Rebecca McDonald appointed to head Pearcey Queensland

The Pearcey Foundation has appointed Rebecca McDonald as Chair of its Queensland Committee, succeeding Paul Gampe after seven years in the role.

McDonald, founder of Library for All and Firm Foundations, will also join the Pearcey Foundation National Committee as part of the leadership change. Gampe is stepping down because of increasing work responsibilities.

Both the incoming and outgoing chairs have previously received the Queensland Pearcey ICT Entrepreneur Award, with Gampe honoured in 2009 and McDonald in 2022. The handover keeps the state committee under leaders with direct ties to one of Queensland's longest-running technology awards programs.

Jordan Green, Chair of the Pearcey Foundation, thanked Gampe for his time in the post.

"On behalf of the Pearcey Foundation, I want to sincerely thank Paul for his outstanding contribution over the past seven years," Green said.

"Paul has been an exceptional leader and advocate for Queensland's technology community. His commitment has strengthened Pearcey's presence in the state and ensured the achievements of so many ICT entrepreneurs have been recognised and celebrated. We are incredibly grateful for his service."

During Gampe's tenure, the Queensland committee continued its work on the state's ICT entrepreneur awards, which recognise founders, innovators and technology leaders. The awards have been running for more than two decades.

Career background

McDonald's career has spanned software, property, government, international development and social enterprise. Early in her career, she founded wedding software business Cherish Me before moving into property development.

She later led the delivery of more than 4,000 social housing homes for the Queensland Government through one of Australia's largest housing programs. She then created Library for All, a technology non-profit focused on digital books, digital libraries and literacy software for children in underserved communities.

Library for All was acquired by Save the Children Australia in 2020, allowing the organisation to extend its work across more than 17 countries.

In 2024, McDonald founded Firm Foundations, which focuses on affordable housing by using technology, data and partnerships to identify underused land. The venture works with governments, churches, communities and other organisations.

Green said McDonald had already contributed as a member of the Queensland committee before taking the chair role.

"Rebecca has already made a significant contribution as a member of our Queensland Committee. Her entrepreneurial experience, commitment to purpose-driven innovation and passion for supporting Australia's technology sector make her an outstanding choice to lead Pearcey Queensland into its next chapter," Green said.

Volunteer structure

The leadership change also highlights the foundation's reliance on volunteer governance across its state and national operations. Its work depends on members who contribute time and expertise to recognise achievement in Australia's ICT industry.

Green pointed to that volunteer model in discussing the transition.

"The Pearcey Foundation is a proudly volunteer-run national charity. Our success depends entirely on people like Paul and Rebecca who generously contribute their time, expertise and leadership to recognise excellence across Australia's ICT industry. Their commitment ensures Pearcey's legacy continues for future generations," Green said.

McDonald also paid tribute to her predecessor after working with him on the Queensland committee.

"I've been incredibly fortunate to work closely with Paul over the past few years. He cares deeply about Queensland's technology community and has always gone out of his way to connect, encourage and champion entrepreneurs. The impact he's had, both personally and through the network he's built, has been enormous.

"I'll genuinely miss working alongside Paul in this role, but he leaves Pearcey Queensland in a fantastic position. It's a privilege to continue the work he's started and help recognise and support the incredible technology entrepreneurs who are shaping Queensland's future," McDonald said.

The Pearcey Foundation was established in 1998 to raise the profile of Australia's information and communications technology industry and profession. It was created in memory of Dr Trevor Pearcey, a pioneer of the Australian ICT sector.

The Queensland Pearcey ICT Entrepreneur Awards remain a central part of that effort, giving the foundation a public role in recognising technology entrepreneurs in the state. McDonald now takes charge of the Queensland committee with a prior award to her name and experience spanning software, education and housing.