Ross Youngman

Chief Executive Officer

Ross is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with deep national and international experience in commercial management, philanthropy and higher education.

In a career spanning Australia and key international markets, Ross has served as CEO and Board Director of Ausbil Investment Management, CEO of Deutsche Asset Management Australia and as a Managing Director for Deutsche Bank and Bankers Trust in New York. This experience has been complemented by more than 25 years of involvement as a Board Trustee for International House in New York, a not-for-profit student residence that caters for postgraduate students from around the world. Ross is also an Ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation and an Honouree of the Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.

He has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Tasmania, an MBA from Columbia University and a Master of Science in Coaching Psychology from the University of Sydney.

Chuan Tan

Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary

As Chief Financial Officer, Chuan is responsible for the Foundation’s financial functions including accounting, audit, investments and governance. He also leads all human resources and operating activities. His career spans over 30 years of varied experience in financial management, treasury, business leadership and information technology delivery in various global locations including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, London, Sydney and Melbourne.

Before joining the Foundation in early 2018, Chuan served as Treasurer and Finance Operations Manager at an Australian University and as Company Secretary for its subsidiaries.  He has held senior positions in investment banks, transportation, mining, agricultural and tertiary education organisations.

He has a Master of Finance and Bachelor of Business in Accountancy from RMIT University and holds FCPA and CFTP (Snr) memberships.

Dr Karen McConalogue 

Executive Director, John Monash Foundation Leadership Academy

Dr Karen McConalogue is an academic and executive with more than 20 years of experience in the tertiary education and research sector, including in postgraduate programs and fellowships.

With a deep understanding of the value of scholarship programs and the development of young leaders, Karen has worked to develop, implement and support educational offerings such as doctoral programs and joint international PhDs. She has worked with a broad range of stakeholders and funders, including government departments, NGOs, charitable organisations and private donors.

Initially trained as a biomedical researcher, and with a PhD in neuroscience, Karen was a two-time National Health and Medical Research Council Research Fellow. In the inaugural year of the Victorian Premier’s Award for Medical Research, Karen received a commendation and has also won awards for professional research and graduate research management.

Janine Shearer

Executive Director, Engagement

Janine has held executive roles in the tertiary education, health, mining, innovation, museums and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to coming to the Foundation she was the Director of Engagement and Events at the Committee for Melbourne, where she created a dynamic program of activities to engage members and enhance Melbourne as a world-class city. She was also previously the founding General Manager of the Monash Precinct Network, where she built an innovation community in Melbourne’s southeast.

The highlight of Janine’s experience in universities was as the Director of Collaboration and Partnerships at Swinburne University of Technology, where she was responsible of university-wide industry engagement. She created a culture of collaboration with academic and professional staff, established, cultivated and leveraged significant industry partnerships and, in doing so, matured the university’s engagement offering. At the Foundation, Janine’s focus is on working with our wonderful partners to strengthen relationships and find increasingly valuable ways to work together.

Janine has a Bachelor of Communications (Honours in Psychology), a Master of Marketing and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). 

Lauren Connelly

Scholarships Manager

Lauren brings over a decade of experience in the Australian tertiary sector, predominantly at Swinburne University of Technology, where she managed and oversaw the applicant selection process for National and International Admissions. Her career includes roles at Deakin University and Monash University within admissions and study abroad offices, emphasising her comprehensive understanding of higher education operations.

At Hobson’s APAC, Lauren specialized in student retention and engagement, offering tailored support and guidance to students navigating academic challenges. Her commitment to enhancing study abroad opportunities is underscored by her own academic experiences at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro campus, and ESSCA School of Management, Paris campus. These experiences uniquely inform her advisory role in assisting students in pursuing international study opportunities.

Lauren holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Media and Communication from Swinburne University.

Anna Day

Media and Communications Officer

Anna is a dynamic media and communications professional with experience across the corporate, government and arts sectors in Australia. She has managed integrated marketing campaigns, media relations, and high-profile events for clients like the Queensland Garden Expo and the Australian Wearable Art Festival, and worked with organisations such as SA Power Networks and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA).

A passionate storyteller, Anna excels in roles that combine creativity and strategy, and is committed to delivering impactful, engaging stories and campaigns.

She has a Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing and a Bachelor of Communications and Media from the University of South Australia.