Our Governance

Our Board

Active Education Australia is governed by a skills-based and representative Board with additional specialist portfolios. Their combined purpose is to provide the organisation with strategic direction and rigorous corporate governance.

The Board acts proactively to drive the work of the organisation to meet current and future demands of our broader community and guide us to build the services and resources which enable all people to lead active and healthy lives. The Board also has the ultimate responsibility for the finances of the organisation and holds accountability for its ventures and actions.

Further information

Meet our Board

President
Pam McDonald MBA, FCPHR, FAITD GAICD

Pam brings over 20 years experience as a Board director including experience on State and National committees for several membership associations as well as 8 years as Chair of a state government entity. She is passionate about people and has worked in corporate training, education, change management and HR for over 3 decades and has run her own consulting practice since 2008. Known for her energy and passion for people, Pam was honoured to be elected President at the 39th AGM and looks forward to bringing her expertise to collaborate with members of the Board, staff, members and stakeholders.

Deputy President
Gen Dohrmann GAICD

Gen is a results-oriented leader with over a decade’s experience in the sports industry. As CEO of Table Tennis Victoria, she leads a small team to govern, promote, encourage and improve table tennis in Victoria. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors course, Gen recently finished a full term on the Women Sport Australia Board, including three years as President, and sits on the Global Institute of Sport Asia-Pacific Region Advisory Board. Working as a sports administrator across a variety of sports, Gen has strong skills in the areas of marketing, communication, commercial, digital, event management and participation.

Dr Jacqui Peters

Jacqui’s expertise is in the field of Health and Physical Education. She passionate about teaching and has a range of research interests including Health and Physical Education curriculum, assessment and policy, and the experiences of early career teachers. Jacqui's current role is within Deakin University, Burwood.

Pierre Comis

Pierre Comis

Pierre is the Acting Director of Sector Performance at the NSW Office of Sport, Chair of Bluearth, a member of the Australian Sports Commission’s Physical Literacy Coalition, and Co-Founder of the Physical Literacy Special Interest Group at the Asia Pacific Society for Physical Activity. He has over 20 years’ experience growing participation during roles at the AFL, NRL and Special Olympics Australia, where he served as CEO. Pierre also spent 12 years at the Australian Sports Commission where he coordinated the Active After-school Communities program across Sydney, was instrumental in the design of Sporting Schools, led the National Participation team, and drove the Physical Literacy agenda across the sport, health and education sectors.

Brendan Bailey

Brendan is Head of Operations and Compliance at the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), where he leads internal operations and supports strategic alignment across governance, systems and people. He brings extensive experience in organisational leadership, having previously managed operations in education and safeguarding at the Australian Childhood Foundation, and held leadership roles at Sexual Health Victoria and Berry Street. Brendan is passionate about systems-informed organisational psychology and the potential for mission-driven organisations to drive transformational change. He holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology, a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, and a Bachelor of Arts.

Kate Simkovic

Kate is an experienced executive leader with a strong track record across healthcare, education, and the not-for-profit sectors. As CEO of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians since 2016, she has driven strategic growth, digital transformation, and sector leadership in Sport and Exercise Medicine. Kate previously held senior roles at Headspace, the Australian Sports Commission, and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. She is the founder of the award-winning SEM Academy and has led national initiatives in mental health, sport and physical activity and preventive health. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Kate excels at building partnerships, driving innovation, and creating impact. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Health and Physical Education) from Edith Cowan University, is a Graduate of the AICD, and has executive leadership qualifications from the University of Melbourne.

Rebecca Sandlant

With over two decades of experience as a PE teacher, physical activity has always been a passion area for Rebecca, shaping her career trajectory and driving her commitment to promoting health and wellness. Rebecca has been the Sports Coordinator at Wyndham Central College for over 10 years, transitioning into an Assistant Principal role where community engagement is a key aspect of her portfolio.

Dean Taylor

Deputy Head of Secondary. Physical Education, Health and Science teacher, Aitken College

Finance, Audit, Risk and Governance Portfolio

Chaired by Brendan Bailey, the Finance, Audit, Risk and Governance portfolio ensures key financial, risk, audit and governance matters are carefully reviewed and scrutinised prior to final Board overview. The portfolio is invaluable in closely managing organisational risk, from strategic to operational.

Brendan Bailey, Head of Operations and Compliance – Responsible Investment Association Australia (RIAA).
Brendan has an extensive career which commenced in teaching but has successfully progressed to senior roles in community-focused and not for profit organisations including Berry Street, Sexual Health Victoria, the Australian Childhood Foundation as well as the RIAA. Brendan has a Masters Degree in Applied Positive Psychology, which combines with his extensive leadership and senior operational experience.

Should you require further information or have any questions, please contact our CEO Gillian Manson via email.