Meet our team
Suzy Dimaline, CEO
As CEO of Cure4CF, Suzy leads with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to changing the future for people living with cystic fibrosis. With over 30 years’ experience spanning business development, fundraising, marketing and communications, Suzy brings a powerful mix of strategy, creativity and heart to her role.
Suzy’s career has taken her across both corporate and for-purpose sectors, where she’s helped organisations connect with audiences and create meaningful impact. She’s passionate about storytelling, building relationships, and delivering bold ideas that drive real change — skills she puts to work daily at Cure4CF.
Since stepping into the role in 2016, Suzy has helped grow the organisation from a parent-led initiative to the largest private funder of cystic fibrosis research in Australia. She is driven by the belief that effective leadership, clarity of purpose, and integrity are essential to achieving Cure4CF’s vision: a cure for cystic fibrosis.
What keeps her going? The people. From researchers and clinicians to donors, volunteers, and the extraordinary CF Warriors who inspire her every day, Suzy is proud to lead a team and community that never stop striving for better.
When she’s not immersed in strategy or connecting with the CF community, Suzy loves painting landscapes, reading mystery novels, hiking with her husband, and enjoying a quiet weekend with glass of red and her two cats.
Sophia Hynes-Bishop, Head of Marketing & Fundraising
Sophia leads marketing and fundraising at Cure4CF, managing everything from social media and digital channels to campaign strategy and creative partnerships. With a diverse and hands-on role, she drives the Foundation’s brand and fundraising efforts with passion and innovation.
An experienced marketing professional, Sophia brings over a decade of non-profit expertise, combining creative thinking, project management, and digital fundraising skills.
Sophia loves working in a lean, passionate team where every campaign makes a real, tangible impact. Outside of work, she loves exercising, spending time with her two daughters, experimenting in the kitchen when she has time, and gardening whenever she can.
Coffee is a daily essential that helps spark her creativity.
Gemma Barry, Fundraising & Partnerships Coordinator
Gemma helps power the Foundation’s mission through strategic partnerships, campaign fundraising, and grant opportunities. With a passion for connection and creativity, Gemma brings fresh energy to prospect research, supporter stewardship and fundraising strategy.
Originally from the UK, Gemma has more than a decade of experience delivering high-impact campaigns and donor engagement in both the not-for-profit and local government sectors. Her work has spanned sports humanitarian causes and children’s palliative care, and in 2023 she brought her skills — and her young family — to Adelaide.
Gemma thrives on building relationships and is driven by the opportunity to make a real difference through her work. Outside of the office, you’ll find her chasing sunsets, walking by the beach, enjoying a good curry and wine, or deep in the chaos and joy of life with two little ones.
Professor Jodie Simpson, Head of Research
Jodie Simpson is the Head of Research at Cure4CF, where she oversees the organisation’s research program, including research partnerships, funding pathways and engaging the cystic fibrosis community in shaping research priorities. With a background in both laboratory science and clinical research, she brings a rare blend of expertise, curiosity and care to the role.
Jodie holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physical Chemistry and a PhD in Medicine, specialising in Respiratory Medicine. She is a Fellow of both the European Respiratory Society and the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Prior to joining Cure4CF, she led a research team focused on inflammation and infection in asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis, combining lab-based discovery with clinical trial work.
Her passion for health, her love of science, and her drive to create meaningful change are what brought her to Cure4CF. Today, she is proud to help grow Australia’s cystic fibrosis research capacity and support projects with the potential to transform lives.
Outside of work, Jodie’s current passions include family history, embroidery, and making jam. She’s a John Farnham and Kasey Chambers fan, a colour-coded peg enthusiast, and proudly identifies as AuDHD.
Birgit Smith,
Grants and Finance Manager
Birgit plays a key role in supporting both the financial operations and the organisation’s growing research program. From overseeing grants and managing budgets to financial forecasting and compliance, Birgit ensures the foundation runs smoothly and sustainably behind the scenes.
Originally from Vienna, Birgit holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Business and Economics and brings nearly a decade of finance experience across the not-for-profit sector. She’s passionate about using her skills to make a difference and is especially proud to have helped shape Cure4CF’s grant program into the robust, multi-stream initiative it is today.
Birgit is driven by purpose, kindness, and the chance to support research that changes lives. Outside of work, she loves running, reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and children — who she’s raising bilingually in German and English.
Renee Brown, Fundraising & Communications Officer
Renee supports fundraising campaigns, community engagement and communications at Cure4CF, helping to bring people together in pursuit of one powerful goal — a cure for cystic fibrosis. With a background in office management and accounts, she combines strong organisation with a deep sense of purpose.
Drawn to the opportunity to work within a kind and committed community, Renee finds meaning in every part of her role. She loves seeing the tangible impact of the Foundation’s work, whether it’s funding research, supporting families, or raising awareness.
Renee is especially proud to stand alongside families living with CF and is driven by their strength and compassion. For her, it’s about being part of a movement rooted in action, empathy and hope.
Outside of work, she enjoys Saturday morning breakfasts, long walks in the fresh air, and a little quiet competitiveness when it comes to sport — preferably with a skim latte or peppermint tea in hand.