Our OPAN Board of Directors comprises representatives from OPAN network member organisations, along with two independent, non-executive directors. Each director brings a unique set of expertise and experiences to deliver effective governance.
The Chairperson, Ara Cresswell can be contacted here.
Board members
Ara Cresswell, Non-executive Chairperson
Ara Cresswell is OPAN’s first Independent, Non-Executive Chairperson. Ara is an experienced board director, executive manager and policy adviser in the not-for-profit sector. Senior management roles include CEO Carers Australia, for over Acting CEO and Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Reconciliation Australia, CEO of Homelessness Australia and CEO of the ACT Council of Social Service.
She has a passion for securing a better future for older people.
Susan Barrera, Director
Susan is the chair of Advocare WA. Susan has worked for over 30 years in a number of senior management and policy positions in the Western Australian public sector. Her last position was Director General, Department for Communities. Prior to that she was Executive Director, Labour Relations. She also held senior policy and management positions in the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Corrective Services. She currently works as a consultant specialising in training, human resource, organisational development and evaluation.
Anne Burgess, Director
Anne has invaluable and extensive experience at an executive level in government with previous roles as Director of Mental Health at the Dept. of Human Services, Director of the Office for Women and Acting Commissioner at the Equal Opportunity Commission. She is Chair of South’s Australia’s Aged Rights Advocacy Service, Vice-President of COTA SA and Chair of its Policy Council, and Chair of the Community Visitor Scheme’s Advisory Committee.
Judy Davis, Director
Judy is an experienced Board Director and Executive Manager with demonstrated success in government and not for profit organisations across health, community and social service sectors. With postgraduate academic qualifications in Public Health, Governance, Company Directorship and Strategic Management, Judy is skilled in leading management teams to plan, deliver and assess programs to address identified needs, deliver quality services and make a difference in people’s lives. She brings these skills to her governance role with OPAN.
Liz Kearins, Director
Liz is an experienced senior executive, board director and consultant, with expertise in strategy, culture change, engagement, and communication. Her diverse background spans the management consultancy, utilities, healthcare, local government, environment, tourism, and media sectors. She also chairs the board of Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia.
Our OPAN Board of Directors comprises representatives from OPAN network member organisations, along with two independent, non-executive directors. Each director brings a unique set of expertise and experiences to deliver effective governance.
The Chairperson, Ara Cresswell can be contacted here.