Governance

Board Profile

Women's Housing Company Ltd is governed by a Board of Directors, all of whom are experienced practitioners in their chosen field of expertise. Their diverse skill set and business acumen provide ongoing guidance and direction in organisational management, governance and strategic development.

The Board meets on a monthly basis and from time to time there are a range of sub committees created depending upon current business activities. These sub committees regularly review our corporate Governance Charter, legal and compliance regulations, risk management, financial management strategies and new projects.

The board has a strong commitment to the ethical business conduct of WHC in order to protect and maintain the reputation of the company as it sets about achieving its vision with utmost integrity.

Meet The Board

Chivonne Algeo
Chairperson

Chivonne has been a board member since 2008 and was appointed to the position of chairperson in August 2011. She has 20 years corporate experience managing projects at a strategic level and is actively involved in the academic sector teaching and researching in this field. She has served voluntarily on the Board of the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) for seven years initially as the NSW Chapter President and then National Secretary and currently sits on the council of Fellows and the Knowledge and Research Council. Chivonne has been actively involved in her local community establishing best practise for local schools in managing government funding and other initiatives to assist children's learning journey. Chivonne holds a Masters of Project Management degree and is currently in the process of completing a PhD in project management.

Alice Spizzo

Alice joined the Board in mid 2008. She is a Partner at Lander & Rogers and specialises in planning and environmental law. Alice has extensive experience in government and public policy at an executive and ministerial level. Alice is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Allison Heller

Allison joined the board in March 2012 and brings more than 12 years experience in urban and social planning and applied social sustainability. She has expertise inresearch and policy development for a range of government and non-government clients across the human services and property sectors, with specialisations in homelessness, affordable housing and estate regeneration models. Allison holds a Degree in Urban Planning and is a member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Women in Development Advisory Committee and the Green Building Council of Australia’s Liveability Technical Committee.

Diane Lally

Diane has extensive experience in Human Resources operating at a senior strategic level. She has been involved in Change Management, HR Systems, Employee Relations and Strategic development in a multitude of industries, most recently in Private Health Insurance. Diane is an active member of the Australian Human Resources Institute and has recently graduated from the Company Directors Course of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Diane has been a board member since April 2009.

Eleri Morgan Thomas

Eleri has been a board member since 2005. She is General Manager Social Advocacy and Public Affairs for Mission Australia. A former Executive Director of the NSW Federation of Housing Associations, Eleri has worked in the areas of housing and homelessness for many years. Eleri has an MBA and degrees in Economics and Environmental Science; she is a member of the Australasian Housing Institute and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Jodie Blackledge

Jodie has 19 years experience in corporate finance and strategy development in financial services, investment banking and chartered accounting environments and brings established skills in corporate finance, financial analysis, accounting, strategy and program management. Jodie holds a Bachelor of Business – Accountancy degree and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment. She is a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) and joined the board in April 2010.

Leanne Hillman

On the board since March 2009, Leanne has extensive experience in senior management at the Department of Community Services working in various operational and strategic roles. In particular, her roles have involved extensive policy development and implementation of systems and frameworks designed for business improvement. She holds a degree in social science and an executive masters in public administration.

Michaela Ekman

Michaela first joined the board in 2004. After resigning in 2009 to take a short break, she rejoined in January 2011. A partner at MBM accountants, she works with small to medium businesses in all aspects of tax, accounting and business services. Holding a degree in commerce, she is a Certified Practising Accountant and has over 15 years experience in public practice accounting.

Rae Weston

Rae has experience in the housing industry as a former board member of the Housing Corporation of New Zealand. She has experience in corporate governance, banking and funds management strategy through her role as a Professor of Management and as a former Commissioner of the Earthquake Commission of New Zealand. Rae is the executive director of three research and development companies in the biotechnology and informatics technology fields, she is also President of the Zonta Club of Macquarie, part of an international network advancing womens' interests. She represents WHC on the board of BlueCHP the growth community housing association of which WHC is a founding member.