Our Board


Dr Ros Otzen (Chair)

BA (Hons), BEd, PhD, ASDA


Ros is a passionate supporter of education for all and has chaired The Hester Hornbrook Academy Board since May 2016. Ros was Principal of Korowa Anglican Girls’ School from 1991–2003 and was instrumental in establishing the Alliance of Girls Schools of Australia. Ros was the inaugural President of the Alumni Council of the University of Melbourne is the former Deputy Chair of the Melbourne City Mission Board. Ros is also an author and historian and is currently writing a biography of Hester Hornbrook, the remarkable founder of the nine ‘ragged schools’ in Melbourne between 1859 and 1862.

Louisa Ellum (Deputy Chair)

BA (Hons), DipEd, Grad Dip Edit & Publ, M Comm

 

Louisa is a vocal advocate for educational access and equity in Australia and currently works at Teach for Australia on the Executive team. Louisa has worked in both the education and mental health sectors and was recently working with Beyond Blue and Headspace. She has also held the positions of CEO of Bayside Glen Eira Kingston Local Learning and Employment Network (BGKLLEN), CEO of the International Specialised Skills Institute and Chair/ Deputy Chair of the Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) Board and also Chair of the Southern Metropolitan Adult Community and Further Education Council.

 

Louisa is currently undertaking a PhD in Education at the University of Tasmania under Associate Professor Kitty te Riele in flexible learning and partnerships. Louisa joined the Hester Hornbrook Academy Board in June 2017.


 

                           

David Rennick

BEcon, LLB

 

David brings over 30 years' experience in the professional services and property industries to Hester Hornbrook Academy board, which he joined in August 2016 and is a Director on the Melbourne City Mission board. David is currently a Senior Advisor to Inspired Companies where he works with companies to unlock potential from becoming purpose led. His responsibilities include leadership development and coaching. Previously, he was Board Member of International law firm Pinsent Masons and CEO of Maddocks. David's legal expertise includes property development, corporate real estate and retail property. David is also a Director of Melbourne Football Club.

 

Di McDonald

BAppSc(Speech Pathology), Grad Dip Ed, Grad Dip Rehab, Grad Dip Bus Mgt, MMgt (Organisational Systems), MAICD

 

Di has an extensive background and formal qualifications in business development and management in the healthcare, disability and human resources fields. Demonstrated leadership skills with over 25 years in senior leadership roles, including at Managing Director and CEO level, in privately owned and publicly listed organisations. She has held both Executive and Non-executive positions on Boards and Advisory Boards. Currently, Di is Chair of Melbourne City Mission Housing, Board member of Hester Hornbrook Academy, Chair of the Law and Advocacy Centre for Women (LACW); a Board member of the Cabrini Foundation Board; Board member of Aged Care Justice (formally ALARM), Advisory member of Psychology Melbourne; and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

 

Elida Brereton

BA, DipEd, FACE, FACEL

 

Elida has extensive experience as a teacher, principal and educational leader. Elida was a principal in government schools for over 17 years and was National President of the Australian College of Education. In addition to her role on Hester Hornbrook Academy Board from August 2016, Elida is a Board Member and Chair of the Education CHANCES Foundation, member of MLC Kew Foundation; and chair of the board of Korus Connect. Elida conducts reviews of inexperienced principals and is an executive member of various state bodies including the Victorian Secondary Past Principals Association (President), and the National Council of Women of Victoria (Vice-President).

 

Dr Greg Trainor

DBA, MBA, Bachelor of Business Studies, Grad.Dip. Business Studies

 

Greg has over 35 years’ experience in the private and public sector having held leadership roles in the areas of strategy, logistics, software development and consulting. He has worked in a number of public utilities before joining organisations like GE, Accenture, Sensis and Engie. Greg has been involved as an Advisory Board Member on a number of start-ups and small to medium enterprises and has also been on Faculty in MBA programs at Melbourne Business School, RMIT and Latrobe Business School.

 

Sarah Rogers

BA, BAppSc-OT, MPH

 

Sarah is a passionate public health professional with a strong focus on children and young people’s health, wellbeing and development. Sarah is an Occupational Therapist with extensive experience across the Health, Education and Community sectors. After completing a Master of Public Health, Sarah has held multiple health projects and Government roles; and is currently working for Our Place. Sarah joined the Hester Hornbrook Academy Board in 2020.

               

Garry Wilkes

MBBS, FACEM, AFRACMA, GCert Hlth Prof Ed

 

Garry is a Clinical Associate Professor with 30 years experience at a Specialist level in public and private Emergency Departments across Australia. Garry is a keen educator in a variety of areas including the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Garry's interest include clinical redesign, communication skills, leadership development, conflict management and coaching.

                             

Nate Keily

CPA, CGMA, MAICD, B Int Bus, B Int Std

 

Nate is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA),  Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors with over 13 years Senior Finance and Commercial Leadership experience at General Electric (GE) spanning many industries including Software, Energy, Healthcare and Financial Services. With Commercial Leadership responsibility across 19 countries within the Asia Pacific region, as an integral member of the APAC senior executive team, Nate motivates and manages commercially oriented teams to meet organisational goals and objectives with a focus on growth and value creation for customers and shareholders alike. Nate is a company director for GE’s Australian software business unit.