Our Board
Tessa Hoser
Chairperson
Tessa Hoser
Tessa is a non-executive director with professional experience in governance, compliance, legal and regulatory issues. Her industry experience includes banking, financial services, commodities, property and investment funds. Tessa has had leadership roles as a law firm partner (now retired) and in relation to diversity, gender equity pay and mental health initiatives.
Tessa joined the Gowrie NSW Board in November 2015 and became Chairperson in April 2017. She is a member of the Audit, Risk and Investment Committee, Business Opportunities Committee and the Performance, Remuneration and Nomination Committee.
Rodney Timm
Vice Chairperson
Rodney Timm
Rodney brings over 30 years’ experience in construction and real estate including development, valuation and portfolio, property and facilities management. His sector specific property knowledge includes commercial offices, business parks, retail and shopping malls, affordable housing, student and key-worker accommodation, retirement villages, assisted living, life-style projects, community complexes and child care and education facilities.
He is the Chairperson of the Business Opportunities Committee and a member of the Performance Remuneration and Nominations Committee.
Sean Parker
Treasurer
Sean Parker
Sean is a non-executive director with experience in finance, strategy and business development. He has previous experience as a CFO for a commercial childcare provider where he was also responsible for Legal, Risk Management and Information Technology. Prior to that Sean worked predominantly in the financial services sector.
Sean joined the Gowrie NSW Board in October 2016. He is the Chairperson of the Audit, Risk and Investment Committee and the Business Opportunities Committee.
Melly Sah Bandar
Board Member
Melly Sah Bandar
Melly joined Gowrie NSW Board in August 2013. Melly has a broad background and a strong foundation in strategy, commercial, investment and financial planning. A professional transformation executives in project and change management. Melly has more than 20 years’ experience in delivering business and financial transformation projects and has consulted extensively in this area for ASX 50 companies. Melly has worked in Australia, USA and Indonesia. Melly is a member of the Audit, Risk and Investment Committee.
Johan Palsson
Board Member
Johan Palsson
Johan Palsson joined the Gowrie NSW Board in November 2017. He currently works as the Lead in the Global Category Growth team at ebay. Prior to this he was as the Head of E-Commerce and Head of Digital at Dan Murphys, within the Woolworth Group. Johan has a strong digital focus and vast experience across marketing for brands, and products as well as services. He has led a number of Transformation and change initiatives as well as overseen major system integrations and deployments in IT.
Sandra Gray
Board Member
Sandra Gray
Sandra Gray joined the Gowrie NSW Board as a Non-Executive Director in November 2017. She currently works as Head of Early Years at Newington College, overseeing the Early Learning Centre, and, as Deputy K-2 of the Preparatory School. Sandra has strong educational experience across curriculum, pedagogy and practice. She brings a wealth of experience in Educational Leadership and is highly regarded for her professional relationships with all stakeholders. She is Chairperson of the Performance, Remuneration and Nominations Committee.
Our Executive Team
Nicole Jones
Chief Executive Officer
Nicole Jones
Nicole Jones has over 20 years experience in the Early Childhood Education sector. Her wealth of experience ranges from her early years as an Early Childhood teacher to working in executive management for both local and state government.
Ms Jones is a passionate advocate for children and their rights and will build on the strong foundations of Gowrie NSW’s legacy to give children and educators opportunities to reach their full potential, in a creative and nurturing environment.
Kristie Wilson
Executive Director - Programs
Kristie Wilson
Kristie joined Gowrie NSW in 2018. In her role as Executive Director of Programs, Kristie oversees Gowrie NSW’s Early and Middle Education and Care Centre programs, spanning, Early Education and Care Centres, Outside Hours School Care, Inclusion Service programs and the Adult Migrant English Program.
Kristie has strong educational leadership experience in organisational strategy, operations, curriculum, pedagogy and practice across the education sector. Kristie’s passion is to enhance education outcomes for children and their families.