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Alan Watts has been a member on the Linked Community Services Board for over 3 years. Alan’s career includes 20 years in telecommunications where he worked closely with stakeholders and customers to design and deliver major service implementations and infrastructure upgrades. His other valuable experience includes business operations management, project management, IT service management and solutions design.
Ian Skead has been an active member on the Board for Linked Community Services for over 5 years and has over 35 years’ experience in the NSW Public Sector (YAC, FACS, DoCS). Ian’s diverse skillset extends delivery and management of service delivery (Psychologist), organisational management, workforce analytics, HR and more. Formal qualifications include Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree in Psychology.
Russell Stockham has been strongly involved in the hospitality industry since 1998, through his positions as Finance Manager and CEO and his contributions to many industry boards. Russell has managed diverse hospitality clubs across Australia and acted on the Board of Clubs Queensland from 2007-2009 and was formerly the CEO of Panthers Port Macquarie. Formal qualifications include Bachelor of Business majoring in Accountancy.
Annette Messenger has a professional background in several industries including engineering, creative arts, teaching, disabilities, social work and autism therapy. She has served on the Board of Linked Community Services Port Stephens for over 6 years. Annette is currently a carer and NDIS manager for her adult son who has autism and an intellectual disability whilst working part-time as a tutor for young people with learning disorders. Formal qualifications include Bachelor of Behavioural Studies (Psychology), Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition, Graduate Certificate of Autism Studies, and Master of Education and Professional Studies by Research (Autism).
Lorraine Heraghty has been a community Transport volunteer for 5 years; 3 years in the office processing My Aged Care Referrals and 3 years as a Board Member. Raised in the Manning Valley, Lorraine attained her Enrolled Nurse Aide Certificate at Manning Base Hospital, Taree. Moving to Sydney, Lorraine was employed with Social Security – now Centrelink/Dept of Human Services, continuing for 24 years until her retirement. Lorraine managed various Regional Offices in NSW before moving to the National Office in Canberra where, as a Senior Officer, she worked closely with the Department of Health and Aging with Policy Development and implementation, attaining a Diploma in Project Management.
Ken Heffernan has been a Community Transport Volunteer for 12 years; 5 years as a driver and 7 years as a Board member (Care’N’Go). Post school, Ken completed a 5-year apprenticeship as a Fitter & Machinist with NSW Government Railways, (Loco Workshops, Goulburn) and in the mid 70’s he worked in Sydney as a Bus Conductor, then Driver, with what is now Sydney Busses. Ken completed tertiary studies in Philosophy and Theology and spent 28 years in pastoral ministry in the Canberra & NSW South Coast areas.
Paul Ward’s career started in 1978 and for 20 years focused on Pathology testing and laboratory management. A desire to develop his management skills saw a move into primary health care management where he spent 13 years as the CEO of a not-for-profit company which provided services to GPs, their staff, and patients. Finally in 2013 a move into the vocational education and training sector has seen Paul provide teaching and assessment to laboratory trainees and undertake resource development in various laboratory/pathology courses. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science, an Associate Diploma in Medical Technology, an Advanced Diploma in Business Management and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Paul has been a resident of Port Macquarie for 30 years and has been a Linked Community Services Volunteer in the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) since 2022 and more recently joined the Linked Community Services Board of Directors in 2023.
George Fotoulis is a Registered General Nurse with 45 years nursing experience and 40 years in the aged care sector. George is enthusiastic, passionate and motivated with a strong commitment to the aged care sector and representing the interests of the elderly in matters that affect them directly. He has 38 years of management experience in Nursing and Aged Care organisations. George is currently a Director of Nursing and brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience in HR issues, staff recruitment, supervision & development, financial operations and the implementation of a quality systems.
