Board of Management

Vigneswara (Vic) joined the Board in 2012 and was recruited for his expertise in legal and regulatory affairs, government relations and marketing and communications. Vic was the inaugural Chair of the Quality and Risk Committee and Chaired the Governance Committee for a number of years. He was appointed Deputy Chair in October 2015 and held this role until November 2022 when he commenced as Chair of the Board. Vic is a solicitor having practiced law for over 22 years and operates his own boutique family law firm. He worked as an advisor and project coordinator to a State Member of Parliament from 1996 to 2002. Vic maintains a keen community involvement and has been awarded a Centenary of Federation Medal for his contribution in youth affairs.

Rebecca joined the Board in May 2019 and held the position of Board Treasurer from April 2020 to November 2022. Rebecca commenced as Deputy Chair of the Board in November 2022 and is currently Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. Rebecca is a client director at Pitcher Partners where she provides the full range of business and tax advise and assistance to businesses of all sizes, from large private companies through to family owned enterprises. She has experience with a variety of technical and commercial issues affecting clients on a day-to-day basis and advises clients on the more strategic issues relating to their business such as structuring and growth.

Michael joined the Board in April 2021 and is passionate about education and what it brings to our communities. Michael commenced as Board Treasurer in November 2022. With over 15 years of experience in independent sector education and currently the Chief Operating Officer at Brighton Grammar School, Michael brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the running of an educational institution.

Riaan joined the Board in November 2022. Riaan is an experienced operations and governance leader and director focussing on unlocking sustainable outcomes through effective collaboration, guidance and leadership in the areas of strategy; transformation and continuous improvement; social and community outcomes; probity and governance; project and program delivery; and corporate services. Riaan is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia (FGIA), a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD) and is currently an executive services manager supporting the national operations of YMCA Australia.

Glenys has been associated with bestchance and other community organisations for over 40 years. During this time, she has contributed greatly to the lives of many children as a foster mother – a commitment she continues today. Glenys has been involved in many educational and research scientific activities both in Australia and overseas and in 2006 was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her exemplary services to medicine and the community.

Neil joined the Board in March 2023 bringing strong commercial and financial management experience. Neil became the CFO of Pental Ltd in 2018 and has successfully led and contributed towards various major projects since joining Pental in 2013. Neil holds a CPA qualification as well as a Master of Accounting and Financial Management. Prior to Pental, Neil held financial management positions in wholesaling and manufacturing environments having previously worked for Mitre 10 Australia and Metalflex Pty Ltd (now Reece Group).

Michael joined the Board in June 2018 after years of supporting bestchance programs. During his tenure on the Board, Michael has held the positions of Board Secretary and Chair of the Governance and Risk Committee. Michael holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Applied Economics and Marketing from Deakin University and is an experienced executive coach. Michael’s work has seen him travel across the globe as a consultant, supporting growth businesses and the development of high potential leadership.

Cindy joined the Board in October 2023 and brings extensive experience as a health and human services senior executive. She is committed to excellent patient and community outcomes and drives for high-reliability organisational thinking, continuous improvement and effective data-driven and strategic organisational performance. Cindy’s career in health spans many years and she holds a Masters of Health Industry Management, Masters in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. A strategic and analytical thinker with a blended approach to leadership and an ability to build strong stakeholder relationships with a collaborative mindset, Cindy has a keen interest in supporting community organisations which complement her value based leadership style and passion for purpose mindset.

Shelley joined the Board in October 2023, bringing substantial educational and leadership management experience. Her appointment as Deputy Principal of Professional Culture and Junior School at Oakleigh Grammar demonstrates her capability to lead and create a positive impact in diverse educational settings. Throughout her career, Shelley has consistently advocated for educators and families, striving to enhance the overall learning experience for all stakeholders. With a history of leadership positions in educational environments, having previously worked at Haileybury College and Haileybury Rendall School in Darwin, Shelley brings multifaceted experience and dedication to any educational institution or initiative. Shelley is also a valued member of the Advisory Board for Pearson Publishing, where her expertise and experience in working with Indigenous communities and culture have greatly contributed to the development of educational materials.

Executive Management Team

Chris joined bestchance in 2019, after spending the majority of his career with top 100 globally listed organisations. He is a senior executive with a strong track record of success in delivering performance outcomes to organisations. Chris initially engaged with bestchance to assist with its performance review program in 2019. In 2020, the Board appointed Chris as the Chief Executive Officer and this appointment has helped transform bestchance into a sustainable, fit for purpose organisation that enhances the lives of children and families via its specialist services in Children’s Therapies and Early Learning programs. Chris brings a strategic focus and proven executive leadership developed within a broad range of industries and supported by a keen eye for performance improvement. Chris is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), holds an MBA from the Australian Society of Certified Accountants (CPA) and is a Fellow at CPA Australia (FCPA).

Ally is an experienced finance executive with in-depth knowledge in financial reporting, business process improvement and governance. Prior to Bestchance, she was the Audit Director with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, one of the Big 4 chartered accounting firms. In her previous role, she worked with not-for-profit organisations such as The Red Cross, Vision Australia and Yooralla. Ally has vast experience in statutory reporting, risk management and business improvement processes.

Robbi has had over 25 years experience in training across both TAFE and the private sector. This includes management of RTO Scope of Registration, Skills First funding contracts and Learn Local funding contracts. Robbi has also over 25 years experience in quality assurance and is a qualified lead assessor. She has a Graduate Certificate in Business (Quality Management), Diploma of Vocational Education and Training and Diploma of Training and Assessing.

Nancy is an Early Childhood Professional with over 20 years’ experience working with young children and their families. She has held leadership roles in the not-for-profit and private sectors in both early childhood education and outside school hours settings. Nancy holds a Bachelor of Education and is passionate about early years education and providing safe, welcoming environments for children and families. A collaborative leader who strives for excellence and quality, Nancy is committed to providing accessible services that support children to thrive and reach their full potential. As an advocate for the Early Childhood profession, Nancy has worked alongside the Department of Education to support early years reform initiatives to help transform the lives of children. Nancy is a strategic thinker focused on continuous improvement and supporting best practice in the Early Years sector.

Acknowledgements

bestchance would like to acknowledge the support and contributions of former board members Geoff Milbourne (2007 – 2018), Des Dodds (1998 – 2013), Gary Edwards (1981 – 2013), Derek Cheah (2009 – 2015), Arden Joseph (1996 – 2013) and Denis Liubinas (2003 – 2015). The organisation thanks them for their years of hard work and commitment to changing the lives of bestchance children and families.

Welcome to bestchance.

Board of Management

Vic Rajah

Rebecca Gagliardi

Michael Arceri

Riaan Visser

Glenys Grant O.A.M.

Neil Godara

Michael Holmes

Cindy Joffe

Shelley Parkes

Executive Management Team

Chris Chronis

Ally Long

Robbi Donaldson

Nancy Drever

Acknowledgements

Enquire
about Volunteering

Enquire about our Therapy Services

Welcome to bestchance.

Board of Management

Vic Rajah

Rebecca Gagliardi

Michael Arceri

Riaan Visser

Glenys Grant O.A.M.

Neil Godara

Michael Holmes

Cindy Joffe

Shelley Parkes

Executive Management Team

Chris Chronis

Ally Long

Robbi Donaldson

Nancy Drever

Acknowledgements

Enquire about Volunteering

Enquire about our Therapy Services

Enquire
about Volunteering