Elenie has over 20 years’ experience in policy and advocacy, government relations, media and public speaking. As the long-time national director of the Uniting Church in Australia’s justice policy and advocacy unit, she gained a deep understanding of values-based organisations and has significant experience working with complex national and international member-based organisations and diverse civil society coalitions.
Elenie has extensive experience in board and committee work, including two terms as chair of an international aid organisation, founding chair of a national ecumenical advocacy organisation and board member on Australia’s peak social services body. She is a non-executive director of one of Australia’s largest community services agencies and is skilled in the areas of organisational culture, governance, public policy, social and environmental responsibility, strategy development and implementation, stakeholder relations, and risk and compliance.
Current Roles
Non-Executive Director, Uniting NSW & ACT (since July 2019)
Member, Greenpeace Australia Pacific General Assembly (since June 2018)
Selected Past Roles
National Director, UnitingJustice Australia, Uniting Church in Australia (2002-2017)
Non-Executive Director, Australian National Development Index (ANDI) Board (2013-2021)
Member, Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, World Council of Churches (2006-2018)
Non-Executive Director, Australia Council of Social Service (ACOSS) Board (2015-2017)
Member & Chairperson, Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce Board (2012-2017)
Member & Chairperson, Act for Peace Board (2009-2016)
Academic Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy (2021) Macquarie University
Bachelor of Theology (1996) United Theological College
Master of Arts (1994) University of Sydney
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (1986) University of Sydney
Elenie Poulos PhD GAICD 