Justin James (MBA, GradCertSIP, CertGMgt, ISIP, GAICD)

Chair, Director (2018)

Joining the Board in 2018, Justin is the CEO of HIF Health Insurance. He also has first line responsibilities for the regulated Health Insurance business as Director, Conduct and Risk at Bupa. Justin has held several Senior Executive and Leadership roles across financial services in Australia. Justin has a keen working interest in areas of ethical customer practices and conduct reform in B2C industries, specifically working with the choices emanating from artificial intelligence and digital platforms that target customer end users. Having recently completed study focusing on social entrepreneurship, Justin is keen to work with businesses that have an important social role. He strongly believes that care for our most vulnerable are vital in building better communities. He is a currently a Director on the Board of the AMA in Western Australia. Justin has been a volunteer with the NSW Government funded SPOT Program, which targets better animal welfare and education across schools.

Karen Gray (BDipSM,BMath, DipEd, GAICD)

Deputy Chair, Director (2018)

Karen is an engaging and results driven business leader with an extensive background in sales and leadership, in transforming business functions and a proven ability to navigate the complexities and challenges that a business environment can present. She joined the Allevia Board in 2018, and is recognised for her ability to think, plan and work strategically, whilst driving customer focused, commercial and operational execution. With a breadth of leadership experience and capability, and a strong people focus, Karen has a reputation for delivery on a broad and dynamic range of business requirements, linked to long-term strategies and built around positive outcomes for customers, employees and the business. She held senior executive position with BUPA prior to retiring in 2020.

Katie Choi (BEc, LLB, LLM, GAICD)

Director (2018)

Katie joined the Allevia Board in 2018. She brings to the Allevia Board extensive experience in the legal and financial services industry working with major corporate and government organisations across a wide range of sectors including investment bank, venture capital, social and community housing, property and infrastructure, renewable energy, oil and gas, mining resources, and insurance. She is currently the Legal Director at Clean Energy Finance Corporation. Her past roles include Division Director of Macquarie Bank and Corporate Counsel of General Electric. She has solid experience in both private and public sectors, including NFP entities, and has strong expertise in legal advisory, corporate governance, risk management, regulatory advice and compliance, project management, operations improvement and strategic planning.

Christine Macqueen (BEc, LLB, LLM, GAICD)

Director (2023)

Christine has had an extensive career in human services starting as a Principal and teacher in a special school in the 1970s. She has worked in various positions across local, state, and federal government agencies, in the not-for-profit sectors, and in a range of lecturing positions across a number of universities. In NSW she held a number of roles in the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability, and Home Care and has undertaken roles i strategic management and operational management in organisations transitioning into the NDIS. Her most recent role was in the Boosting the Local Care Workforce Program as the Lead Regional Coordinator for NSW & ACT and Regional Coordinator Greater Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra regions. She is currently enjoying her retirement and is committed to supporting organisations deliver high quality services to people with a disability. She is an active representative for a person with a disability, advocating on their behalf as they navigate the NDIS. Christine is an Associate Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (Australian Institute of Management) and is a graduate of the IT Leadership Academy. She is also a Certified Practitioner – Prince2 (Project Management in a Controlled Environment) Project Management Methodology and an accredited provider of Team Management Systems.

Jim Preketes (BBus, CPA, MAICD)

Director (2024)

As an accomplished senior executive with a demonstrated track record of over 25 years in technology, governance, advisory board roles within the not-for-profit sector, and start-ups, Jim brings to the Allevia Board the qualifications, skills, and experience required to make a valuable contribution to Allevia's mission and vision. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in various facets of governance, including financial oversight, strategic alignment, risk management, and compliance. He has extensive experience in technology and financial services, combined with business development, marketing, and information technology. Jim is a firmly believer in the importance of diversity and inclusion in corporate governance and identifies as a person with a disability. He understands the significance of lived experience and believes people with a disability play a pivotal role in shaping an organization's approach to serving
individuals with disabilities. Jim is the Chair of the Advisory Board at PWdWA (People with Disabilities Western Australia) which has equipped him with invaluable experience in leading and guiding not-for-profit organizations. 

Dr. Lyndel Spence (BI.G.S. (Hons) PhD)

Director (2021)

Dr. Spence believes that the mobilization and organization of groups such as Allevia is key to supporting individuals to transform their lives in the face of adversity. Through her academic research and professional experience, the need for effective coordination and management of community groups has become salient. Whilst she recognizes the impact she has on others, through investing in, mobilizing, and supporting others her impact is greatly extended. Applying my educational and professional skills to aid in the empowerment of vulnerable groups is a passion of Lyndel's. Her PhD focused on a social justice collective working for gender equality. I explored how this group was working for the liberation of women and other minorities from poverty, homelessness as well as racism within their communities. She has a strong understanding of the most effective strategies and tactics used to mobilize and empower activist groups. Her dedication to social justice through various community engagements in social justice and charity work centred on gender equality and for the empowerment of women. Lyndel has served as the secretary for the NSW Amnesty International’s Women’s Network and has worked at the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, the UNSW Centre for Social Impact, Red Cross, and now with Deloitte. Lyndel brings to the Board strong governance and strategic skills and is a self- confessed 'data nerd.' 

Brenton Vermeulen (MBA, BEng(Hons), GAICD)

Director (2024)

Brenton is a highly qualified and experienced professional with extensive experience in process and logistics, team leadership, training and mentoring, safety awareness, risk management, and time and data management gained from numerous years of employment history in various settings. He has a high level of skill in corporate and operational leadership, process improvement, and quality assurance with an excellent orientation towards high productivity and efficiency in carrying out operations, paying close attention and adhering to critical work regulations and policies exceeding industry standards in safety and quality. Brenton brings with him a commitment to innovation, quality service provision, and responsible growth management. Brenton is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a member of the Mine Managers Association Australia and RIMS (the risk management society).