• Board Director | Strategic Adviser | Public Policy Leader

    Neil Pharaoh is an accomplished board director and public policy strategist with over two decades of experience across government, business, and the social sector. He currently holds Non-Executive Director roles with Sustainability Victoria, the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, Tactiv Pty Ltd, and Thorne Harbour Health, and sits on the Advisory Board of a clean technology company. His board experience spans statutory authorities, commercial ventures, regulatory bodies, and community organisations—bringing a strong focus on governance reform, strategic reviews, CEO transitions, and committee leadership across audit, risk, and stakeholder engagement functions.

    Neil is the Co-founder of Tanck, a government engagement consultancy that helps purpose-driven organisations influence public policy and funding outcomes. His professional journey includes leading teams in corporate affairs, advocacy, and business development, delivering major policy, funding, and reform wins across sectors such as health, sustainability, education, and human services.

    Neil’s advocacy career has been shaped by lived experience and community leadership. He was a founding director of Rainbow Giving Australia and national co-convenor of Rainbow Labor, where he spearheaded a campaign that led to over 200 legislative and regulatory reforms—including shifting the Labor Party’s position on marriage equality. He has worked internationally in philanthropic development, refugee and child welfare policy, and held senior leadership roles in not-for-profit and private organisations.

    Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing and Accounting) and Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has completed executive education through Harvard University. He also holds additional qualifications in project management and media training.

    A former Labor candidate for the seat of Prahran (2014 and 2018), Neil combines a deep understanding of political systems with a pragmatic, strategic approach to influence and governance. He has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Outstanding 50 LGBTI Leaders and continues to champion diversity, integrity, and public value in every engagement.

    Neil is proud of his culturally diverse background and his connection to the LGBTIQ+ community—perspectives that continue to inform his commitment to inclusive leadership and progressive impact at every level.

  • Chair & Non-Executive Director, National Environment and Climate Peak Body

    Non-Executive Director, National Performing Arts Company

    Chair & Non-Executive Director, Community Learning and Adult Education Centre

    Non-Executive Director & Clinical Governance Committee Member, Maldon Hospital (now Dhelkaya Health)

    Member, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Panel on Civics and Democracy

    Non-Executive Director, GiveOUT (now Rainbow Giving Australia)

    Member, Fundraising Subcommittee – The Reach Foundation

    Member, Development Committee – Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (now Health Equity Matters)

    Co-Founder, Director & Advisory Member, Nexus Global Summit Australia