Board and Executive

Meet our current board members and executive leadership team.

Our Board

Nathanael Peacock

Board Observer

Nathanael is a writer and communications manager living in Sydney. He has worked as a journalist across national Australian media, as well as in-house and agency communications. Nathanael is also a person living with a physical disability, and believes disability is a label, but people with disability can do anything.

Kirsten Armstrong

M.Ec, M.PH, FIAA GAICD

Kirsten is an experienced actuary and strategic adviser with a 25-year career in health, disability and international development. In 2019 she was recognised as one of the AFR’s 100 Women of Influence. Kirsten currently leads Social Ventures Australia’s social impact bond work and is a Director for icare and WIRES.

Chair, Risk Committee

“I am proud to have worked with Northcott and its people for the past decade. My aim is to ensure Northcott continues to push the boundaries to help each and every unique customer unleash their full potential.”

Riccardo (Ricky) Casali

BComm LLB Partner, Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Ricky joined the board as a Director in 2022. He is an experienced corporate lawyer and strategic advisor with more than 20 years of experience. Ricky is an active contributor to pro bono initiatives, with a particular interest in supporting not-for-profit organisations in the disability sector.

“Having supported disability service providers for over a decade, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to serve Northcott during these times of exciting regulatory change and to make a contribution to hopefully improve the lives of Northcott’s customers, their families and carers.”

Mathew Franklin

B Comp Sci M Mgt PLDA(HBS) FGIA FRSA FIML GAICD

Managing Director, MF & Associates. Mat was pleased to join the board as a Director in 2022. With a mining, civil engineering, tech start-up and federal government background, he currently leads businesses in management consulting and cyber security. He is passionate about inclusion with a focus on disability, as well as women in ICT and leadership.

“It is a privilege to work with the Northcott team to help the next generation of customers realise their potential.”

Matthew Freeman

BBus, CA, EMBA (MBS), GAICD

Matt joined the Northcott Board as a Director in 2024, bringing over 20 years of finance experience across multiple industries. He is currently the CFO of Delta Agribusiness, Australia’s third-largest agricultural services business, and previously served as CFO of AWN Rural.

As a member of the Finance and Properties Committee, Matt plays a key role in ensuring strong financial stewardship to support Northcott’s vital services.

“Having benefited from the amazing support Northcott provides to children with disabilities, I am humbled to be part of the Board – supporting an incredible leadership team and an organisation that delivers much-needed assistance to a very important part of our community.”

Christopher Janssen

MB, BS, MBA (IMD), FAICD

Director since 1986. Christopher is the Founder and Managing Director of GPC Electronics and affiliated companies. He is an Advisory Board Member for The Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering at The University of Sydney and a member of the Abbotsleigh School Council. He is a registered (nonpractising) Medical Practitioner and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD).

Jeyan Jeevaratnam

B Eng (Hons 1) MBA M Eng Sc MAICD

Jeyan was a Director from 2012 – 2016. He is the General Manager of the Microsoft Enterprise business in Asia. Previously he was Chief Operating Officer for Avanade North America, Managing Director for Avanade Australia and prior Managing Director for AT&T Australia and held Senior Executive roles at IBM. Jeyan is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

General Manager, Enterprise Business, Microsoft Asia Member
Member, Finance and Properties Committee

“I am delighted to be part of the Northcott Board and I hope I can play a role in supporting Northcott and its important clients to achieve more, through Innovation and Technology for a Better Future.”

Christine Kelly

BEng- Electrical (Hons), BComm, GAICD

Director since December 2022. Christine was most recently the Deputy Fund Manager (CQR) and Head of Retail Finance at Charter Hall. Prior to this, she worked at Sydney Airport as Treasurer. Christine brings experience in property, finance, energy and banking.

BEng- Electrical (Hons), BComm, GAICD
Member Finance and Properties Committee

“It is a privilege to be a Board member for an organisation that builds an inclusive society by providing access to services and accommodation to customers with disabilities. I look forward to supporting the Northcott team and their vision.”

Chris Willcocks

B Comm / B Science

Director since 2022.

Chris joined the board as a Director in 2022. He is currently a Co-Portfolio Manager of Alphinity Investment Management’s global equity strategies. Previously he spent 15 years at Citibank, working across Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. His final role was Head of International Equity Sales – APAC.

Member, Finance and Properties Committee

“Northcott does incredible and critical work for disability services across NSW. It is an honour of mine to join the Board and help support the management and staff to achieve Northcott’s goals in the future.”

Liz Forsyth

BA (Hons), BSW (Hons), Dip Mgmt, MAICD

Director since 2020. Liz is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Northcott. She is a Director of The SpineCare Foundation, Northcott Innovation Ltd and Northcott Therapy ACT Pty Ltd. Liz is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Finance and Properties Committee
Risk Committee
Nomination Committee
Remuneration Committee

Oliberth Reyes Sánchez

Board Observer

Oliberth, a Mechanical and Industrial Engineer, is passionate about finance, data, and business. He moved to Australia on a scholarship for his MBA and currently he is the Finance and Data leader for a fast-growing tech startup. Oliberth excels in financial expertise, analytical skills and data literacy. He has extensive experience in board reporting and working closely with CEOs on strategic planning and execution. Born without his left leg, he inspires others to pursue their dreams, he engages in modelling and he also is an avid athlete who practices rowing, swimming and bouldering.

Our Leadership Team

Liz Forsyth

Chief Executive Officer

Liz was appointed CEO of Northcott in September 2020. With a love for Northcott and its staff and customers, Liz is very passionate about the organisation and is excited to lead Northcott into the next stage of its development. Liz joined Northcott in 2008 as a family support worker in our Coffs Harbour branch and has held a range of roles including Area Manager, Business Development Manager and leadership roles in Customer Experience, Supported Living and Northcott Innovation. Liz then took on a role as CEO of CareSouth, gaining valuable leadership experience, before returning to lead Northcott’s response to COVID-19 and the integration of Creativity Inc. Find Liz Forsyth on LinkedIn.

David Allen

Chief Financial Officer

David is an experienced commercial and strategic leader with a career spanning real estate, professional services and global infrastructure. He has held senior roles with KPMG Australia, KPMG UK and KPMG International, and has worked with major organisations across property, construction and funds management. David is a trustee and board member of Kickstart Kids International and holds an Executive MBA from AGSM at UNSW.

Jamie Hodgson

Chief Operating Officer

Jamie comes to Northcott with a long career in human services, having worked across both government and non-government organisations in Executive roles leading operational services and strategy. Jamie’s career began in disability support services in Canberra, and the commitment to improving the lives of people with disability has been a common thread throughout his career. In his last role as a senior executive with a child and family organisation, Jamie led teams across Australia for twelve years, focusing on developing strategies that reflect organisational purpose and drive positive social impact. Jamie is deeply committed to ensuring that the services we provide are of the highest quality, always keeping people at the heart of everything we do.

Nicole Hart

Chief People Officer

Nicole joined Northcott in 2025 with over 25 years’ experience in human resource management and industrial relations across various sectors, most of which were unionised environments. Nicole started her career working for employer associations, advising business owners on employment law matters and running cases in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, Chief Industrial Magistrates Court and the Fair Work Commission, once established. Over the last 10 years, Nicole has held senior people leadership roles within the transport and logistics sector. Nicole has a demonstrated passion for working with business leaders to development their people to best serve customers. Find Nicole Hart on LinkedIn

Pat Buick

Executive General Manager, Clinical and Safeguarding

Pat joined Northcott as Head of Therapy in 2018 following a career encompassing managing change in the private radiology sector, working at St. Vincents and Mater Health Sydney, and completing a Masters of Business Administration.

Executive General Manager, Clinical & Safeguarding is responsible for leading Northcott’s service development and ensuring high quality and consistent operational processes and performance across our service delivery areas.

Find Pat Buick on LinkedIn.

Jodie Hamblin

General Manager, Business Transformation

Jodie joined Northcott in 2015 after extensive experience leading technology and business transformation activities for major media organisations in Europe and Australia including UPC Communications, Austar Entertainment and oOh Media. As the General Manager, Strategy, Jodie has responsibility for strategic business development growth and business transformation work, encompassing the Project Management Office (PMO).

Our Board

Nathanael Peacock

Kirsten Armstrong

Riccardo (Ricky) Casali

Mathew Franklin

Matthew Freeman

Christopher Janssen

Jeyan Jeevaratnam

Christine Kelly

Chris Willcocks

Liz Forsyth

Oliberth Reyes Sánchez

Our Leadership Team

Liz Forsyth

David Allen

Jamie Hodgson

Nicole Hart

Pat Buick

Jodie Hamblin

Montrose is now part of Northcott!