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Autism Queensland Limited Board of Directors

Mr Neil Makepeace

Director, Chair

Neil is a passionate leader and director with 30 years’ experience solving complex problems in Queensland, around Australia and worldwide. He has a strong track record in governance, executive leadership, management consulting, strategic planning, systems development and operations. Neil is passionate about the power of data and information to give leaders the evidence and confidence they need to make wise decisions and ultimately drive business and social value. Through his socially responsible leadership, he has made a difference in areas like child safety, youth justice, domestic and family violence and the environment. He is deeply dedicated to helping people on the autism spectrum realise their full potential.

Mr Daniel Aitchison

Director

Daniel is a seasoned Executive and Board Director with extensive experience in the Human Services and Care Sectors. His expertise includes Aged Care, Disability Services, Allied Health Services, Retirement Living, and Land Lease Communities. Beginning his career as a Registered Nurse, Daniel has always been committed to serving others. He holds a Master of Health Management from QUT, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an Associate Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management. Daniel played a key role as a foundational board member of the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA), the national peak body for aged care providers in Australia. Daniel is CEO and Executive Director of Palm Lake Care, one of Queensland’s largest family-owned residential aged care providers.

Mr Chris Collins

Director, Chair - Finance & Audit Committee

Chris is an experienced corporate and financial services leader with over 20 years of experience across global markets. He is a proven leader with strong technical skills and business acumen and has experience in complex cross-border financing and capital raising, risk, compliance and corporate governance. Chris is admitted to practice law in NSW, England and Wales, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an Executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management.

Ms Alice Evans

Director

With over 20 years of senior executive experience Alice has worked across health, health technologies, education, mining, and retail sectors, as a Board Chair, CEO, Physiotherapist and Manager. Alice is currently Head of Innovation, Growth & Strategy for a national aged care provider. Prior to this, she was CEO of Family Planning Qld and led its transformation to True, delivering a major turnaround and growth strategy. Alice was appointed to ACHSM national Board in May 2024 and has previously served as a Director of Curae Technology, Family Planning Alliance Australia (FPAA),  Voluntae (SaaS – volunteer management) and Cardihab (SaaS – cardiac rehabilitation), and has been Chair of both FPAA and Cardihab. Alice consults to the University of Queensland Business School as an Industry Lecturer. She holds FCHSM, CHE, MBA, GAICD, GCEL and BPhty.

Mr Grant Galvin

Director

Grant is an experienced executive and board director with proven success in driving business growth, transformation and operational excellence across industries including FMCG, construction, media, and financial services. As Global Deputy CEO at Kevin Murphy Group, he leads international expansion and operational transformation for the $150M haircare brand. Previously, he held senior roles including COO of Maleny Dairies and CEO of Master Builders Queensland, delivering sustained revenue growth, business turnarounds, and large-scale change. Grant is also an experienced non-executive director, having chaired BUSSQ’s Investment Committee and contributed to strong investment performance and governance. He holds a Master of Business (Finance), a Bachelor of Commerce, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mr Geoff McClay

Director

Geoff brings over four decades of experience in educational leadership to Autism Queensland Ltd. His career included 23 years as principal in schools in independent and government sectors across Queensland and Victoria. His contributions to the field of education have been recognized through various awards and acknowledgements. Geoff’s passion extends beyond educational leadership and management; he is deeply committed to innovative strategy, operational excellence, and effective governance. He actively engages with state and national education agendas and staunchly advocates for the interests of school communities and their students. He has served as a Director and Commissioner on key education industry bodies and brings over 10 years’ governance experience to the AQ Board. Geoff holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Education (Leadership & Management), a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Science, and a Graduate Certificate in Theology. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders, a Fellow of the CEO Institute, a Certified CEO, and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mr Josh Mennen

Director, Chair - People, Safety & Culture Committee

Josh is a Principal Lawyer and National Division Head of Personal Legal Services. The Division encompasses Superannuation, Insurance and Wills & Estates Law. Admitted to legal practice in 2007, Josh has acted predominantly across superannuation, general insurance, life insurance, financial advice and consumer credit disputes in various tribunals and courts. He is a prominent commentator on public policy, having advanced consumer rights through scores of submissions, appearances at parliamentary inquiries and media appearances. Josh provides financial services legal advice to disabled or wronged consumers, disability support groups, charities, State Trustees, financial counsellors, community groups and unions. He is passionate about increasing consumer rights/awareness and giving voice to those disempowered by illness, injury and socioeconomic barriers.

Ms Belinda Nankivell

Director

Belinda is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience across healthcare and property sectors. She has strong management experience supporting people, projects, systems, and operations.  Her passion for driving organisational change helps to create strong and resilient organisations. In her role as Director of Autism Queensland, Belinda brings a unique blend of healthcare expertise, operational excellence, and digital transformation experience. Belinda’s empathetic approach will support her role to advocate for the issues affecting those with autism and their communities.

Ms Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann

Director

Sarah-Jane is an award-winning leader in business and technology, having founded ATech in 2007. Starting as a web developer, she grew ATech into a multi-million dollar enterprise, serving clients such as airlines and government bodies. With significant board and committee experience in both the not-for-profit and education sectors, Sarah-Jane currently serves as Vice Chair of the Australian Computer Society Queensland Branch. She holds a Bachelor of Information Technology, an Executive MBA, a Masters of Property Studies, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. An international best-selling author on wholehearted leadership, she brings personal insight to her advocacy for neurodiversity, being recently diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is a single parent and has a child on the spectrum.

Ms Jennie Riley

Company Secretary

Jennie joined Autism Queensland in 2019 as Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer bringing with her a breadth of experience in corporate administration gained from roles in corporate and for-purpose agencies overseas and within Australia. Jennie has extensive governance, executive administration and project management capabilities. She is passionate about ensuring social justice and equity within the workplace and community.