Who we are Meet our team

Welcome to the Neurological Foundation

The Neurological Foundation plays a unique role in advancing neurological research and understanding across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Working alongside researchers, clinicians, donors, and communities, we help fund neurological research, support public education, and strengthen the future of neuroscience in New Zealand.

Through long-term investment, collaboration, and public support, we help drive progress in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and care of conditions affecting the brain and nervous system.

Dr John Green

Rich Easton

CEO

Rich Easton joined the Neurological Foundation team in 2017. With a passion for the not-for-profit sector, he brings a wide range of leadership experience from his previous roles in business and technology.
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Rich Easton

Dr Sarah Schonberger

Head of Research

The Neurological Foundation Head of Research manages the application and awards process for grants, scholarships and fellowships, and is the main contact for applicants, recipients and the research offices that host each grant.
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Dr Sarah Schonberger

Simon Thorne

Head of Finance, Investment & Support

The Head of Finance, Investment & Support oversees all financial aspects of the Foundation, with his team of 3 key staff. This is a varied role, whether it be managing the thousands of donations that come in each year, ensuring the Researchers are paid promptly, or dealing with compliance and audit responsibilities. Simon also manages the investment portfolio, and his team looks after all the operational aspects of the Foundation, and serves as the first point of contact for donors, however they reach out to us.

Simon enjoys spending time with his 3 children, and is a keen sports fan, with a particular interest in football and Formula 1.
Simon Thorne

Philanthropy & Engagement Team

Our Philanthropy & Engagement Team is passionate about the work they do to raise funds and awareness for the Neurological Foundation. They are the perfect people to speak to if you are interested in supporting the Foundation.
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Dr Neil Anderson

Chief Medical Advisor

The Chief Medical Advisor guides the Foundation in all clinical matters, ensuring accuracy in all our communications. They advise the Scientific Advisory Committee on clinical aspects of funding applications and are part of the Personal Awards Committee for senior and clinical fellowships.
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Dr Neil Anderson

Neurological Foundation Council

The Neurological Foundation Council is the governing body of the Foundation. It sets strategy for the Foundation and governs its operation, approving the appointment of key staff, signing off on operations and financial strategies for the Foundation, and ensuring the Foundation is being run according to its guiding principles.

The Council is made up of business experts, neurologists and neuroscientists who volunteer their time without remuneration. During the grant rounds, the Council is responsible for approving the grants, Fellowships and Scholarships that have been recommended by the Scientific Advisory and Personal Awards Committees. While the Council does not deviate from the committee’s recommendations, it can decide to increase funding for the round to encapsulate additional research projects that straddle the funding limit.
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Grants Committees

The Foundation maintains a pool of expert committee members, and selects from this pool to convene the Scientific Advisory Committee and Personal Awards Committee, as required, to consider funding applications.

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