OUR TEAM
Unisson Disability’s Board is made up of a team of talented people united in their passion for creating possibilities for the people our work touches to live their best life. Our Board members bring significant and wide-ranging skills and experience to their roles. Together, they are committed to helping Unisson Disability continue to grow as a provider of high quality disability services whose key difference lies in the extraordinary connections we make with those we support and their families.
Unisson Disability’s Executive and Senior Leaders assist in formulating our overall strategic direction, and are responsible for its implementation, along with managing resources and operations. Our senior leaders are highly skilled individuals from a variety of backgrounds, each of whom is passionate about bringing their unique skills and experience to the table in order to create opportunities with the people we work with to live their best life. Supported by more than 60 like-minded and capable leaders throughout the organisation, Unisson Disability’s success is a truly collaborative effort.
Board of Directors
Alex Gelman
Chairman
OAM, GAICD, M COMM, CPA
Alex commenced the role of Chairman of Unisson Disability Limited on 24 October 2023, having been a member of Unisson’s board since 2015. He has over 25 years of practical business and technology experience, including establishing a number of startups. He is the founding partner of Strategy Assist and Co-Founder/Head of Strategy and Growth at Find a Carer, and previously held the role of National Head of Technology Advisory at Grant Thornton Australia. Alex has worked in the not-for-profit, aged care and disability sectors since 1999. A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, with a Master of Commerce (Information Systems) and Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) from UNSW, Alex was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2019 for service to the community through charitable initiatives.
Alex Gelman
Chairman
Steven Gregg
B Comm
Steve is a highly experienced investment and commercial banker with extensive Australian and international executive experience. He held various positions with ABN AMRO including President and Global Head of Investment Banking, UK. He was also employed at Chase Manhattan, Lehman Brothers and AMP Morgan Grenfell. His most recent executive role was as Expert Partner at McKinsey & Company in Australia and the US.
Steve is the Chairman of the Lorna Hodgkinson Foundation and served as Unisson’s Chairman from 2012 until October 2023. He holds a number of other senior appointments, including Chairman of Ampol, and will take up the position of Chairman at Westpac in December 2023. Former roles include Chairman of Austock Group Limited and Chairman of Goodman Fielder Pty Limited.
Steven Gregg
Roberta Ryan
BA(HONS), B.SOC.SC(HONS), GRADDIP
Professor Roberta Ryan from the University of Newcastle is a leading social policy, program evaluation and stakeholder engagement practitioner and researcher, with over 30 years’ experience in academia and consulting across Australia and internationally. A qualified social worker, Roberta has specialised skills in large multi-service evaluations, service development, delivery and applied policy research. She has also worked for a number of non-government agencies in direct practice and management roles and has designed and undertaken a range of complex government and non-government policy advisory and applied policy projects. Roberta’s extensive experience includes working with people with disability and their families in applied policy, service review, evaluation and service management. Her work in the disability field includes projects for government, non-government agencies, peak and advocacy organisations, including the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, the NSW Disability Council, Family Advocacy NSW, Centacare, Burnside, Jewish Welfare and UnitingCare. Prior to joining UTS, Roberta was a director of a private consulting firm.
Roberta Ryan
Dr Gillian Brooks
BA (PSYCH), MBBS HONS. FRACP
Dr Gillian Brooks is a specialist paediatrician and Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians (Paediatrics and Child Health). She has extensive experience in community child health and developmental paediatrics, general paediatrics and paediatric rehabilitation.
As Senior Staff Specialist Developmental Paediatrician and Team Leader for Children’s Hospital Westmead (Parramatta Early Childhood Assessment Team), Dr Brooks leads a multidisciplinary team in the service of paediatric patients and their families. She has extensive experience across the assessment, diagnosis and management of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Dr Brooks strongly supports a holistic approach to the treatment of children, which takes into consideration their family environment, as well as their social, cultural and linguistic needs, and revolves around taking a partnership approach with families. She has a special interest in quality improvement projects and in research related to service delivery and building the capacity of individuals with a disability to lead a full life.
Dr Gillian Brooks
Rebecca Fletcher
Rebecca Fletcher has been a part of Unisson Disability since 1988.
Rebecca has extensive experience across a number of industries including banking and finance, manufacturing and the disability sector and has worked in both Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region. Rebecca holds formal tertiary and post graduate qualifications in Accounting, Human Resources Management, Company Director, NFP Management and Teaching. She was accepted as a Fellow with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2005 she became CEO and was responsible for developing and communicating Unisson Disability’s strategic direction, and for leading and guiding its operations. Rebecca acted as the key point of contact between the Board of Directors and the Senior Leadership Team and was responsible for bringing to life Unisson Disability’s vision, purpose and values. In 2018 Rebecca retired as CEO of Unisson, however, continues to be a part of the organisation as a non-executive board member, for both Unisson Disability and the Lorna Hodgkinson Foundation.
Rebecca Fletcher
Rodney Timm
Rodney brings over 35 years’ extensive experience in the construction and real estate industry and has had business involvement across the property lifecycle, including maintenance, facilities and property management, real estate agency, finance, valuation, development, and funds management. Rodney has also provided consultancy and strategic planning services to various sectors including, property funds management, government, corporate real estate and the not-for-profit sector.
His in-depth property sector knowledge includes commercial offices, business and industrial parks, retail and shopping malls, affordable housing, specialised residential, public and social housing, student and key-worker accommodation, assisted living and retirement villages as well as lifestyle projects.
Rodney has also held various executive/non-executive directorships in the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, many still ongoing.
Rodney Timm
Sinclair Currie
Sinclair holds a Bachelor of Economics and is a CFA charter holder. He has over 25 years' experience in financial services, working within global banks as well as co-founding a business. Sinclair provides investment advice and services to a range of clients including institutions and corporations. His role includes assessment of corporate strategy and risk management across a broad range of industries, including many who provide services within highly regulated sectors. Sinclair has designed and implemented policies to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance oversight into investment evaluation and process. He is also a Director of a Private Ancillary Foundation which focuses on providing financial aid to Not-for-Profits, including those providing disability support. Sinclair’s connection with Unisson began with a brother who was supported for many years. He has been privileged to witness the commitment of Unisson’s team to their significant purpose.
Sinclair Currie
Sharon Markulin
Sharon joined the Unisson Board in November 2022, bringing with her decades of experience as a finance professional and board member for both listed and private companies across multiple industries and countries.
As a CFO, she has driven financial improvements and strategic direction in sectors as diverse as retail, media and financial services and brings 20 years of experience in the areas of strategic planning, risk management and financial control.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle, an MBA from Deakin University, is a Fellow Certified Practicing Accountant and a member of The Australian Institute of Company Directors. When she’s not driving performance she’s at the beach, spending time with family or cooking up a storm and entertaining friends.
Sharon Markulin
Executive Leadership Team
Lee Carpenter
CEO
Lee brings to Unisson 30 years experience in human services from both the health and disability sectors. Most recently, Lee has worked for Australia’s largest NDIS Service Provider, leading NSW services in the role of Chief Operating Officer. Lee has also held the role of Deputy CEO and the Finance and Performance Manager for other leading NDIS and Health providers in Sydney.
Lee is looking forward to supporting and growing Unisson's unique impact, reflecting that the organisation has such a rich history, and an equally exciting future.
Lee Carpenter
CEO
Paul Herbert
Chief Operating Officer
Paul is a seasoned professional with over 20-years in healthcare and human services, and combines a PhD in Physiology with a diverse career trajectory.
His foray into IT began by teaching computing at Night School, laying the groundwork for his eventual roles as CIO at other leading NDIS and Health providers.
Paul has innovated patient management systems, leading to significant billing efficiencies across public hospitals, and championed technology and sustainability projects, achieving a notable reduction in infrastructure costs and transitioning fleets to hybrid models.
As Head of Technology in a previous role, Paul directed strategic IT integrations and compliance with ISO 27001 – Right Fit For Risk, focusing on fortifying digital defences and streamlining operations.
Outside his professional life, Paul has served as a firefighter in New Zealand, a testament to his commitment to community and teamwork.
His passion for the outdoors is evident in his enthusiasm for diving, cycling, running, and his hands-on approach to home renovations.
Paul Herbert
Chief Operating Officer
Helen Emmerson
General Manager - People, Learning & Culture
Karen Bird
General Manager, Shared Living
Karen has tertiary qualifications in Social Science and Community Sector Coordination and has been working in the disability sector on and off since 1998.
Karen is passionate about building positive relationships, getting to know people and understanding their story. In 2002 she travelled to the Middle East and Africa, where she lived for a few years. In 2005, Karen returned to Unisson Disability, as part of the leadership team. Karen is motivated by the ongoing changes in the disability sector. She feels excited about the future and what it holds for the people Unisson Disability supports and their families.
Karen Bird
General Manager, Shared Living
Linda Ward
General Manager, Community Services
Linda is an accomplished leader in the hospital and healthcare industry, boasting a strong background in nonprofit organisations and a proven record in driving impactful change. With a Master's in Social Policy and Administration from Western Sydney University, specialising in Community Management, Linda navigates the complexities of community-centric initiatives with confidence.
With expertise in leadership, change management, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative problem-solving, Linda brings a wealth of knowledge to our community services arm. Linda's commitment to empowering individuals and improving community well-being remains unwavering, positioning her at the forefront of advancing community service models that create tangible and lasting change.
Linda Ward
General Manager, Community Services