Our leadership

GAICD, Adjunct Fellow Macquarie University, BSc (Psychology and Anatomy) UNSW, Graduate Diploma of Education, Formerly Registered Nurse Carol joined the Afford Board of Directors in September 2020. She has extensive experience in executive leadership, organisational culture, business strategy, hospital accreditation, human resources and governance in complex healthcare organisations. Carol’s career achievements were underpinned by the depth of knowledge and experience gained in senior executive management roles across healthcare. She demonstrates a keen insight into the operation of large, complex organisations and has a deep knowledge of governance and complex people issues. Carol has carried across those skills to several board appointments during her role as Chief Executive Officer. Carol’s work record includes leading the executive team at both Westmead Private Hospital and Macquarie University Hospital where she was the Chief Executive Officer.

B.Sc (Mathematics), LLB (UNSW), GAICD, Stanford Executive Programme, Fellow – Australian Risk Policy Institute, Member of Advisory Board – RMIT Graduate School of Business & Law, Trustee – Intelligent Foundation
Paul was appointed as an Afford Board Director in September 2020. He has over 30 years of experience in the financial services sector, having held global COO and Managing Director roles (in Australia and London) with major investment banks including Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, BZW and Goldman Sachs as well as in financial infrastructure with Deutsche Boerse. Paul now advises early-stage companies, not-for-profit organisations and financial services firms on strategy, capital management, risk management and governance. He is on the Advisory Board of Poweredbypercent.

B Arts, M Clinical Psych., GAICD
Claire was appointed as an Afford Board Director in February 2023. An accomplished leader whose background spans business and psychology, she has been recognised for her expertise in clinical risk management and service quality. As a sibling advocate, Claire also has lived family experience with the disability sector. Claire is an accomplished Director, having served on Boards across health, disability and community sectors, including Family Planning Alliance of Australia, Great South Coast Medicare Local, and Community Mental Health Australia. In her executive career, Claire held a number of leadership roles, including CEO of Sexual Health Victoria.

B Business (Marketing), MBA (Exec), GAICD
Louise joined the Afford Board of Directors in March 2024, bringing with her over thirty years of global leadership experience in sales and marketing. With a decade of service in board director and advisor roles across numerous sectors including resources, manufacturing, financial services, sport, retail, and start-up accelerators, Louise offers a broad perspective on strategic decision-making. Louise also holds positions as Non-Executive Director at VicSport and Hastings Co-Operative. Additionally, she serves as an advisor in the agtech and superannuation sector, further demonstrating her commitment to driving positive change and growth across diverse industries.

MBA, Manchester Business School, Master (Project Management) UTS, GAICD
Viv joined the Afford Board of Directors in March 2024. A commercially driven executive with over 30 years of global experience in operations and information technology, Viv has held senior roles in Asia, Western and Central Europe, and Australia. Currently serving as the Chief Information Officer for Elders Limited, he leads their Business Transformation program. Throughout his career, Viv has effectively managed large teams to deliver strategic outcomes, maintaining a constant focus on driving P&L results across multiple business units and geographies. Additionally, Viv serves as a Non-Executive Director of Auctions Plus, an independent digital trading platform that provides information and choice to the agricultural community.

Fellow Certified Practicing Accountant (FCPA); BA (Accounting), GAICD
Mark joined the Afford Board of Directors in 2024. Working now both as a company director and consultant advising companies on organisational change and financial restructuring. He has more than 30 years’ experience in financial services and has worked around the world, as a Global CFO and in senior finance positions primarily in London as well as New York and Hong Kong. As a Deloitte partner in Australia and South Africa, Mark specialised in organisational, accounting compliance and strategic business transformation, utilising Cloud technology. He has a combination of strong technical skills in risk management and regulatory change, a deep understanding of financial reporting, forecasting and management, and extensive experience advising company boards and serving on them. Mark is also a board director for Blue Knot and Freshmark.

BEc Monash University, GDip (AsianSt) Monash University, GAICD
Jodie joined the Afford Board of Directors in 2024. A progressive People & Culture executive, she is recognised for her innovative contributions to diverse organisations. She has delivered significant transformations for local, ASX100, and global companies and is an expert in developing leadership capability and creating highly engaged executive teams who are deeply connected to the business purpose. Among her achievements, she lists devising and implementing a comprehensive gender equity strategy which addressed career development, flexible/part-time working, and superannuation. Jodie is also a board director for the Sexual Assault Family Violence Centre and is on the Melbourne Business School’s Future of Learning Advisory Board.

Jo Toohey has more than 30 years of experience across aged care, child, youth and family, and disability services. She has significant experience leading cultural, financial and organisational transformation in complex organisations. Jo was previously the Chief Executive Officer at The Benevolent Society and was also the Head of Operations for UnitingCare Ageing NSW and ACT. Jo has dedicated her career to working in for purpose organisations that are focussed on the individuals and communities they support; who believe that strong employee engagement creates great places to work; and who work to achieve broader social outcomes that foster greater equity and opportunities for everyone.

Jessica Scanlan has more than 20 years of experience across disability, health and human services, with a strong background in clinical governance and operational leadership. At Afford, Jessica has held senior roles including General Manager of Communities and Inclusive Employment and Director of Service Delivery. She has led teams across Australia to strengthen service quality and ensure clients are supported and that possibilities are open to them. Before joining Afford, Jessica held senior leadership positions at Royal Rehab, including General Manager of Disability Services and Director of Nursing, and led the NSW Statewide Traumatic Brain Injury Service. Jessica is known for her calm and collaborative leadership style and her commitment to creating environments where people and teams can grow, connect and achieve great things together.

Nick Johnson is a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Secretary with extensive experience as a senior leader in finance and organisational transformation working across various sectors including IT, human services, building and construction, and banking. He was previously the Chief Financial Officer at The Benevolent Society and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Over his career, Nick has driven several significant transformations, created strong business partnership cultures, led operations, and led large teams in Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe, Asia and Africa.

Katelyn Barakat has extensive experience in strategic people and culture, talent management, workplace relations and leading organisational change. For over a decade, she has held senior roles in purpose-led organisations across human services, along with commercial experience in hospitality and lifestyle sectors. At Afford, Katelyn leads our people, brand and engagement functions, shaping the way we attract, support and connect with both employees and the communities we serve. She is passionate about building a strong, inclusive culture where every person feels valued, heard and part of something bigger.