Heather Hamilton is a strategic adviser who helps purpose-driven organisations and their leaders turn ambition into practical, sustainable outcomes.

Warm, thoughtful and commercially minded, Heather works alongside Boards, CEOs, and leadership teams to strengthen organisational capability, build internal readiness, deepen stakeholder relationships, and develop diverse sources of income. Her approach brings together purpose, people, partnerships, philanthropy, and performance to create the confidence and foundations organisations need to grow.

Heather brings more than 30 years of experience across Australia, Asia, and Canada. Her career began in commercial and investor relations roles in Canada’s oil and gas industry, which brought her to Australia. In the late 1990s, she moved into the not-for-profit sector and has since worked across higher education, schools, health and medical research, membership associations, and community organisations.

Throughout her career, Heather has brought strategy and delivery together. She has built and led multidisciplinary teams, developed high-value partnerships, secured and stewarded significant philanthropic gifts, and contributed to campaigns ranging from $1 million to $300 million. She has also managed strategic partnership portfolios exceeding $25 million and worked with more than 1,000 volunteers. These experiences have given her a deep appreciation of the relationships, leadership, and organisational discipline required for success.

Heather has held executive and director roles with the Lions Eye Institute, The University of Western Australia Business School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane Grammar School, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. She has also served on the St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls Foundation and works with Global Philanthropic as Senior Associate, Asia Pacific.

She holds an MBA (International), is a Vincent Fairfax Fellow in Ethical Leadership, and has studied Social Impact Outcomes Measurement. Her contribution to educational advancement has been recognised with the CASE Laureate designation.

Through Advfinity, Heather offers clear thinking, honest advice, and practical support tailored to each organisation. She believes meaningful change begins with listening, understanding an organisation’s purpose, its people, and its aspirations before deciding what comes next.

Based in Western Australia, Heather is happiest near or under the water. Away from work, she enjoys swimming, sailing, and diving, often with a camera in hand, as well as spending time with her dog, Dexter.

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