As Alinea Asia and the Pacific celebrates its 10th anniversary, we’re thrilled to announce a new leadership team. Having built the team from a one woman show to a bedrock of technical expertise in Australia’s development sector, Dr Bernadette Whitelum is stepping aside from the role of CEO to return to full-time technical work in the sector. Bernadette remains a core part of Alinea’s leadership and strategic development, retaining her role as a Director of the company.

Co-CEO of Alinea Asia & the Pacific, Mia Urbano

Co-CEO of Alinea Asia & the Pacific, Sarah Friendship
In planning for this transition, we are embracing a co-CEO structure for the next stage of our development. Bernadette is proudly handing over the reins to two exceptional and respected development sector leaders, Sarah Friendship and Mia Urbano, who will co-lead our organisation.
This change is not just a structural update; it represents our commitment to collaborative leadership.
Co-leadership at Alinea Asia and The Pacific is about more than sharing responsibilities. It’s a reflection of how we approach leadership and decision-making. By engaging in dialogue, challenging assumptions, and valuing diverse perspectives, we aim to model collaboration based on mutual respect, equity, and trust. This new model underscores our dedication to diversity and proves that inclusive leadership is both possible and advantageous. Our approach will enable us to tackle complex challenges and seize new opportunities with agility and confidence.
As we transition to this new leadership model, we remain committed to our mission of catalysing opportunity in international development. Together, our co-CEOs will ensure Alinea continues to lead in advancing diversity, gender equality, equity, and locally led development.
We are excited for the journey ahead and look forward to the positive impact our shared vision will bring. Here’s to new beginnings and to a future shaped by collaboration and transformative change.
Thank you for being part of our continued journey.
Warm regards,
The Alinea Team