Team
Heidi Lee
Chief Executive Officer
Heidi was appointed CEO of BZE in 2020. With two decades of experience in sustainable design and architecture, Heidi brings a wealth of expertise in environmental advocacy and leadership to her role. Heidi has been shortlisted by The Australian as one of Australia’s ‘Top Green Power Players’ in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and is a regular keynote speaker and contributor to leading green industry events. Heidi holds a Masters of Science (Architecture) from Deakin University.
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Matt McKee
Chief Researcher
Matt brings over two decades of experience in energy, technology, and manufacturing, with a track record of turning bold ideas into impactful outcomes. He has led national and global teams across startups, scale-ups, and major corporations - driving innovation in cleantech and operational strategy. Matt was the COO and Chief Digital Officer for RedEarth Energy Storage and supported many early-stage companies in the energy sector. He holds an MBA from IMD and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
Melissa Heyhoe
Chief Finance and Operating Officer
Melissa is a Senior Business Leader and Chief Financial Officer with over 25 years' experience. She is a Qualified Chartered Accountant and has worked in a number of sectors including Financial Services and Not-For-Profit. Melissa is a Graduate of The Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance. She has worked across all facets of Finance, run Operational functions and has led teams of up to 300 people. Melissa is passionate about bringing her experience and commercial acumen to support a sustainable future.
Trish Pinto
Fundraising Manager
Trish is a fundraising and philanthropy specialist with 30 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector. Trish has held senior executive roles on both sides of the ‘giving and getting’ equation – including in philanthropic grants management in her early career, and more recently, as a consultant fundraiser to the United Nations. She is a graduate of Melbourne and Monash universities, with post-graduate qualifications in communications from the latter.
Sam Mella
Senior Project Manager
Sam is an experienced senior project manager who leads our engagement in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. A pioneer of renewable energy exports in Australia, Sam previously led an acclaimed pre feasibility study on High Voltage Direct Current as a pathway for renewable energy export and diversification in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Sam is also the founding director of Pilbara Solar Pty Ltd.
Dr Heidi Edmonds
Senior Researcher
Heidi is a chemical and environmental engineer and spatial ecologist with a PhD in environmental science. Heidi draws on her research and engagement background to contribute to BZE’s collaborative research, leading components of BZE’s Renewable Energy Industrial Precinct project, including for her hometown of Gladstone in Central Queensland. She is also a senior researcher on BZE’s National Action Plan Critical Success Criteria. Heidi also led key research areas for BZE’s Million Jobs Plan. Heidi is co-founder of Australian Parents for Climate Action.
Amanda Devine
Human Resources Manager
Amanda is a seasoned HR professional with experience working in people, culture and talent positions for over 15 years. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Human Resources Management, Amanda has worked across various industries including university, government and not-for-profit. Her passion is working closely with leaders to help create a positive and thriving workforce for all employees. She loves that she now gets to do this in a meaningful organisation that is working towards creating a more sustainable future for all.
Madeline Townsend
Volunteer Manager
Madeline is a leader in volunteer engagement. She has worked in volunteer management and policy roles since 1989 across Australia and New Zealand, focusing on the environment sector. Madeline is a regular volunteer for environmental, social and arts causes and is a Fellow of the Institute of Community Directors Australia.
Michelle Lee
Communications Manager
Michelle is a veteran communications professional with a passion for climate action. She brings to this role almost a decade of experience spanning strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, PR and marketing in both the public sector and non-profit space.
Carissa Dyall
Fundraising Specialist
Carissa brings expertise in fundraising and donor management via her most recent role as Philanthropy Manager for the Australian Youth Orchestra, as well as past experience in donor management and communications roles in the not-for-profit sector. Carissa holds a Master of Arts & Cultural Management from the University of Melbourne.
Tejesh Kashyap
Policy & Research Officer
Tejesh specialises in business development, stakeholder engagement, academic research, and data analysis. He has worked in both the public and private sectors and first joined us as a volunteer. Tejesh holds a Masters in International Relations from the Australian National University and a dual degree in International Relations and Management from Webster University.
Fred Hiskens
Researcher
Fred is a former particle physicist with a PhD in astroparticle physics from the University of Melbourne. During his academic career, he developed expertise in data analysis, statistical modelling, scientific communication and research project management. Now at Beyond Zero Emissions, Fred is excited to apply these skills to help to identify optimistic and practical climate solutions for Australia.
Simone Halley
Executive Assistant
Simone brings significant experience in customer service, business administration, event coordination, executive support, and service coordination in diverse and dynamic operating environments including travel, retail, financial services and the not-for-profit sector. Most recently working at the Trust for Nature, Simone enjoys the value that purpose brings to an organisation and seeing first-hand the impact that it has on our people, our environment and our communities.