware of the community work done by Vinnies volunteers. Their spirit and dedication to helping people in need impressed him, and soon he became a member. 

A chance encounter later found Brad sitting next to then-SA State President Cathy Beaton whose mentoring would help him to eventually take on the role himself in October 2020.

Brad says the spirituality of the Society is a source of nourishment  – ‘My faith journey and my Vinnies journey are intrinsically linked. Our staff, members and volunteers constantly impress me with their dedication and commitment to the Society and our companions.’

Brad and his wife have four young children and the family enjoys Vinnies events and bargain hunting at our shops. They have a 10:1 sustainability policy - the kids must donate 10 toys to buy one each.

Brad works as a consultant engineer at Copperleaf Technologies. He has a strong focus on innovation and was awarded one of Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers Award for 2020 by Engineers Australia.

Chief Executive Officer - Evelyn O'Loughlin

Evelyn O’Loughlin joined the organisation in September 2022 and is a respected leader with over 25 years’ executive experience across corporate, not-for-profit and government sectors. A passion for community and culture has led Evelyn to the not-for-profit sector after a career spanning many sectors and industries, including working overseas in the United Kingdom and Greece.

Previous roles include Executive Manager Community Services with disability services & support organisation Orana Australia. Prior to this from 2008 to 2021, Evelyn was CEO of one of South Australia's largest not-for-profit peak bodies, Volunteering SA&NT, leading the volunteering sector across South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Evelyn’s Board and governance appointments, include Chair of international development organisation, Motivation Australia Inc. Previous appointments include Premier’s Council for Women, Volunteering Strategy for South Australia, Flinders University Business School Advisory Board and the South Australian Social Enterprise Council Inc. Between 2010-2013 Evelyn South Australia's appointee to the Federal Government’s 13 member Not-for-Profit Sector Reform Council.

Evelyn holds a Bachelor of Education degree and is an alumni of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation program. She has also been recognised on the South Australian Women’s Honour Roll and in 2019 was a State Finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards.