Q&A with our CEO, Sandra Jacobs
- lisacoleman2
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Sandra Jacobs was appointed as FFV's Chief Executive Officer, commencing 12 May 2025. A respected leader in philanthropy and passionate advocate for community-led change, Sandra brings a unique blend of corporate experience, social entrepreneurship and values-driven leadership to the Foundation.
To help you get to know our new CEO a little better, we sat down with Sandra for a quick Q&A.
What drew you to this role?
The Freemasons have an established history of contributing to the community. You don’t need to look very far to see the Square and Compasses logo of the Freemasons across Victoria, marking its impact. I was seeking an opportunity to work in an organisation that was aligned with my values of contributing back to community, a deep curiosity for learning and where generosity is part of its core philosophy.
I was also drawn to the opportunity and the 6,500 member strong potential to build on a legacy that has contributed to the community for nearly 140 years.
Lastly my grandfather and father-in-law were Freemasons, so it is a wonderful opportunity to continue their connection through this work.
In your first couple of weeks in the organisation, what has impressed you the most about FFV and its community of Freemasons so far?
I have been very moved by the values of the Freemasons, their kindness and dedication, and the sense of community, not only among members, but their families too. I’m moved by the passion that drives their community support and the strong partnerships they’ve built with hundreds of charitable organisations and thousands of individuals across Victoria.
I am thrilled to have already witnessed the Foundation’s work first-hand. I’ve attended two FFV scholarship award events where I had the privilege of speaking with recipients. Hearing their stories was both inspiring and humbling. The scholarships are life-changing – creating opportunities to achieve their academic goals as well as offering something equally powerful: the recognition that the Freemasons believe in them and see their potential.
What are your hopes for the future of FFV’s philanthropic work in Victoria?
I would love to continue to build on the momentum that FFV has created, in particular, over the last 10 years. Such a large membership offers untapped potential to drive our mission of building a stronger and healthier Victorian community, and removing barriers so that individuals have the opportunities to achieve their goals.
FFV also has the opportunity to reinforce strategic grants and partnerships that seek to address issues that matter the most to members of Freemasons Victoria and the broader Victorian community.
Freemasons have always played a strong role in supporting their local communities. How do you see FFV helping to grow and evolve that impact?
Usually, the people that are best placed to help community are those from within that community. They know what the local needs are and what support is required to address the gaps. With Masonic lodges and Chapters right across Victoria there is a wealth of knowledge that can support meaningful impact. FFV has an opportunity to further leverage this knowledge and provide the tools and frameworks to supplement it, and to multiply and amplify our reach to create real impact where it is needed the most.
Member engagement is at the heart of FFV’s success. What are some ways you’d like to strengthen that connection?
I’d like to strengthen the connection with Lodges and their members through meaningful relationships, aided by more transparency, increased access to information about FFV, and continuing to celebrate the impact, outcomes and great work that has been achieved through Masonic Grant partnerships.
FFV also has an opportunity to provide the tools and connections for members wishing to engage in charitable work, but who have not yet had the opportunity to do so.
What’s one thing you hope every Lodge in Victoria feels about working with the Foundation under your leadership?
The word that comes to mind is PROUD.
Proud to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Proud of making meaningful impact. Proud of playing a role in improving the lives of others, and proud of the positive effect they have left for our community.
When you’re not thinking about strategy and community impact, how do you unwind or recharge?
When I am not a work, I am thinking about the two other community organisations that I am voluntarily involved with – which does take up a lot of my time – but I love it. Outside of this, time is precious, so I value spending time with the people I care about most - my husband Marc and my children Lyla (14) and Thomas (10), and other members of my family. I also value making time to catch up and share a laugh with my friends. I do have a gym membership, but sadly it isn’t used as much as I would like!
