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Leadership

The National Board of Special Olympics Australia guide the strategic direction of the organisation and the CEO leads and directs the Executive Team, staff and the network of clubs, coaches and volunteers.

National Board Members

Andrew Richardson (Chair, AICD Fellow)

Andrew is CEO of Aruma (formerly House with No Steps) which supports and empowers people with a disability throughout eastern Australia. Andrew is a respected thought-leader and a passionate advocate for social inclusion and human rights. He has served in a variety of board and leadership roles and has a daughter in the Special Olympics program.

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Tanya Brown

Tanya is a Director of Hardie Finance Corporation and Entertainment Enterprises, a business comprising commercial property and hospitality venues in Western Australia. A Harvard Business School graduate, she previously chaired the Special Olympics WA Fundraising Committee, a subcommittee of the WA State Sports Committee. Tanya was appointed to the Board on 25 February 2020.

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Keiran Corry

Keiran has been an athlete with Special Olympics Australia for over 20 years and has competed in swimming at all levels, including swimming at World Games. As an athlete leader, Keiran has been a mentor for young athletes and has also officiated at state events. He always advocates for fellow athletes and believes that athlete voices must be heard. During the pandemic he checked on the mental health and safety of athletes via teleconference.

Ruby Lawler

Ruby is an athlete with Special Olympics Australia with a passion for swimming. She is also an athlete leader, disability advocate, volunteer with the RSPCA and is a Youth Ambassador with Gladstone Community Linking Agency. She enthusiastically represents Special Olympics Australia athletes and enjoys the opportunity to share ideas, tell athlete stories and bring an athlete’s perspective to the Board.

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Donald McGauchie AO

Donald is a farmer and businessman who has served as president of the National Farmers Federation and in several advisory positions within government. He has been on the boards of the Reserve Bank, Telstra and Nufarm and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to agricultural industries in 2004. He chaired the Special Olympics National Games Board in 2014 and has a grandson with intellectual disability.

Anna Mezger (AICD)

Anna has 30 years’ experience in human resources, learning development, facilitation and project management. She is the founder and Director of Strategic HR Solutions. She has a sister with an intellectual disability and a son who is a Special Olympics World Games medallist. Anna’s first-hand experience motivates her to promote healthy, active lifestyles for people with intellectual disability and autism. Anna is a member of two sub-committees: Nominations and NDIS.

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Jehad Rasheed

Jehad has a promotional marketing background and has served on the Australasian Promotional Products Association Board. He is dedicated to advancing education, coaching and community. Jehad was Chairman of the Special Olympics National Games held in Adelaide in 2018 and has held other senior roles within Special Olympics South Australia over the past 10 years.

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Dr Jill Rathborne

Jill has 20 years’ experience as an astronomy research scientist and exceptional expertise in quantitative and qualitative research and analysis. She helped establish the national program to improve gender equity in STEM in Australia’s higher education and research sector. She is currently the Director of Research for The Inclusive Organisation Group of companies and brings to the Board her passion for both inclusion and sport.

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Andrew Scipione AO APM

Andrew was Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Police Force from 2002-2007 and Commissioner from 2007-2017 before retirement. Earlier in his career, he held positions including Commander of the Special Technical Investigation Branch, Commander of Special Crime and Internal Affairs, Chief of Staff to the NSW Police Commissioner and expert advisor to the NSW Government Special Commissions of Inquiry into the drug Ice.

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Ross Smith

Ross is a finance professional who has lead finance and corporate services teams in Australia and across Asia Pacific. Ross is passionate about the benefits of sport and physical activity for everyone. Ross is involved in numerous community activities, including his local Special Olympics club where he has a keen interest in helping athletes achieve their goals in sport and life. Ross is a member of the Finance, Audit and Risk sub-committee.

CEO & Executive

Chief Executive Officer

Pierre Comis | pierrec@specialolympics.com.au

Pierre provides leadership and direction to the Special Olympics Australia executive team, staff and the broader network of clubs, coaches, volunteers and athletes across the country. His vision is for an inclusive Australia where people with intellectual disability and autism live an active, healthy and fulfilling life.

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Participation & Programs

Yvonne Snell | yvonnes@specialolympics.com.au

Athlete & Corporate Services

Deborah Begg | deborahb@specialolympics.com.au