Chair

Simon is a highly experienced research and strategy consultant having worked with organisations across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

He brings expertise in:

• Research and analysis of complex market, organisational and policy environments
• Strategy development
• Stakeholder and government relations
• Organisational change

For 13 years, he played a key leadership role with Melbourne-based consultancy, Andrews Group, providing strategy, marketing and organisational change services to clients across Australia.  Simon worked closely with senior executive teams and Boards problem analysis, strategy development, marketing and communication, and change management.

Simon left Andrews Group in 2013 to move to Wodonga.  He established Chorus Consulting and operates predominantly in the fields of market and social research, and government relations.

Deputy Chair

Michael is the Head of School of Community Health at Charles Sturt University. He has work in the university sector in both England and Australia. He is an occupational therapist by profession and has spent his career working with people who have physical, cognitive and/or emotional impairments in Australia and in a number of oversea countries. 

As an occupational therapist he has an interest in working with people who are marginalised and/or discriminated against. He has a strong belief in social justice and in providing the support to enable individuals and communities to be involved in making decisions that affect their lives.

Treasurer

Karina is our financial and operational specialist with work experiences including those of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. As a CPA with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Bathurst’s Charles Sturt University, she has a passion for good corporate governance, believing strongly in concepts of ‘good business’.  She started out in tax accounting, but moved to ASX companies, including CSR Ltd, but has found her interest in the SME size of business, where real differences can be made.

Having a drive for constant improvement, not just in business, but extending into her personal life, Karina has a Bachelor of Arts (Ancient History and Studies in Religion) and is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws. A keen reader and a passion for all self-learning, Albury Wodonga FoodShare is another passion rolled in where Karina’s goal is to do what she can to help the local community in the best way she can – financial and operational expertise.

Jodie brings 29 years’ experience in communications and marketing to the Board. She first became interested in FoodShare in 2014 when she learned it was bi-partisan not-for-profit that acts as an umbrella resource to many agencies, rather than being closely aligned to a few. She is amazed at how far-reaching the service is, and saddened by how great the need. And that need has increased since her time on the Board, not diminished.

Jodie has a BA in Sociology from Charles Sturt University and has worked as a journalist for Prime7 and WIN television in Albury and Wagga Wagga, as a columnist for the Border Mail, and in various roles at the Wangaratta Rural City Council, HotHouse Theatre and the Flying Fruit Fly Circus. She spent seven years in UK, working mainly with Haringey Council (London). Jodie’s favourite job though, was that of agent/manager with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Her other favourite job is that of Communications and Development Coordinator with Catholic College Wodonga.

Kate has worker in the welfare sector for almost 20 years and prior to that in the private sector. She has worked in a variety of roles across a range of programs during that time in direct service provision, coordination and senior management roles.

Prior to joining CISVic in late 2009, Kate coordinated the Emergency Relief, Information, Referral, Advocacy and Support Service at Springvale. During her time at CISVic, Kate has led the organisation through significant change which has seen it develop in scope & size, implementing a range of initiatives to strengthen both CISVic and the broader sector.

She is passionate about generalist, place-based service delivery and the important role volunteers play in building cohesive communities. Kate is committed to social justice and the community information and support sector. Kate is an active volunteer with a number of groups including school council and sits on a number of boards.

Kate has a Diploma Social & Community Welfare, Diploma of Business (Community Business Management Program).

With a decades long public sector career, as well as serving on various local school, sporting and performing arts committees, Andrea brings a wealth of practical experience to FoodShare.

She has held leadership positions for the last 20 years, and has skills in

• Goal and intent setting
• Designing and implementing strategies
• Project Management
• Risk management including implementation of mitigation strategies

Andrea has also worked in the inclusion and diversity space as an active ally to various minority groups. She has a keen sense of social justice and strongly believes in equity in our communities.

Andrea champions proactively planning and implementing strategies to enable the efficient and effective use of resources.

She is keen to lend her skills and experience to support FoodShare because of its regional focus and that it provides practical support for those who need it in our community.

Andrea has lived in North East Victoria since 1991, and chooses to spend her spare time supporting various local theatre companies.

Joseph is an experienced social worker and nonprofit manager, with nearly 20 years of leadership and professional roles across a range of sectors in social services. His areas of interest include domestic and family violence, mental health, community development, multicultural affairs, policy advocacy, humanitarian responses, and international development.

Originally from the Philippines and currently a resident of Lavington, Joseph previously worked as the Program Manager for Domestic and Family Violence at Gateway Health in Wodonga and Wangaratta. Joseph has a Master of Teaching in Social Work from the Catholic University of America, and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the Philippine Women’s University.

Marcus has joined FoodShare, after a return to his hometown of Albury Wodonga and 35 years establishing a global career in Advertising. A highly regarded Brand and Creative Strategist, Marcus has held senior executive appointments within the WPP Group of companies in the UK, USA, Korea and Malaysia, with Ogilvy, Grey Worldwide & Geometry Global, along with over a decade in Music and Radio with Clear Channel in New York, Chrysalis Music in London, and the Australian Radio Network.

Marcus is passionate about helping regional businesses and brands grow, and be the best they can possibly be. He frequently holds best practice Branding, Retailing and Creative workshops. He's an active supporter to the members of Albury Business Connect, and works with a strong stable of local organisations.  

An advocate for community based mentoring in schools and mental health, Marcus joins with a commitment to driving evidence based impact and sustainable growth.