Meet our board

CBM Australia is a Christian international development organisation. Our board members are volunteers, acting in a non-executive capacity to provide strategic direction, oversight and thoughtful governance to CBM Australia.

Andrew Ellis, Board Chair

Elected as Board Chair on 28 May 2021, having joined the Board in May 2018, Andrew is CEO of a disability services organisation and an experienced board director. Andrew holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Project Management.

Special responsibilities: CBM Australia Board Chair, Member of all Board Committees as Board Chair

Elizabeth Lucas, Deputy Board Chair

Appointed to the Board in November 2016, Elizabeth is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a Partner with Grant Thornton.

Special responsibilities: Chair of Finance & Audit Committee, Member of Programs Committee

Sarah Bearup

The Board appointed Sarah in May 2022. Sarah is Chief Operating Officer for World Vision International’s Asia-Pacific Regional Office and brings extensive global experience. She holds a Master of International Development and a Certificate in Non-Profit Executive Leadership.

Special responsibilities: Chair of the Programs Committee

 

Elizabeth Lathlean

Appointed to the Board in May 2021, Elizabeth is a senior lawyer with Gilbert + Tobin in Sydney, where she provides legal advice to charities and not-for-profits. She has a Master of Laws.

Special responsibilities: Chair of Board Development & Human Resources Committee, Member of Community Engagement & Fundraising Committee

Alex Phillips

The Board appointed Alex in May 2023. Alex is the Financial Controller for disability housing provider Access 2 Place Housing and brings private and public accounting experience, including in the international development sector. A Chartered Accountant, Alex holds a Master of Accounting and Finance.

Special responsibilities: Member of Finance & Audit Committee, Member of Programs Committee

David Toma

The Board appointed David in May 2023. David is a Senior Director with the Queensland Audit Office, leading stakeholder engagement and health portfolio audit services. A Certified Practicing Accountant, David’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Information Systems and a Graduate Diploma of Divinity.

Special responsibilities: Member of Finance & Audit Committee, Member of Community Engagement & Fundraising Committee

Mick Turnbull

Appointed to the Board in September 2016, and having served as Board Chair from May 2017 to May 2021, Mick is a professional company director in commercial and not-for-profit sectors. He holds a post graduate Diploma of Management and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.

Special responsibilities: Member of Finance & Audit Committee, CBM Global Board Member

Claire Velasco

The Board appointed Claire in November 2019. Claire holds a Master of Marketing Communications and is currently consulting via short term contracts in the sector.

Special responsibilities: Chair of Community Engagement, Fundraising Committee Member of Board Development & Human Resources Committee