Meet our Team

  • Maureen Koegel Founder Bequest Assist

    Maureen Koegel

    Founder

    After working in Bequests and Estate Administration at Australian Red Cross, The Heart Foundation and RSPCA, Maureen founded Bequest Assist to help charities better manage their estates.

    Using corporate experience in process efficiency, lean management and significant data capture, Maureen has overseen the design of the Bequest Assist Estate Management software to improve the process and effectiveness of charity estate administration.

  • Morgan Koegel Managing Director Bequest Assist

    Morgan Koegel

    Managing Director

    Morgan came to Bequest Assist with a wealth of experience in not-for-profit management, fundraising and legal administration. After graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor in Arts and Juris Doctor (Laws), Morgan’s entire career has been in the not-for-profit space. Most recently she worked at The Climate Council and served on the board of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. After eighteen months with the organisation as the Client Services Manager, Morgan has stepped into the role of Managing Director.

  • Nikita Obermuller

    Chief Operating Officer

    Nikita joined Bequest Assist in 2023 as a Bequest Data Coordinator before becoming Chief Operating Officer. She enjoys using data to build reports, enhance workflows, and drive strategic improvements. With a Sociology degree from the University of Newcastle (UK), she has a strong background in the charitable sector and previously worked as a Bequest Coordinator, supporting estate administration and donor engagement.

  • Eleanor DeMarzi Bequest Administrator

    Eleanor DeMarzi

    Senior Bequest Administrator

    Eleanor was admitted as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2014. She has previously worked as a solicitor at Arnold Bloch Leibler, in-house legal counsel at a national operations and maintenance company, and judge’s associate at the Federal Court of Australia and Supreme Court of Victoria. Eleanor brings a diverse legal knowledge to Bequest Assist and the administration of estates.

  • Christopher Coates Bequest Assist Administrator

    Christopher Coates

    Bequest Administrator

    With a career in education and training, Chris brings experience in project management, instructional materials development and administrative management to the Bequest Assist team.

  • Lisa Collins

    Lisa Collins

    Senior Bequest Administrator

    Lisa has a background working in law firms, where she honed her legal skills and gained invaluable insights into various legal processes. She holds an Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing, a Diploma of Leadership and Management, and an Advanced Diploma of Paralegal Studies, further enhancing her legal knowledge and skills.

    With her diverse qualifications and practical experience, Lisa is a versatile and asset to Bequest Assist, ensuring exceptional service and expertise for all clients.

  • Ashley Samuels

    Estates coordinator / Senior Bequest Administrator
    Ashley brings over a decade of experience in Wills and estates and has transitioned to Bequest Assist to work closely with charities and make a positive impact in this dynamic intersection of law and philanthropy.

    With a wealth of experience navigating the complexities of estate administration, Ashley is trilled to honor the wishes of donors and assist charities secure vital resources to further their missions. 

  • Julian Rucinski

    Senior Bequest Administrator

    Julian has completed a Bachelor of Arts and Laws and been working with Bequest Assist since December 2022. He brings both legal and charity experience having worked at HFW, ASRC and Justice Connect. He is driven to fulfilling the needs of Australian charities to bring about much-needed change across Australia and the world

  • Kelly Irish Marketing Consultant

    Emma Bishop

    Remote Office Manager / Bequest Administrator

    Hailing from the UK, Emma joined Bequest Assist in September 2024 as the Remote Office Manager and Bequest Administrator. She brings 10 years’ experience working in the legal industry, having gained her first Legal Secretary Certificate in 2015. Emma most recently qualified as a Probate Technician with the Council of Licenced Conveyancers after developing a professional interest in estate law, allowing her to combine her passion for helping others with her legal expertise.

    This is Emma’s first role in the not-for-profit sector and she is excited to contribute to the meaningful and impactful work of the various charitable organisations that Bequest Assist supports

  • Penny Burke - Senior Bequest Administrator

    Penny Burke

    Senior Bequest Administrator

    Penny is a seasoned profit-for-purpose professional with a 20-year career in the sector. Having worked with a wide range of organisations, from small charities to large universities, and with over a decade of experience managing Bequest and Estates programs at some of Victoria's largest charities, Penny has developed a deep understanding of estate management and the complexities of legacy giving. She is passionate about helping clients navigate these intricacies and ensuring that the wishes of their supporters are honoured.

  • Charlotte Herniman

    Bequest Administrator

    Charlotte joined Bequest Assist in February 2025, bringing over 15 years of administrative experience across private businesses, the Federal Government and State Government. Her career includes nearly a decade at The Public Trustee of Queensland where she administered complex estates, prepared legal documents, liaised with stakeholders in statutory positions and provided exceptional client service.

    With strong stakeholder management skills and a background in compliance, legal administration, and case management, Charlotte is committed to supporting charities in maximising bequest income through efficient and compassionate estate administration.

  • Lara Kron

    Bequest Administrator

    Lara has over 20 years of experience as a senior legal assistant and paralegal, working across various areas of law, including wills and estates. She has extensive experience managing estate files, giving her a deep understanding of the processes involved in administering estates, as well as the ability to handle complex matters with professionalism and ease. Now transitioning into the charity sector, she is committed to ensuring donors’ final wishes are carried out with compassion, care, and efficiency.

    Lara values the opportunity to help charities receive their intended gifts and make a lasting impact.

Get In Touch

Bequest Assist takes all the hassle out of managing your estates when a bequest is realised.

We free up days of your time so you can focus on your core job — helping supporters discover the joy of leaving a legacy and making an ongoing difference after their lifetime.

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