Vedran Drakulić OAM commenced as the CEO of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation in February 2026.

He brings with him skills, experience and knowledge across multiple sectors including not-for-profit, corporate, philanthropy and government relations in roles as diverse as communications and public affairs, marketing and fundraising and advocacy and grant-making.

Prior to joining the Blue Ribbon Foundation, Vedran spent nearly 15 years in the philanthropic sector, including as the head of Gandel Foundation, transforming it into one of the leading private family foundations in Australia, as well as a stint as the CEO of the Hansen Little Foundation.

Vedran was also General Manager, Public Affairs with RACV Ltd, in charge of their media and communications, publications, corporate affairs, community engagement and sponsorships.

Before his corporate career Vedran worked in the humanitarian sector in Australia and overseas for over 15 years, including with the Australian Red Cross, the International Red Cross and with Oxfam Australia.

Vedran is described by his peers as a respected community leader, a humanitarian and an advocate, and a committed and passionate contributor to the Victorian community. In 2017 he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for “service to the community through a range of charitable organisations” and in 2025 he was Inducted in the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Honour Roll, which “recognises local champions of diversity who play a vital role in keeping our communities safe, connected and strong.”

Currently Vedran is a Board member with the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, a Deputy Chair of the Betty Amsden Foundation and a Director of the Order of Australia Association Foundation, as well as SEFA Partnerships. He is also a member of the FIA Code Authority Committee and an Adjunct Professor at the RMIT University’s School of Global, Urban and Social Studies.

Vedran arrived in Australia under the government’s humanitarian refugee resettlement program from war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina and worked hard to build a new life for him and his family in their adopted homeland.

Vedran holds a Masters Degree in Public Advocacy and Action from Victoria University and is an Executive Member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia.