Deb Attard Portughes is the Chief Executive Officer of the Women & Infants Research Foundation (WIRF), where she leads the organisation’s mission to transform the health and wellbeing of women and babies through world-class research, innovation and collaboration. Working closely with the WIRF Board, Deb drives the Foundation’s strategic vision, empowers a dedicated team of researchers and staff, and oversees the successful delivery of programs that create real and lasting impact across Australia.
With a 30-year track record in high-level fundraising, business development and strategic leadership, Deb brings deep experience in building powerful partnerships, mobilising philanthropy and engaging diverse stakeholders. Before joining WIRF, she spent more than 13 years with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), where she played a pivotal role in securing major national and international investment to protect Australia’s most threatened species.
Deb’s career began in Malta, where she taught creative thinking alongside world-renowned expert Professor Edward de Bono. She later served on the board of the POWA Institute for Creative Thinking in Australia, championing the application of de Bono’s methodologies in business, education and social impact. Her background also spans family and commercial mediation, as well as executive production for a national current affairs television program – bringing a multidimensional lens to leadership, communication and problem solving.
Today, Deb is recognised for her ability to combine strategic insight with creativity, compassion and drive. Under her leadership, WIRF is strengthening its national influence, accelerating research translation, and expanding life-changing programs to improve outcomes for future generations.
