Our team
Board of Directors
Jillian Segal AO
Chairman
Jillian is the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia and Chairman of the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce (NSW) and the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority. She also serves as a Director of the Grattan Institute and on the International Board of the Weizmann Institute of Science. Previously, Jillian held directorial roles with ASX Limited, Garvan Institute, NAB Limited, Rabobank Australia and New Zealand and the Sydney Jewish Community Centre. She has been President of the Administrative Review Council and a Trustee of the Sydney Opera House Trust. Jillian holds degrees in arts and law from UNSW and a Master of Law from Harvard University.
Emeritus Professor Paul Wellings CBE
Deputy Chairman
Paul served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong from 2012 to 2021, after holding the same position at Lancaster University from 2002 to 2011. He has a background in the UK, with experience including a NERC research fellowship and senior roles at CSIRO and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. He is a board member for the University of Wollongong Global Foundation, Trustee of the USA Foundation, and a member of the Australian Research Council Board. He serves on multiple advisory councils, including those for Free Trade Agreements and NSW innovation.
Lee Liberman AM
Deputy Chairman
Lee is the Principal and Chair of the Lee Liberman Foundation, providing strategic funding to non-profit partners in Australia, Israel and the United States. She served as Chair of the USC Shoah Foundation from 2019 to 2022 and remains an Honorary Past Chair and Board of Councilors member. The Foundation preserves over 55,000 video testimonies of Holocaust and genocide survivors, promoting empathy and respect. Lee is a committed arts supporter, having served on the Australian National Gallery Council and Acquisitions Committee. She is also the publisher and editor of A Day in the Life of Africa and Chair of the Day in the Life of Africa AIDS Education Fund.
Simon Atkinson
Leadership Academy Advisory Board Chair
Simon has extensive experience in public policy, national security and economic affairs, having held major leadership roles in policy reforms such as the establishment of Infrastructure Australia in 2007 and the 2009 Defence White Paper. As former Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, Simon oversaw the largest infrastructure pipeline in Australian history, managing 28 corporations. He is skilled at advising chairs, CEOs, secretaries and investors on strategies to navigate complex market issues and investments, particularly in light of rapidly changing geopolitical and global economic conditions.
Carolyn Kay
Investment, Audit and Risk Committee Co-Chair
Carolyn brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial sector, serving as both an executive and non-executive director. She is an independent non-executive director at National Australia Bank, Chair of Rothschild & Co Australia, and a director at Scentre Group and Myer Family Investments. Carolyn is also a member of the Foreign Investment Review Board and a trustee of Sydney Grammar School. Previously she served as a Guardian of Australia’s Future Fund and as a panel member for the Commonwealth Retirement Income Review. Carolyn has worked with Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and Linklaters & Paines globally.
Peter Nash
Investment, Audit and Risk Committee Co-Chair
Peter had a distinguished executive career at KPMG, where he became a partner in 1993 and served as National Chairman from 2011 to 2017. He was responsible for the governance and strategic positioning of the firm and served on the Global Board. Previously he held roles such as Regional Head of Audit for Asia Pacific and National Managing Partner for Audit in Australia. With extensive experience advising on strategy, risk management, business processes and regulatory change, Peter now serves as Non-Executive Chairman of Johns Lyng Group and holds director roles at Westpac Group, ASX, and Mirvac. He also contributes to The Social Policy Group.
Tonianne Dwyer
Investment, Audit and Risk Committee Member
Tonianne is an independent non-executive public company director based in Brisbane. She serves on the boards of ALS Limited, Growthpoint Properties Australia and Incitec Pivot. Additionally, she is Deputy Chancellor and a member of the Senate at the University of Queensland. Tonianne has previously held director roles at DEXUS Funds Management, Metcash Limited, OzMinerals and others. With over 20 years of experience in investment banking and real estate fund management, Tonianne has worked with Hambros Bank, Societe Generale and Quintain Estates.
Dr Danielle Malek Roosa
Investment, Audit and Risk Committee Member
Danielle is a Senior Counsel at the World Bank and a solicitor in NSW. She holds degrees from the University of Sydney (BA, LLB, PhD) and Harvard University (LL.M). Before joining the World Bank, she worked at the National Native Title Tribunal, making administrative decisions on native title applications. Danielle began her World Bank career as an advisory lawyer, later working on lending operations for 12 years. She now advises the President and board on legal and governance matters. Danielle has served in the Australian Army Reserves and been President of the Australians in Washington Association.
Wendy Simpson AM
Chair, People Committee
Wendy is the Executive Chair of Wengeo Pty Ltd, a private investment group focusing on industrial and commercial property developments. She also serves as a Non-Executive Director for Sydney Prayer Breakfast Ltd. Wendy is a council member for Alphacrucis University and an advisory board member for Taste Creative. She was the founding Chair of Springboard Enterprises Australia, supporting high-growth companies led by women. In 2025, Wendy was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Professor Colin J Stirling
Colin is President and Vice-Chancellor of Flinders University, with a distinguished career in higher education marked by leadership, innovation and change management. Born in Scotland, he holds a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Edinburgh and a PhD in Genetics from Glasgow University. Colin was awarded a NATO Research Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley, before becoming a Professor of Genetics at the University of Manchester in 1998. He held several leadership roles at Manchester and Curtin University, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor before his current appointment at Flinders University.
Management Team
Ross Youngman
Chief Executive Officer
Ross is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with national and international experience in commercial management, philanthropy and higher education. He has served as CEO and Board Director of Ausbil Investment Management, CEO of Deutsche Asset Management Australia, and as Managing Director for Deutsche Bank and Bankers Trust in New York. Complementing this, Ross has over 25 years as a Board Trustee of International House New York, a not-for-profit postgraduate student residence. He is an Ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation and an Honouree of the Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Tasmania, an MBA from Columbia University and a Master of Science in Coaching Psychology from the University of Sydney.
Chuan Tan
Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary
Chuan oversees the Foundation’s financial functions, including accounting, audit, investments, governance, and leads human resources and operations. With more than 30 years of experience in financial management, treasury, business leadership and IT delivery, he has worked in locations such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, London, Sydney and Melbourne. Before joining the Foundation in 2018, Chuan was Treasurer and Finance Operations Manager at an Australian university and served as Company Secretary for its subsidiaries. He has held senior roles in investment banks, transportation, mining and education. Chuan holds a Master of Finance and Bachelor of Business from RMIT University.
Dr Karen McConalogue
Executive Director, Leadership Academy
Karen is an academic and executive with more than 20 years of experience in the tertiary education and research sector, specializing in postgraduate programs and fellowships. She has developed and supported initiatives such as doctoral programs and joint international PhDs, working with diverse stakeholders, including government departments, NGOs and private donors. A trained biomedical researcher with a PhD in neuroscience, Karen is a two-time National Health and Medical Research Council Research Fellow. She received a commendation in the inaugural Victorian Premier’s Award for Medical Research and has won awards for research and graduate research management.
Janine Shearer
Executive Director, Engagement
Janine has held executive roles across the tertiary education, health, mining, innovation, museums and not-for-profit sectors. Before joining the Foundation, she was Director of Engagement and Events at the Committee for Melbourne, creating dynamic programs to engage members and enhance the city. She also served as the founding General Manager of the Monash Precinct Network, building an innovation community. At Swinburne University, as Director of Collaboration and Partnerships, she fostered industry engagement and collaboration. At the Foundation, Janine focuses on strengthening relationships with partners. She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Hons), a Master of Marketing, and is GAICD qualified.
Lauren Connelly
Scholarships Manger
Lauren brings more than a decade of experience in the Australian tertiary sector, primarily at Swinburne University, where she managed the national and international admissions selection process. Her career also includes roles at Deakin and Monash universities in admissions and study abroad offices, giving her a comprehensive understanding of higher education operations. At Hobson’s APAC, Lauren focused on student retention and engagement, supporting students with academic challenges. Her commitment to study abroad is informed by her own academic experiences at the University of North Carolina and ESSCA School of Management. Lauren holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Media and Communication from Swinburne University.
Anna Day
Media & Communications Officer
Anna is a dynamic media and communications professional with experience across the corporate, government and arts sectors in Australia. She has coordinated integrated marketing campaigns, media relations and high-profile events for clients such as the Queensland Garden Expo and the Australian Wearable Art Festival and has worked with organisations such as SA Power Networks and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (South Australia). A passionate storyteller, Anna excels in roles that combine creativity and strategy, and is committed to delivering impactful, engaging stories. Anna has a Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing and a Bachelor of Communications and Media from the University of South Australia.
Felicity Lewis
Office Administrator
Felicity provides administrative support to the management team and assists the CEO to manage and deliver strategic priorities. She comes with extensive experience in administration in the private and not-for-profit sectors and also enjoys volunteering. Felicity holds an Associate Diploma in Business from RMIT University and a Certificate in Education Support.
Leadership Academy Advisory Board
Simon Atkinson
Chair
Simon has extensive experience in public policy, national security and economic affairs, having held major leadership roles in policy reforms such as the establishment of Infrastructure Australia in 2007 and the 2009 Defence White Paper. As former Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, Simon oversaw the largest infrastructure pipeline in Australian history, managing 28 corporations. He is skilled at advising chairs, CEOs, secretaries and investors on strategies to navigate complex market issues and investments, particularly in light of rapidly changing geopolitical and global economic conditions.
Lee Liberman
Lee is the Principal and Chair of the Lee Liberman Foundation, providing strategic funding to non-profit partners in Australia, Israel and the United States. She served as Chair of the USC Shoah Foundation from 2019 to 2022 and remains an Honorary Past Chair and Board of Councilors member. The Foundation preserves over 55,000 video testimonies of Holocaust and genocide survivors, promoting empathy and respect. Lee is a committed arts supporter, having served on the Australian National Gallery Council and Acquisitions Committee. She is also the publisher and editor of A Day in the Life of Africa and Chair of the Day in the Life of Africa AIDS Education Fund.
Emeritus Professor Paul Wellings CBE
Deputy Chairman
Paul served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong from 2012 to 2021, after holding the same position at Lancaster University from 2002 to 2011. He has a background in the UK, with experience including a NERC research fellowship and senior roles at CSIRO and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. He is a board member for the University of Wollongong Global Foundation, Trustee of the USA Foundation, and a member of the Australian Research Council Board. He serves on multiple advisory councils, including those for Free Trade Agreements and NSW innovation.
Robert Cameron AO
Bob is an experienced company director with qualifications in engineering, economics and business. He founded and led Centennial Coal as Managing Director and Chairman, chaired the NSW Minerals Council, and sits on boards including Zeal Futures and the UNSW Foundation. Bob is a Trustee and Audit Chair at the State Library of NSW and a respected community leader. He was named an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to the mining industry, higher education and regional communities, and holds multiple industry and alumni awards recognising his contributions to business and the community.
Vera Boyarsky
Vera Boyarsky is Executive Director of Anka Property Group, with over 40 years’ experience in property development, design, and entrepreneurship. A UNSW and Harvard School of Design alumna, she is a recipient of the UDIA Women in Leadership Award and serves on several panels, including the Sir John Monash Scholarship Panel and UNSW boards. Vera is a committed philanthropist, supporting scholarships, arts organisations and medical research. Her family supports major institutions like the Art Gallery of NSW and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Vera combines design excellence, innovation and compassion to create lasting social and cultural impact
Carolyn Hewson AO
Carolyn Hewson AO is a seasoned non-executive director with more than 40 years’ experience in finance, investment and risk management. A former executive at Schroders Australia, she brings strategic expertise across corporate governance, social value, and capital markets. Carolyn is currently a Director of CSL, sits on the Reserve Bank of Australia Board, and is a member of Infrastructure SA. She has served on boards including Westpac, AGL, and BHP, and was recognised as an Officer of the Order of Australia for her service to business and the broader community. She is also Patron of Impact 100 SA.
Karen Wood
Karen Wood is Chair of South32 and a former BHP executive, with senior roles including Chief People Officer and President, Public Affairs. She chaired the BHP Foundation, supporting sustainable development worldwide, and currently serves on the boards of Djerriwarrh Investments, State Library Victoria, and the Robert Salzer Foundation. A lawyer by training, Karen has worked in business, academia, and law, and is a fellow of Monash University. With extensive board and governance experience across sectors and continents, she brings deep insight into corporate leadership, sustainability, and public engagement.
May Samali
May is Founder and CEO of Human Leadership Lab and a 2014 NSW Premier’s John Monash Scholar. A coach, investor, board director and former CEO of Ventures at High Resolves Group, she’s worked across tech, policy and education sectors globally. She was also the first employee at Silicon Valley’s Urban Innovation Fund. A certified coach, May studied at Harvard as a Gleitsman Fellow and John Monash Scholar, and holds degrees in Law and Economics. She sits on several boards and advisory panels, including at RMIT and Investible. Her work has been featured in TechCrunch, Forbes, the Australian and Stanford Social Innovation Review.
Dr Daniel Yore
Daniel is a Principal Treaty Adviser with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the 2021 Tim Fischer John Monash Scholar. With a background in medicine, teaching and public policy, Dan brings a cross-disciplinary lens to complex policy challenges. He’s worked as a doctor, educator in remote Arnhem Land, and strategist with the NT Education Union. Dan holds a Master of Public Administration from UCL and was NT Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2020. Passionate about equity and systems reform, Dan is recognised as a leader committed to meaningful change in health and education.
Dr Isabel Hanson
Isabel is a General Practitioner and 2022 BHP John Monash Scholar undertaking a DPhil in Primary Care at the University of Oxford. Her research focuses on youth mental health models in Australia and the UK. Isabel’s clinical experience includes paediatrics, addiction medicine, and remote Aboriginal healthcare. She was named 2021 RACGP National GP in Training of the Year and is a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sydney. With a background in behavioural economics and public health, Isabel is dedicated to improving equitable access to care and addressing systemic health challenges across diverse communities.
