BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
THE BOARD
Our Board provide the governance and strategic direction for the organisation. They contribute valuable experience from the not-for-profit, government, education and business sectors.
Joined Nov 2020.
Jeannine has a strong interest in digital health and the use of technology to improve service delivery and empower clients and their families. She trained as a lawyer and has had a long career in the public sector, having been involved in primary health and aged care reform since 1999. She has worked on a series of major recent policy developments, including the design of the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Victoria. Jeannine has also undertaken consultancy work with local councils and with a union on the impact of changes in both aged care and disability services. Jeannine brings extensive knowledge of social policy, regulation and governance to FLN.
Jeannine Jacobson
Chair
Jon is a Teacher, Social Entrepreneur, Filmmaker, and Writer passionate about using the creative arts and media as tools for social, cultural and community change. Jon is currently working part time as a Community Trainer within Our Community’s Institute of Community Directors while also working on a range of film and theatre projects. Prior to this Jon founded the youth media social enterprise Youthworx that trains and employs young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in creative and commercial media production.
Jon Staley
Vice Chair
Annie Chapman
Secretary
Joined 2019.
Annie has volunteered with FLN since arriving in Australia five years ago, first as a classroom assistant and as a Board member since 2019. Annie was instrumental in creating the Faces of FLN book. Before migrating to Australia Annie had her own human resources consultancy practice for many years, with a leading reputation in the UK non-profit sector. She now has a portfolio of interests as a researcher, advisor, volunteer and in book publishing – having recently completed a Masters in writing and publishing at RMIT.
Joined Feb 2021.
A Chartered Accountant with Bachelor in Commerce, Kalpesh comes from a Business Management background, most recently with the Access Health and Community as Senior Manager – Finance & Facilities. Over 25 years of career as an accountant, Kalpesh has held numerous roles with some of the renowned multinational and domestic organisations across for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. In his senior roles, Kalpesh has managed various aspects of organisational change, developing skills in leadership, financial systems and change-management practices. Kalpesh is also involved in academia through his involvement in facilitation and exam marking for CA ANZ and teaching accounting & finance for the Executive MBA program with RMIT Online. Kalpesh is passionate about community based not-for-profit organisations and is excited about strengthening organisational decision-making through building on data analysis to provide knowledge and insight.
Kalpesh Kothari
Treasurer
Jennifer is a long-term Carlton/Fitzroy resident and volunteers at Fitzroy Learning Network because she is concerned for those challenged by lack of literacy and digital inclusion. She currently works as a Financial Counsellor for Good Shepherd ANZ, after completing the study in 2020. This follows a career in business and technology portfolio management for BP, ANZ and Oxfam. Jennifer brings to the board a broad knowledge of enabling technologies and program delivery expertise. She is a member of PMI as a PMP and mentor.
Jennifer Freshwater
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Julia is a communications strategist, marketer and fundraiser with more than a decade’s experience across publishing, government agencies, arts organisations, social enterprises and creative studios. Julia has a depth of experience in digital and social media alongside editorial and media expertise. She has worked with state-wide arts festivals and arts organisations in NSW, with federal arts agencies in Melbourne and presented at conferences and summits for The Australia Council, Culture Business and Mumbrella360. Julia also teaches communications and content strategy and acts as an industry mentor for institutions including NIDA and RMIT as well as consulting to independent organisations in the arts, publishing and film industries.
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Julia Gregg
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Danielle joined the board of FLN in February 2020. She was a local of more than 10 years in the City of Yarra until the pandemic struck. She remains passionate about the area and the local community. For her day job, she is a principal of Robinson Gill Lawyers, practicing in personal injury.
Chloe Pearce
Martin Foo
Gerson Hernandez
Laura Bird
Shawn Tan [Finance, Risk and Compliance Committee]
Danielle Meyer [Relocation Working Group]
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