Board

Board Directors

		John Connell Chair Appointed to Board: 2009 Relative receiving service from Sunnyfield: Son Mark attends Sunnyfield outings run by the Saturday Respite Program based at Frenchs Forest. Professional Background: John has 20 years in retail management, initially in store management and subsequently in senior buying management. For the last 32 years John has run his own business. This has involved importing and selling to the discount retail market, property investment, property development and shopping centre management. Why did you become involved with Sunnyfield's Board: With my fellow Directors, I would like to continue to improve services, to keep members up to date with Sunnyfield's evolving plans and to gain their input. I have a real interest in Person Centred Plans, particularly continuation of Plans after the death of the primary carer(s).

		Dr. John Carter AO Appointed to Board: 2011 Relative receiving service from Sunnyfield: Daughter Sophie attends Sunnyfield. Professional Background: Dr. John Carter is a Clinical Professor at the University of Sydney and is a visiting Endocrinologist at Concord Hospital, Sydney Adventist Hospital and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. He is also a member of the National Diabetes Taskforce. John is the former President of the Australian Diabetes Society, and was Chairman of the Commonwealth Ministerial Advisory Committee on Diabetes. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2000 for services to diabetes and endocrinology. John has served as a long term Director of the Cromehurst Foundation, and was appointed to the Sunnyfield Board in August 2011. Why did you become involved with Sunnyfield's Board: I am passionate about the future for people with a disability and hope to make a contribution via the Board.

		John Harston Appointed to Board: 2010 Relative receiving service from Sunnyfield: Daughter Anna is employed at Allambie Enterprises and lives in the Burraga house. Professional Background: John is a Chartered Professional Engineer. He has held Board positions for listed, private and state owned corporations and currently holds Board positions with two equity funds managed by a leading investment bank. Why did you become involved with Sunnyfield's Board: Our family has benefited from Sunnyfield's services and care over the years. With time now available to me, I would like to make a personal contribution towards Sunnyfield's continuing growth and success.

		Chris Howells Appointed to Board: 2004 Professional Background: Since 1982 Chris has held positions as Chairman, Director and Chief Executive in the Information and Communications Technology industry with extensive experience in Business Development and Sales & Marketing. Chris is Vice President of the Sunnyfield Member's Auxiliary. Why did you become involved with Sunnyfield's Board: Having been involved as a member for about 30 years, I joined the Board of Sunnyfield because I wanted to help Sunnyfield grow and develop, but to maintain and grow the family and membership culture that has made Sunnyfield the unique, caring and great place it is.

		Julie Levis Appointed to Board: 2011 Professional Background: I have been a partner of the national law firm, Clayton Utz for 22 years practicing in the field of real estate transactions and property development and have worked on large scale development projects here and overseas. I am currently the managing partner of the Sydney office of Clayton Utz. I became a fellow of the Australian Property Institute in 2006. Why did you become involved with Sunnyfield's Board: I empathised with the plight of the people Sunnyfield supports and the long term difficulties faced by their families and believed that my professional experience would enable me to contribute to the resolution of the challenges currently facing Sunnyfield.

		Heather Milnes Appointed to Board: 2010 Relative receiving service from Sunnyfield: Sister June McKenzie lives in one of Allambie Heights' onsite residences, Carinya. Professional Background: Heather is a former Director, having been involved with Sunnyfield since 1988. She is a licensed real estate agent and having owned her own businesses, she now provides consultancy to local firms in property management. Why did you become involved with Sunnyfield's Board: With the retirement of previous Directors there was a need. Having spent some time on the Board previously, when asked I felt that my previous experience might be useful. I have always felt strongly about the core values of Sunnyfield and saw this as an opportunity to be involved in policies to give the people we support the best life possible.

		Malcolm Park Appointed to Board: 2011 Relative receiving service from Sunnyfield: Brother Ian works with Sunnyfield Enterprises and resides in Hostel. Professional Background: Malcolm was appointed to the Sunnyfield Board in 2008 and re-appointed in August 2011. His family has been involved with Sunnyfield since 1965. Malcolm has over 40 years experience in the Power Industry in a range of executive management roles. He presently acts as a Principal Advisor to NSW Treasury on power industry matters. He has previously served on the Boards of a number of voluntary organisations as well as co-operative research centre boards. Why did you become involved with Sunnyfield's Board: Sunnyfield has been and continues to be very important to my brother Ian and our family. Both of our parents supported Sunnyfield in a voluntary capacity for many years. I feel privileged to continue that support as a Board member.

		Neale Parnaby Appointed to Board: 2009 Relative receiving service from Sunnyfield: Daughter Kirstie is employed at Allambie Enterprises and lives in the Manor Road house. Professional Background: Neale has been a Company Director for last 15 years and is now in semi-retirement. Neale owned, ran and operated several businesses. He also had a prior career in Local Government Administration. Why did you become involved with Sunnyfield's Board: As President of the Sunnyfield Auxiliary, I have come in touch with several other parents and carers in very similar circumstances to what myself and my wife enjoy. As a result, and whilst it is only early days, I have endeavoured to improve communication lines between the Board and Members; bringing information on the many concerns that have been expressed where people have not known where to source such information. I believe new faces and ideas can only help the organisation in staying ahead of the field.

		Tom Pockett Appointed to Board: 2010 Professional Background: Tom is currently Finance Director of Woolworths Limited. He previously held positions, including Deputy Chief Financial Officer, at the Commonwealth Bank; General Manager Finance for Lend Lease Corporation and was with Chartered Accounting firm Deloitte for many years. He was a member of the Financial Reporting Council from March 2003 to March 2006 and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Why did you become involved with Sunnyfield's Board: The more I looked into Sunnyfield's activities, the more I understood the wonderful and valuable part Sunnyfield plays in today's society and I wanted to contribute and be a part of that.

		Ross Rathmell Appointed to Board: 2010 Professional Background: Ross has over 30 years of financial and corporate experience in Australia and overseas, at both private and stock exchange listed companies. He has an economics degree and sporting Blue from Sydney University. He initially worked as a Chartered Accountant for eight years with Price Waterhouse and has seven years experience as a non-executive Director, including two ASX listed companies. Why did you become involved with Sunnyfield's Board: Having been aware for many years of Sunnyfield's great work through some trusted family friends, I was keen for the chance to help with the challenges of change, ongoing growth and improving services.