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Andrew Buchanan
Chairperson
Andrew’s career has been in radio and television broadcasting, as a presenter and in senior management with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He has particular expertise in communication, staff motivation and facilitating corporate change, and has his own company AB Communicates Pty Ltd.
Having lived and worked in rural NSW and Queensland, Andrew is a strong advocate for those disadvantaged by distance. Andrew has personal experience of disability through polio since birth. He serves on a number of boards and has a broad network.
Geoff Hodgkinson
Treasurer
Geoff has extensive experience in the Banking and Finance sector and is a former Assistant Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia. Geoff has a Bachelor of Economics from Sydney University and is a Fellow of the Australian Certified Practicing Accountants (FCPA) and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD). Geoff joined Best Buddies during May 2007 and took over the Treasurer role during November 2007.
Allison Stanfield
Allison Stanfield is co-founder and owner of e.Law Australia Pty Ltd, a company that specializes in providing technology solutions to law firms, courts and government agencies. Allison is recognized as an expert in the field of electronic discovery and information management and her proven track record of delivering best practice solutions stems from her background as a practising litigation lawyer, and through her work as Registrar of the Court of Appeal (Qld).
Allison has successfully implemented and managed a number of complex litigation matters and Commissions of Inquiry, including the HIH Royal Commission.
Allison joined Best Buddies in July 2008.
Jennifer Stephenson
Jennifer is currently senior lecturer in special education at Macquarie University Special Education Centre. She has worked in other universities and as teacher of students with intellectual disability. Jennifer has a PhD and is a qualified special educator. Jennifer has worked with Best Buddies for the past two years, primarily to support initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual disability.
Michael Bartels
Michael is our newest Board Member. Michael has supported Best Buddies Australia for a number of years assisting with education and training for both volunteers and staff. Michael is currently the Vice Chairperson for the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability. He has also represented NSW for Cricket. Michael has an intellectual disability.
Lauren Miller Cilento
Lauren is the CEO of the Harry M Miller Group. She joined the company from Sydney University in 1997, starting as the Receptionist, then part time as Client Management Assistant whilst she completed studies. She is responsible for the day to day operations of the company and her primary projects include expanding the Harry M Miller Group including the move into brand and talent content, literary and international film projects while continuing to be the leader in Celebrity Management. Lauren joined Best Buddies as a Director during 2009. Lauren is also a member of the Salvation Army Media Advisory Board and a member of Brain Cancer Research Advocates.
Naomi Simson
Imagine running a business based on fun - that's what Naomi Simson decided to try after leaving a very serious corporate career in marketing to set up online experience gift retailer RedBalloon in 2001. As founder and Chief Experience Office of redballoon.com.au Naomi received the 2008 national Telstra Business Womens Awards for Innovation, and was one of four finalists in the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Business Women of the Year Awards. RedBalloon has listed in the BRW fast lists for six consecutive years, has a Hewitt 97% employee engagement score and is listed one of the top ten Great Places to Work in Australia by BRW.
Executive Management
Mark Trevaskis
Executive Director of Best Buddies Australia
Mark is a key player of the organisation, assisting in the growth and providing the day-to-day leadership of the company. He was employed in November 2007 and has previously worked for the NSW State Government and the Benevolent Society. Mark’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Work from Newcastle University. Outside of work, he likes to participate as an active Surf Life Saver and trainer for Coogee Surf Life Saving Club.
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