Board

Our Board members bring a diverse range of skills and experience in business, government and the community sector.

They are incredibly passionate about the Centre and its work in supporting and connecting the local community.

Virginia Udy
Chair
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Virginia Udy
Chair

BEd, MA (Hons), MBA, GAICD

Joined 2019

Ginie grew up in Cremorne, and lived in Crows Nest when her husband was minister at the Crows Nest Uniting Church from 2013-2017.

Ginie’s professional career has involved roles in academia, advocacy and leading children’s and family service organisations. She is passionate about community development, inclusion and the importance of the not-for-profit sector.

Ginie has also been chair of Act for Peace, the international aid and development organisation of the National Council of Churches. She is currently their Safeguarding Lead.

Since her retirement to Manly, Ginie enjoys the beachside lifestyle, her board commitments and urban sketching. She spends one day a week supporting her aging father.

Mowen Lee
Director
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Mowen Lee
Director

BCom, MBA, CA, GAICD, CRISC

Joined 2021

Mowen is a senior risk management, internal audit and governance leader, driven by helping organisations create value through better decision making.

He has experience working across multinational, ASX 50, professional services and public sector organisations across Australia and in Europe. Mowen has previously held independent member appointments on finance, risk and audit committees within the not-for-profit and local government sectors.

Mowen is passionate about mentoring and participates in a several alumni mentoring programs connected with his university and high school.

Alison Posney
Director
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Alison Posney
Director

BCompSc(Hons)

Joined 2023

Alison is an experienced executive with over 30 years in the financial services and software industry.

Alison has worked in Australia and spent 11 years living and working in Singapore, managing teams in 20+ countries across the globe. She has extensive knowledge in governance, sales, professional services and customer support.

Alison has a passion for volunteering, having provided support to a number of organisations, including the mentoring of young people and health support. She has been a social support volunteer at the Crows Nest Centre for five years.

Janice Hui
Director
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Janice Hui
Director

BSc, MBA, MScCoachPsych, GradCertSocImp

Joined 2021

Janice has over 25 years management and executive experience in the IT industry.

Her expertise spans sales and marketing, strategic planning, governance, multicultural management and organisation development.

Janice is also the volunteer founder and facilitator of the Employability Program for Skilled Migrants, which has been running on the Lower North Shore since 2013.

Pastor Joshua Dowton
Director
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Pastor Joshua Dowton
Director

BTh (Hons)

Joined 2018

With a background in local church ministry, theological education, and international aid and development, Josh came to Crows Nest in 2015 as a local church Pastor where he works closely with the community.

Josh has experience in community development, adult education, partnership brokering and operations management, as well as a passion for systems thinking, strategic planning and organisational change.

Marta Fernandes
Director
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Marta Fernandes
Director

BEng, MEng(Mech Eng), MBA, PhD, GAICD

Director

Joined 2023

Marta is a strategy and sustainability consultant with 20 years’ experience working as a senior leader in multinational companies across manufacturing, product development, consumer goods and retail.

Whether developing sustainable business strategies, optimising processes or implementing innovative solutions, Marta is dedicated to helping organisations achieve long-term success while making a positive contribution to the planet and society.

Originally from Portugal, Marta came to Australia fresh out of university for postgraduate studies. She was recently made an Australian citizen.

Marta currently lives in Cammeray with her husband, young adult son and dog. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, bushwalking and getting to know her community.

Cr Shannon Welch
Director
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Cr Shannon Welch
Director

BScN

Joined 2023

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Shannon emigrated to Australia in 1994.

Working as a registered nurse in intensive care for over 35 years, she was a union delegate for the NSW Nursing and Midwives Association before becoming a community activist.

Currently a Councillor at North Sydney Council, Shannon has contributed to development of the North Sydney Council Strategic Plan and chairs the North Sydney Council Sustainable Transport Reference Group. She is also Vice President of the Mosman Branch of Australian Labor Party.

Shannon is an avid tennis player.

Joseph Walsh
Director
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Joseph Walsh
Director

BEng (Hons), GCert finance (FINSIA), GAICD, HBS (PLD graduate)

Director

Joined 2023

Joe is an experienced executive director in the field of engineering and consultancy, focusing on the built environment.

A member of the Property Council’s committee for regulatory change, he was on the board of Wood and Greive Engineers for 12 years, overseeing their NSW operations.

Joe is passionate about the built environment and the creation of liveable, sustainable communities that are well planned.

Joe moved from Western Australia to Sydney in 2008, where he has resided on the Lower North Shore. He now lives in Cammeray with his wife and three daughters and is a regular kayaker on middle harbour and surrounds.

Johanna Hall
Director
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Johanna Hall
Director

BAppSci (SP), GradCertPsychCoach, GradCertHR

Joined 2023

Johanna is an experienced executive leader with a background in allied health, organisation development and corporate operations.

Having worked both nationally and internationally with State and Federal Government organisations, as well as in the financial services industry, she has a passion and commitment to service delivery.

A resident in the North Sydney area, Johanna enjoys cooking and entertaining for family and friends, and is passionate about arts and culture, as well as contributing to her community.