Our Executive Team
The Executive Team at the Diabetes Innovation and Impact Foundation (DIIF) brings together a diverse group of leaders with profound expertise. Collectively, their experience spans across healthcare, philanthropy, policy, communications, and strategic operations. Connected by a shared commitment to reducing the impact of diabetes, this team drives the Foundation’s mission through leadership, collaborative partnerships, and evidence-based innovation.
DIIF Executive Team
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Glen Noonan
Chief Executive Officer
Glen is an experienced CEO, non-executive director, board chair, professional services partner and Adjunct Professor with over 35 years’ experience in the areas of health, business strategy, transformational change, leadership and growth.As CEO of the Diabetes Innovation and Impact Foundation (DIIF) and Diabetes Victoria, Glen is committed to driving meaningful change in diabetes research, care and advocacy to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes.Glen is also an Adjunct Professor at Deakin University’s Faculty of Health and co-chairs the Public Health and Wellbeing External Sector Advisory Group (ESAG) to achieve sector wide improvements to public health and wellbeing outcomes.Prior to his healthcare leadership roles, Glen was a Partner with PwC, where he worked for 33 years including 24 years as a Senior Partner. Glen held a range of leadership roles and led large-scale transformations across multiple industries, both in Australia and internationally. This experience in driving change is crucial in his work within the healthcare and diabetes sectors, where he strives to create lasting improvements in patient care.In addition to his professional experience, Glen has strong personal experience and connection to diabetes as the father of a son who has type 1 diabetes. His unique combination of leadership, expertise, and personal experience drives his unwavering commitment to drive research towards finding a cure for or prevention of all types of diabetes along with practical healthcare solutions. -
Lalith Abeysena
Chief Operating Officer
Lalith serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at DIIF, where he leads finance, governance, business transformation, commercial operations, and IT&C.
Lalith is a Chartered Management Accountant with over 30 years of experience in CFO/COO roles, spanning a variety of industries including mining, manufacturing, retail, wholesale and health. Lalith’s immense experience includes strategic direction, negotiation, leadership, business process improvement, organisational development, organisation restructuring, IT&C and business transformation.
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Sandra Scalzo
Head of Marketing, Communications, and Development
Sandra Scalzo serves as the Head of Marketing, Communications, and Development at DIIF. Sandra’s career includes significant experience in marketing and communications within the nonprofit sector. Sandra’s role at DIIF involves leading marketing and communications strategies to support the organisation’s mission to transform the lives of Australians affected by diabetes. Sandra is deeply passionate about DIIF’s mission, due to her personal experience as a carer of a family member with diabetes.
Sandra holds a Bachelor of Communications and an Executive Master of Business Administration.
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Lauren Monaghan
Philanthropy Manager
Lauren is the Philanthropy Manager at Diabetes Innovation and Impact Foundation where she oversees all philanthropic activity for the Foundation. Lauren is an experienced philanthropic professional, having previously worked with the Ian Potter Foundation where she was responsible for leading and implementing the Foundation’s strategic approach to health and medical research philanthropy.
Lauren has a Bachelor of Science degree with a Masters of Public Health from the University of Melbourne.
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Alex Johnson
Partnerships Manager
As the Partnerships Manager at the Diabetes Innovation and Impact Foundation, Alex plays a vital role in overseeing corporate and community partnerships.
She is dedicated to enhancing the Foundation’s impact, reach, and capacity through innovative collaborations aimed at improving the lives of individuals living with, or affected by, diabetes.
With over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Alex is a skilled fundraising and partnerships professional.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Management (Marketing).
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Holly Piontek Walker
Health Policy and Government Relations Manager
In this role, Holly is responsible for developing health policies that align with the organisation’s mission, monitoring healthcare regulations, and fostering relationships with government bodies and policymakers.
With over 20 years of experience in state health policy, chronic disease programs, and strategic planning, Holly previously held several positions within the Department of Health, including Director of Population Health, Manager of Policy and Reform, and Prevention Manager.