Meet the 2026 ELGP Cohort: Our Next Generation of Board-Ready Leaders

In our 14th year of the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP), we are thrilled to introduce the remarkable leaders who make up our 2026 cohort. Each year, this program is made possible through the generous financial and in-kind support of our Community Partners, whose commitment ensure we can continue building strong, diverse and future-focused governance across the aged care and community sectors. Thank you to every Community Partner who stands with us in this mission. 

With, it is our please to warmly welcome the 2026 ELGP cohort. We can’t wait to see the impact they create. 

Andrey Negria (he/him)

Andrey is a continuous improvement professional with a background as a scientist and technologist and 20 years of professional experience in Australia. Since relocating to Western Australia, he has focused on advancing his career in business administration and governance, previously undertaking postgraduate study at Curtin University.

Andrey combines his technical expertise with a growing interest in organisational leadership, policy, and strategic decision-making within the private and community sectors. 

Andrey is an active volunteer with St John WA, contributing to Event Health Services and community health initiatives, where he has developed practical skills in first aid, teamwork, and public engagement.

Through this experience, he has witnessed the vital role of not-for-profit organisations in improving community wellbeing and access to care. Andrey is passionate about strengthening the governance of such organisations, to contribute his skills and diverse perspective to boards that shape meaningful community outcomes. 

Angela Carrillo-Rodriguez (she/her)

Angela is a HR professional with experience across Australia, Brazil, and the United States. She currently works in Workforce Services – Global Mobility at KPMG, supporting complex people operations, compliance reviews, and cross-border mobility projects for major clients. 

Her career has focused on strengthening employee experiences, driving process improvements, and supporting organisational change. Before relocating to Australia, Angela worked in the not-for-profit healthcare sector in the United States, where she managed end-to-end onboarding and contributed to streamlined people operations.

She also supported the not-for-profit legal sector, giving her early exposure to community-focused service delivery and people-centred operations. 

In Brazil, Angela contributed to a rapidly expanding organisation through a broad range of HR responsibilities, including employee lifecycle processes, engagement initiatives, and organisational improvements across a multicultural workforce. Angela is passionate about ethical leadership, governance, and creating environments where people feel safe, included, and able to thrive, and hopes to contribute meaningfully at a board level. 

Benjamin Carrick (he/him)

Ben is an experienced and reliable healthcare consultant, with several years of Tier 1 consulting experience. He has extensive experience in clinical services, injury management and project management spanning the health, aged care and construction sectors. 

Ben leverages his diverse background to provide expertise to program and change management, stakeholder engagement and consultation, and business and process improvements. Ben is also a long service member of the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club with over 20 years of service. 

Chidananda Kamath (he/him)

Chidananda “CK” is a health services management professional with over a decade of leadership experience in aged care and health.

He currently serves as Rostering Manager at Juniper, a leading not-for-profit provider supporting older Western Australians, where he oversees workforce planning for more than 2,500 staff across multiple sites.

CK has spearheaded key initiatives, including the establishment of a centralised roving workforce, implementation of new rostering systems, and agency reduction strategies, all delivering measurable cost savings and improved service outcomes. Previously, CK held senior roles at Uniting (NSW.ACT), where he led residential operations across 17 care homes, drove continuous improvement projects, and collaborated with universities on aged care research.

A medical graduate with a Master’s in Health Services Management & Planning, CK is passionate about using innovation, analytics, and values-based leadership to strengthen the not-for-profit sector and enhance quality of care for vulnerable communities. 

Christina Papafilis (she/her)

Christina is a NDIS Specialist Support Coordinator and award-winning community leader, recognised as the 2025 Community Citizen of the Year by the City of Joondalup and a National Disability Services Outstanding Leader nominee. She has also been recognised as a finalist in the Women Achieving Greatness Awards (Rising Star Category).

With extensive experience navigating complex disability and community support systems, she has built a career on driving equitable access, advocating for vulnerable individuals, and championing systemic change within the sector. 

Her professional expertise spans strategic case management, governance engagement, and collaborative service design, where she works alongside families, providers, and government stakeholders to deliver sustainable outcomes. Christina is passionate about ensuring lived experience voices are embedded in decision-making at every level.

She believes authentic representation is critical to building trust and achieving lasting social impact. Committed to advancing equity, accountability, and innovation across the disability, children and community sector, Christina seeks to shape services that are inclusive, proactive, transparent, and responsive to community need. 

Courtney Carr (she/her)

Courtney is a purpose-driven leader passionate about creating positive impact. In her role at the Australian SKA Regional Centre, she supports research and technology translation projects across science and computing, to broaden the project’s impact beyond radio astronomy and advance collaborative innovation in Australia.

Her technology experience spans IT project management and security risk advisory, developed through her senior role at Deloitte where she managed global teams and programs. 

Beyond her corporate career, Courtney is committed to advancing inclusion, diversity, environmental protection, and social justice.

She took a 6-month career break to support the community, working as a caregiver in aged care.

She also started her volunteering journey back in 2015, as a wildlife carer for a rehabilitation hospital. Courtney then spent six years volunteering for Women in Technology WA, both in the high school STEM program and most recently as a Board Member, as the Secretary and Governance Lead. 

Daniel Hickey (he/him)

Daniel is a seasoned work health and safety leader with experience across multiple industries. Over the past seven years, he has focused on the disability and aged care sector, contributing his expertise to two of Western Australia’s largest for-purpose organisations.

Daniel’s approach centres on sustainable, systems-level improvements, recognising that safe workplaces are essential to delivering high-quality care and support. An evidence-based professional, he is committed to embedding contemporary governance practices and driving practical, effective safety outcomes that make a real difference.

Beyond his professional role, Daniel actively gives back to his community through coaching junior sports teams and actively volunteering at his local surf club reflecting his dedication to fostering safe, supportive, and thriving environments throughout the community 

Ellie Orton (she/her)

Ellie is an Executive Manager at Amazon Web Services, where she brings over eight years of technology leadership to public sector and not-for-profit organisations in Western and South Australia.

Recognised for her compassionate, people-first ethos, Ellie excels in forging partnerships that uplift communities and strengthen local resilience.

Her career spans impactful collaborations with governments, purpose-driven agencies, and nonprofits — delivering programs that advance digital inclusion, community wellbeing, and operational excellence. 

Passionate about giving back, Ellie volunteers within the Western Australian community and actively supports projects that foster social impact and sustainable growth. Through executive roundtables, innovation initiatives, and digital education, she helps organisations identify, realize and execute new strategies and mitigate risk.

Above all, Ellie’s commitment to ethical leadership and community empowerment defines her approach and drives meaningful change across the not-for-profit landscape. 

Eunice Ong (she/her)

Eunice is a lawyer at a union, where she represents workers across a wide range of industries.

Prior to this, Eunice worked in employment relations and general law in a range of firms and the private sector from small businesses to one of the largest employers in the country.

She is also Vice President of IRSWA and a university tutor. 

Eunice has a strong belief in fairness and safety in the workplace, and enjoys teaching as it allows her to give back and encourage students’ passion for employment law.

She also volunteers for community legal centres, and at writers’ festivals. 

Julie Bindoff (she/her)

Julie has a Bachelor of Psychology from Oxford Brookes University and certification in Early Childhood Education. She has undertaken a variety of roles across community services and early childhood education, working in the UK and Australia with individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds.  

For the last 10 years she has primarily been working in the early childhood and disability sector; prior to that she supported adults experiencing addiction and homelessness.

She is passionate about supporting individuals and families to reach their potential, developing practical strategies to overcome barriers, encouraging participation in their communities, and getting the right support for their needs. 

Kate Moore (she/her)

Kate Moore is the Service Manager of Prison Programs within Palmerston Association.

Passionate about making a positive impact, Kate works to assist individuals reintegrate into society, believing that meaningful change is possible through understanding and support.

Kate has a bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Psychology and Justice, experience working across a variety of custodial settings throughout Western Australia since 2019, and is committed to strengthening outcomes for people navigating the justice system.

Katerina Petkovski (she/her)

Kate is an experienced aged care professional with nearly 16 years in the sector, having progressed through a variety of leadership roles.

Beginning her career as an Enrolled Nurse, Kate quickly advanced to Clinical Nurse Manager, then Assistant General Manager, General Manager (Facility Manager), and most recently, Operations or Regional Manager.  

Her career reflects a deep commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care and leading teams with empathy and accountability.

With a strong foundation in clinical practice and extensive operational experience, Kate is passionate about improving outcomes for older Australians and fostering supportive environments for both residents and staff.  

Having worked closely with diverse communities and care teams, she brings a well-rounded perspective to leadership in aged care. Kate is also deeply interested in the not-for-profit sector, where values-driven work and community impact align closely with her personal and professional purpose. 

Krunali Shah (she/her)

Krunali is an experienced project leader within the public sector, with a strong background in leading reform teams to deliver initiatives in aged and social care delivery. 

Her expertise encompasses program management, procurement, stakeholder engagement and governance to mobilise initiatives within areas of service redesign and reform.

Krunali’s strength lies in co-designing programs and services in partnership with stakeholders, such as aged care providers, clinicians, consumers and other Government agencies to achieve optimal healthcare outcomes, organisational efficiency and consumer/public service.  

With the recent completion of her Master’s in Health Service Management with Griffith University, Krunali aims to enhance her leadership and governance skills to make a positive and transformational impact in the not-for-profit sector. 

Krunali is actively involved in her local cultural community, organising events that maintain culture, education and connectedness within the community.  

Krunali has cared for both her elderly grandparents, and has strong values in preserving her culture and ensuring that older adults from CALD backgrounds are able to age well in WA, supported by culturally appropriate services.

She would like to be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute effectively to a board role, ensuring CALD communities are meaningfully represented within the sector.

Rachel Messitt (she/her)

Rachel is a community-driven professional, passionate about building meaningful connections and creating programs that make a real impact. As a Community Development Officer, she focuses on fostering collaboration, strengthening local networks, and delivering initiatives that enhance social well-being.

With a background in event coordination, community engagement, and marketing, Rachel thrives in roles that bring people together and drive positive change. She is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where individuals feel connected, empowered, and valued. 

Rachel actively contributes to her community through her volunteer work with HeartBeat Joondalup, a local town team focused on place activation and community spirit.

She also serves on the Community Development Network Committee, where she supports sector collaboration, advocacy, and Professional Development. 

Her work is guided by compassion, ethics, and a strong belief in collective impact—building vibrant, resilient communities through thoughtful engagement and innovative placemaking. 

Rose Bonete (she/her)

From a young age, Rose grew up with a strong sense of willingness to help those in need. Her deeply rooted desire to help others has always been the key ingredient of why she became successful in her field.

With close to 15 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse in aged care, Rose displays a wealth of knowledge and clinical expertise. Rose has a strong focus on caring for older people and a vibrant enthusiasm to make aged care a better place for residents and their families.  

Her strong leadership and passion for excellence ensures that each resident is provided with the individual care that they truly deserve. Rose has developed a keen interest towards the Not-For-Profit sector because her personal ethos and values align with this sector and she has witnessed the impactful strategies and improvements this sector has made to the lives of the most vulnerable. 

Sam Doran (he/him)

Sam has been a leader from a young age, supporting family members with chronic mental health challenges and developing a lifelong commitment to community wellbeing.

With approximately 15 years’ experience in managerial roles, Sam brings extensive leadership across both regional and metropolitan services, including more than eight years managing the Goldfields and Pilbara Community Alcohol and Drug Services and other community-based contracts delivering support to some of Western Australia’s most remote communities. 

After many years living in small regional towns, Sam relocated to Perth to take on the role of Manager at Palmerston Association, a major alcohol and other drug service provider.

In 2025, Sam commenced a new role as Pilbara and Regional Services Manager with Solaris Cancer Care, leading supportive cancer care services and partnerships across regional Western Australia. 

Alongside his professional career, Sam has actively volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician and Deputy Vice President with the Leonora St John Ambulance Subcentre. Passionate about volunteering, governance and the not-for-profit sector, Sam is dedicated to fostering healthier, more connected communities. 

Sophie Moore (she/her)

Sophie is committed to elevating the voices of marginalised people to create lasting impact. 

Formerly a featured writer and news producer for AAP, Australia’s only independent newswire, Sophie has spent the past decade using her skills in media, communications and storytelling to advocate for change in health, disability and aged care, and homelessness. 

Sophie currently manages communications for St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, a leading WA homelessness support service and community housing provider, and volunteers on a number of committees including the Family Inclusion Network of WA. 

Travis Hann (he/him)

Zarina Paurobally (she/her)

Zarina is a Senior Project Manager with a proven track record delivering complex infrastructure projects. She holds a double degree – a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from the University of Western Australia – combining technical understanding with strategic insight. 

Passionate about making a difference, Zarina is a strong advocate for gender equity in STEM. She recently volunteered in Malawi, helping build a STEM classroom to inspire and empower young students, particularly girls, to pursue careers in science and engineering. 

She is also an active member of ACE (Access, Connect, Empower), her company’s disability inclusion and accessibility network, where she contributes to creating a workplace that values and supports people with disabilities, caregivers, and neurodiverse employees. 

Zarina is deeply committed to using her skills and experience to create positive change and hopes to strengthen her governance capabilities to contribute to mission-driven boards that deliver lasting impact. 

Zoe de Reus (she/her)

Zoe is a sector-focused Business Development and Marketing Advisor at RSM Australia focussed on the Energy & Resources, Technology, Health and Government sectors nationally.

She brings over a decade of experience across industry engagement, program management, marketing, events, and communications.

Her career spans both corporate and Not-for-Profit sectors, with contributions to technology, international education, tourism, law, and mining.

Known for her analytical creative approach, Zoe thrives on developing and executing ideas both independently and collaboratively. She is deeply passionate about social impact and has actively chosen purpose driven organisations and utilised her expertise both locally and globally.  

Her commitment to self-development and strategic thinking drives her interest in the Not-for-Profit space, where she aims to apply her commercial acumen to help organisations grow sustainably and amplify their influence.

Zoe is motivated by meaningful collaboration and is dedicated to using her skills to create lasting change in the communities she serves. 

Meet the 2026 cohort in person – Join us on 5 February for the 2026 ELGP Launch!

Now that you’ve been introduced to our inspiring 2026 participants, we invite you to meet them in person at the ELGP Program Launch.

This energising event brings together community partners, alumni, sector leaders and guests to officially welcome the new cohort and celebrate the beginning of their governance journey. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with emerging young leaders, hear their aspirations firsthand, and support the next generation preparing to step into NFP Boardrooms.

Whether you’re part of an NFP, corporate organisation or government, your presence helps strengthen the governance ecosystem we are building together.

Register today and be part of the first chapter of their ELGP journey.