Board of Management
PRESIDENT
James Thom MBA AFAIM AICD
James joined the Board of Senses in 2003 and has played an active role in the organisation, serving on several committees and participating in the development and updating of the strategic plan. He has been President since October 2006. James is a senior executive within the State public service with around 40 years experience in public policy in Commonwealth and State agencies, and the private sector. He was the Department of the Premier and Cabinet’s representative on the working party that reviewed the Disability Services Act in 2002-03. James has particular interests in the policy and financial relationships between governments and contracted non-government agencies, and in governance and the improvement of board performance in the not-for-profit sector in WA.
VICE PRESIDENT
Anne Bourke
Anne’s substantive position is the Executive Director, Nursing and Patient Support Services, Child and Adolescent Health Services (CAHS) which includes Princess Margaret Hospital for Children and Child and Adolescent Community Health. She currently is the A/Executive Director CAHS. Anne is a Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, NNT, has a BSc (Nursing), Master of Clinical Nursing, a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate. Anne has worked in the Health Sector in WA for more than thirty years, and has held senior management positions for the past twelve years. Anne has a particular interest in governance, and customer involvement in policy. Anne Bourke was appointed to the Board of Senses Foundation in June 2006.
Rick Matich AMP (UWA) AIBF (Fin)
During 34 years service with Westpac Banking Corporation, Rick Matich served in a number of senior management and executive positions in Western Australia and New South Wales. Rick is a Director of Matich Marine and a business and financial services consultant. Rick Matich joined the Senses Foundation Board in 2001.
Craig Billings
Craig Billings is the General Manager Marketforce Retail. Craig is highly regarded as one of the industry’s leading strategic retail thinkers, and is renowned for his hands on approach in developing innovative communication strategies and value added initiatives for the Agency’s clients. Craig Billings joined the Senses Foundation Board in 2005.
Bill Cutler
Bill Cutler joined the Senses Foundation Board in January 2005. Bill has a working background of 42 years in banking, including offshore postings in Fiji, Hong Kong, Singapore and London. Bill has held the positions of Deputy Chief Manager London, and Head of Banking Operations Perth.
Bill Cutler is a member of the Corporate Committee of the Board.
John Groppoli B.Juris, LLB, FAICD
After serving as partner since 1987, John Groppoli now acts as a Consultant with Deacons and is Managing Director of Milner’s Pty Ltd. Recognised for his expertise in franchising, John also has significant experience in corporate governance, transactional structuring, documentation and negotiation skills. John Groppoli joined the Board in 2005.
Sue Rowell
Sue Rowell was originally qualified in Social Work and for the ten years before her retirement, was the Director of Allied Health across Princess Margaret Hospital and King Edward Memorial Hospitals. Sue continues to be active professionally in Social Work, Allied health and community organisations. She is a member of the Mount Lawley Rotary Club and is the District Governor of Rotary international District 9450 for 2008 – 2009. Sue joined the Board in 2007.
David Halge MBA
David Halge has over 30 years in public sector management, the last 18 of which were in a senior level in the regulation of the gaming industry, until his resignation in December 2006. David’s most recent position was Director of Operations within the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor. Within that position, David Halge was responsible for the overall management of the Operations Division, which has primary responsibility for the provision of inspection, investigation, licensing and audit/risk assessment functions. He had direct involvement with many not for profit organisations. David Halge joined the Board in 2007.
Deidre Willmott BJuris, LLB W.Aust., LLM Melb.
Deidre Willmott is a lawyer and is Chief of Staff to Premier Colin Barnett, having also served in that role in the government of Richard Court. Deidre is also Deputy Chair of the Council of St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls and worked as a General Manager for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. Deidre Willmott joined the Board in 2008.
