We are guided, supported, and driven by a committed, independent Board of Directors. Our Board bring varied and considerable public, private and community sector experience to the organisation.
Our Board of Directors provide strong governance, stewardship, and strategic direction. They guide our organisational strategy, monitor organisational performance, oversee governance and risk requirements and help us build key relationships that support our purpose to end homelessness.
The Board operates four subcommittees:
Ben Ruscoe
Chair
APPOINTED APRIL 29, 2020
Responsibilities: Capital Projects Committee, and People, Culture and Nominations Committee.
Ben is Executive Manager at Commonwealth Bank, one of Australia’s leading providers of financial services. Ben has over 15 years’ experience in agribusiness and the banking sector and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ben’s has extensive skills in finance, relationship management, analysis, and risk management.
“I think that it is important to be involved in the community, and being on the Board of Beyond Housing is one way I can use my skills and experiences to assist my community, especially helping people who are facing real hardship.”
Skye Roberts
Deputy Chair
APPOINTED NOVEMBER 24, 2021
Responsibilities: Risk & Governance Committee.
Skye is Acting Head of Legal and Compliance and Senior Legal Counsel at Zepto, a company that creates real-time, account-to-account merchant payment solutions for an on-demand economy.
Skye has extensive experience in working in governance as a Head of Department and Company Secretary, and is a financial services regulatory specialist.
“I joined the Board of Beyond Housing because of its holistic approach to tackling housing affordability – it’s not just about putting people in affordable homes but also supporting them with a range of services to enable people to remain in stable accommodation for the long-term.”
Michael Gomez
Treasurer
APPOINTED APRIL 01, 2022
Responsibilities: Board Treasurer, Finance & Audit Committee (Chair).
Michael is a highly motivated and experienced senior executive who has an extensive background in leading and driving transformation via the introduction of innovation and technology, optimisation of processes and advanced data analytics. He has over 15 years experience managing high performing teams across Information and Operational Technology, Finance, Commercial and Engineering. Michael is a strategic thinker who is highly analytical and enjoys solving complex problems and thrives on getting the most out of people, processes and data.
“Beyond Housing’s Vision “Home. Not homeless” was the main reason I joined the Board. Beyond Housing is really making a difference by supporting people with a range of homelessness and housing support services. I’m excited by the growth in affordable housing and the services Beyond Housing provides. It’s an honour to be part of the organisation.”
Neil Funston
Director
APPOINTED AUGUST 30, 2017
Responsibilities: Risk & Governance Committee, Finance & Audit Committee.
Neil is a small business operator based in North East Victoria. He holds over 30 years’ experience in process engineering including for large national and multinational companies and delivered highly regarded consultancy services to the food industry. Neil served as a Director at Lifeline Albury Wodonga, is a Mental Health First Aid Practitioner and White Ribbon Australia Ambassador.
“I have spent a good part of my life offering my time to help others less fortunate than me. Over 10 years involvement with White Ribbon taught me that domestic and family violence is a large contributor to homelessness. That is why I work with Beyond Housing, because I care.”
Kirsten Seeto
Director
APPOINTED NOVEMBER 2023
Responsibilities: Capital Projects Committee, Finance and Audit Committee.
Kirsten Seeto is the Executive Officer of Indigo Power Foundation, a charity that supports rural communities to transition to renewable energy.
Kirsten has over 15 years of experience as a business architect working in tech across several countries, recently moving into the not-for-profit sector. Now settled in northeast Victoria, she enjoys applying her love of optimising systems and processes. Kirsten is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served as a Director on the board of Alpine Health.
John Gibbons
Director
APPOINTED NOVEMBER 2023
Responsibilities: Risk and Governance Committee, People, Culture and Nominations Committee.
John Gibbons is CEO of the Personnel Group, a not-for-profit organisation that supports disadvantaged people using employment, health, training, and community services. John is an experienced leader but began his career at the frontline of the business, supporting Personnel Group’s customers before growing into leadership roles.
John was born and raised in Albury Wodonga and is passionate about overcoming inequality and disadvantage in regional settings. He is an experienced Board Director who believes in good not-for-profit governance. He welcomes the opportunity to contribute to an organisation with values so close to his own.
Carly Martin
Director
APPOINTED AUGUST 26, 2020
Responsibilities: Capital Projects Committee (Chair).
Carly is a Director and Architect at Akimbo Architecture, an award-winning Albury architectural studio committed to sustainable design and innovative site-specific solutions.
Carly has over 15 years’ experience in residential and commercial architectural design. She is the current Co-Chair of the Australian Institute of Architects Border Architects Forum. Carly’s career portfolio includes teaching architecture at several universities, including a focus on architectural design projects for low cost, accessible and emergency housing.
“Affordable housing has always been an interest of mine, and I feel that there is a responsibility for architects to respond and be involved with the creation of affordable housing solutions.”
Lisa Ryan
Director
APPOINTED OCTOBER 27, 2021
Responsibilities: People, Culture & Nominations Committee (Chair).
Lisa is General Manager Digital and Business Innovation at North East Water.
Lisa has many years experience in senior roles including digital transformation, innovation and automation, cyber and data as well as in risk and compliance. Lisa also served as a Board Director of Albury Wodonga Health and on the board of Fragile X Association of Australia.
“I joined the Board of Beyond Housing because I want to work with an organisation that is driven by its commitment to addressing homelessness and providing sustainable, affordable housing.”
