nicole crocker | chair
B.Acc CPA
Nicole is a Director at Cooke & Foley Business Advisors and Accountants in Ballarat. She has over 20 years’ experience within the public practice accounting field, including the preparation of financial statements, tax returns and providing complex tax advice to clients. She has an audit background that enables her to delve deeper into the processes used within an organisation and helps her clients to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ when it comes to their business and not just the financial results. Nicole is pleased she can use her financial and analytical skills to ensure the needs of people with disabilities are being met in the best way.
dermot conaughton | deputy chair
B. Laws (Hon), B.B.M. (Deakin)
Dermot is a Senior Associate in Commercial Law at Heinz Law. He provides advice to corporate and commercial clients on a broad range of matters including acquisitions, sales of business and commercial property, trusts and companies, stamp duty and land tax issues, shareholder and partnership agreements, restructures, franchising, intellectual property (including trademarks and licence agreements), retail and commercial leasing. Dermot’s legal knowledge is valued in his role as Chair of the Governance Sub Committee.
kelly sperl | secretary/treasurer
CA, MAICD
Kelly is a Chartered Accountant and has worked in industry for over 28 years, predominantly in the FMCG, retail, wholesale distribution and manufacturing sectors. During her career, Kelly has served as the Finance Head and often Company Secretary, focussing on strategy, business improvement and governance. Kelly has also been a volunteer of RVIB/Vision Australia for over 20 years. Kelly chairs the Finance Sub Committee.
eric braslis
B.A.A. Urban Planning (Toronto), MBA (Deakin)
Eric is the Director Planning & Liveability at Wyndham City, one of the country’s fastest growing community with over 300,000 residents. Previously Eric has been the CEO at both Golden Plains Shire and Gannawarra Shire Councils, and has held a number of senior executive roles at Ballarat, Hobsons Bay and Stonnington City Councils. Eric is a sitting member of the Victorian Building Appeals Board, has completed the Executive Leadership program at Harvard University (Boston) and is a graduate of LGPro’s XLP program. Eric’s expertise in governance and his knowledge of planning is particularly valued on the Pinarc Board.
dr barry packham
A.S.M.B. (Ball), M.B.A. (Melb), Ph.D. (Mon), F.A.I.C.D
Barry has been variously company chairman, company director (both executive & non-executive), president & CEO of companies in a number of different industries incorporated in countries in both hemispheres. In his final role as Executive Chairman of Carl Zeiss Vision International and associated joint ventures, he led businesses totalling $1B+ turnover and some 10,000 employees. He has also until recently provided consulting services to various City of London financial services businesses, including Deutsche Bank. His local interests include membership of the committee of the Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club and president of the not-for-profit Ballarat Karate Club.
clayton warren
BBus.Acc (LaTrobe), Grad. Dip (Mgt)
Clayton has an extensive senior leadership background in accounting, human resources, strategy, and risk management with various national and multinational companies. He has held senior executive positions incorporating Advisory Board Chair and Company Secretary appointments across multiple industries. Clayton currently holds the position of Chief Corporate Services Officer for UFS Healthcare, a large regional medical organisation, and is enjoying the opportunity to utilise his knowledge and expertise to support the community through the Pinarc Board.