Governance & Management
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation made up of 10,000+ members, volunteers and employees. In Victoria, the Society is governed by State Council which consists of members who represent the members and volunteers, and oversee the strategic direction of the Society.
The members of State Council are made up of eight elected members and up to a further seven appointments that may be made by the State President. The term of office for elected members is for up to four years with retirements occurring at any time during the year.
In addition State Council relies on external expertise for specific roles. Advisers are appointed and attend State Council as required to assist our work in legal, risk management, spiritual and other special areas.
BRENDAN PODBURY
STATE PRESIDENT
Brendan Podbury was elected State President of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria on 14 February 2026 to take effect from 20 February.
Brendan is a long-standing member of the Society since joining as a Conference Support Officer in 1998 and as a Conference Member since 2002. He has held numerous leadership and governance roles, most recently completing a four-year term as Northern Central Council President in 2025.
Brendan brings extensive experience in community and faith-based leadership, with a deep commitment to social justice, pastoral care and volunteer development. His background includes youth work and ministry, and more than two decades of service in charitable and mission-focused settings.
Within the broader Society, he has contributed to strategic planning, leadership development and the Congress and Beyond process, helping to strengthen Vincentian formation and embed Congress outcomes into practical structures, policies and ways of working.
Known for his collaborative and values-driven leadership style, Brendan combines a deep respect for the Vincentian tradition with a practical approach to change management in volunteer-based organisations.
He lives in Northcote with his wife Helen, and they have three adult children and three grandchildren.
State Council
Appointed Office Bearers
- Deputy State President - Barb Anglin
- Vice President - Ken Northwood
- Vice President - Maria Minto Cahill
- Treasurer - Shane O'Meara
- State Youth Representative - Joshua McLeod
Central Council Presidents
- Eastern Central Council - Margaret Gearon
- Northern Central Council - David Forrest
- Southern Central Council - CP Singh
- Western Central Council - Grace Pulis
- Gippsland Central Council - Sheryl Carstein
- North Eastern Central Council - Anne Kotsiakos
- North Western Central Council - Michael Ryan
CHARLIE SPENDLOVE
INTERIM GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Charlie Spendlove is a for-purpose leader dedicated to advancing the mission of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria. She currently serves as Executive General Manager, Brand & Commercial, overseeing Corporate Affairs, Vinnies Retail and the Philanthropy portfolio, and has recently stepped into the role of Interim Group CEO.
For close to two decades, Charlie has held senior executive roles across the not-for-profit and public sectors, including Guide Dogs Australia, the Victorian Government and Scope Australia, where she led major brand and organisational transformations, scaled income streams and built high-performing teams.
She is recognised as a values-based leader who builds teams grounded in trust, service and shared purpose, bringing an unapologetically optimistic, people-centred approach to leadership.
Senior Leadership Team
Working together, our CEO and Senior Leadership Team manage the operations of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Portfolios include:
- Brand & Commercial
- Client Services
- Corporate Services
- General Counsel
- Membership Support
- People & Culture
- Strategy, Mission & Innovation