Our People | Special Olympics Australia

Leadership

The National Board of Special Olympics Australia guide the strategic direction of the organisation and the CEO leads and directs the Executive Team, staff and the network of clubs, coaches and volunteers.

National Board Members

Andrew Richardson (Chair, AICD Fellow)

Andrew has deep governance and disability sector experience, a personal connection with disability and a passionate commitment to social inclusion and human rights. He is a director of Scope Australia. Andrew has been involved in Special Olympics as a parent and volunteer for 25 years. Andrew is a member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
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Anna Mezger (Vice Chair, AICD)

Anna has 30 years’ experience in human resources, learning development, facilitation and project management. She is the founder and Director of Strategic HR Solutions. She has a sister with an intellectual disability and a son who is a Special Olympics athlete at Melbourne Inner East Club. This first-hand experience motivates Anna’s commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles for people with intellectual disabilities and endorsing Special Olympics Australia as a vehicle for achievement, community engagement and inclusion. Anna is the Chair of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.
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Ross Smith (Chair - Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee)

Ross is a finance professional who has lead finance and corporate services teams in Australia and across APAC for US multinationals. Ross passionately believes in the benefits that can be derived from sport and physical activity for everyone. Ross is actively involved in numerous community activities and has a keen interest in helping Special Olympics athletes achieve their goals, whether they be in sport or life. Ross is the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee.

Tanya Brown

Tanya is a Director of Hardie Finance Corporation and Entertainment Enterprises, a business comprising commercial property and hospitality venues in Western Australia. A Harvard Business School graduate, she previously chaired the Special Olympics Western Australia Fundraising Committee, a subcommittee of the Western Australia State Committee. Tanya is a member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee.
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Keiran Corry

Keiran has been an active member of Special Olympics for just over 20 years. As a swimmer he competed in many club, state, national and international events. He has been a mentor for young athletes at the Junior National Games and has also served in roles such as official and marshal at State events. As an athlete leader Keiran brings a common-sense approach to the expectations of athletes. During the COVID pandemic he contacted athletes via zoom and teleconference to check on mental health and safety. He always advocates for his fellow athletes and believes that the athletes voices must be heard and considered.

Ruby Lawler

A Special Olympics’s Athlete Leader from the Gladstone Club and a member at her local swim club, Ruby is an active volunteer and advocate. Ruby volunteers at the RSPCA and is a Youth Ambassador with Gladstone Community Linking Agency. She is enthusiastic about representing Special Olympics athletes and having the opportunity to share ideas, athlete stories and bringing an athlete’s perspective to the Board.
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Donald McGauchie AO

Don is a farmer and businessman who has served as president of the National Farmers Federation and in several advisory positions within government. He has been on the boards of the Reserve Bank, Telstra and Nufarm and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to agricultural industries in 2004. He chaired the Special Olympics National Games Board in 2014 and has a grandson with intellectual disability.

Jehad Rasheed

Jehad has a promotional marketing background and has served on the Australasian Promotional Products Association Board. Dedicated to advancing education and coaching and enhancing the community, Jehad was the Chair of the 2018 Special Olympics National Games held in Adelaide and has been an active supporter of Special Olympics South Australia over the past 10 years.
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Dr Jill Rathborne

Jill has 20 years’ experience as an astronomy research scientist. She helped establish the national program to improve gender equity in STEM in Australia’s higher education and research sector and was the Director of Research for The Inclusive Organisation. She is currently a Founder of a tech company whose mission is to empower SMEs to be more successful through the use of sustainability. She brings to the Board her passion for both inclusion and sport. Jill is a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.
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Andrew Scipione AO APM

Andrew was Commissioner of the NSW Police Force from 2007 until his retirement in 2017, before which he was Deputy Commissioner from 2002. Earlier in his career he held positions including Commander of the Special Technical Investigation Branch, Commander of Special Crime and Internal Affairs and Chief of Staff to the NSW Police Commissioner. He is a special expert advisor to The Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’.
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CEO & Executive

Chief Executive Officer

Pierre Comis | pierrec@specialolympics.com.au

Pierre provides leadership and direction to the Special Olympics Australia executive team, staff and the broader network of clubs, coaches, volunteers and athletes across the country. His vision is for an inclusive Australia where people with intellectual disability and autism live an active, healthy and fulfilling life.
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General Manager, Participation & Programs

Yvonne Snell | yvonnes@specialolympics.com.au