Board Members
HeartKids Australia Inc is governed by a board made up of State representatives along with various skill-based appointments.
The current Board comprises of:
- Chairman: Brian E Pereira
- Vice Chair: Dr Anne Fletcher
- Treasurer: Matt Tognini
- Directors: Matt Turner, Dr Noel Edge, Jayne Blake, Scott Reinke, Lee Morgan, Terry Barnes, Toni Planinsek
- Company Secretary: Gabriel Chiappini
- Chief Executive Officer: Jann Kingston
Brian E Pereira – Chair
Mr Pereira brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and wisdom to HeartKids Australia. With a number of board position over the past years, Brian is a commercially astute entrepreneur with the experience to lead our charity into a new phase of growth and development. Brian is passionate about allowing children to be children regardless of their social background or physical situation. Brian takes the reins from outgoing Chair, Mr. Stephen Sheppard who has built a strong foundation and governance process over the last three years for the fledgling Charity.
Dr Anne Fletcher – Vice Chair
Dr Anne Fletcher brings a great wealth of experience and passion to the role. Dr Anne has had 38 Scientific peer-reviewed publications and has won multiple awards including the Australian Academy of Science and Australian Academy of Technological Sciences Overseas Travel Award, The Wellcome Award from the Australian Institue of Medical Scientists and the Meritorius Service Award from the Australian Red Cross Society.
Matthew Tognini – Treasurer
A Partner of Keady Humble Tognini Chartered Accountants, Perth, Matthew is a registered member of the Institute Chartered Accountants since 1988. Matthew graduated from ECU with a Bachelor of Business, Major in Accounting. His extensive business experience is a valuable asset to HeartKids Australia. Matthew is the parent of a heart kid and has been on the Board of HeartKids WA since June 2007.
Dr Noel Edge – Director
With over 40 years of IT, business and academic experience, Dr Edge’s experience brings a wealth of technical and practical knowledge to HeartKids Australia. He is the Executive Director for Graduate Careers Australia, a Universities Australia and Commonwealth government funded not-for-profit providing research and graduate opportunity services to the Australian higher education sector. He is also a director on several small business boards, is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is a Fellow of the Australian Computer Society. Noel holds a PhD in IT Project Management from Bond University as well as commerce qualifications from the University of Queensland.
Lee Morgan – Director
Lee Morgan is the manager of the Special Infrastructure Projects within the Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet for the State Government of South Australia. Lee has a Professional Certificate in Business Management; Graduate School of Management from Adelaide University; Associate Diploma in Applied Science; Conservation and Park Management from University of South Australia and a Technicians Certificate in Surveying.
Lee has served in a range of managerial positions for SA Water Corporation and the Environment Protection Agency. Lee is married and has a son who is a heart kid.
Scott Reinke – Director
A managing Director of Intandem, Scott has a Certificate in Direct Marketing (ADMA) and a BA. He has had a wealth of senior management experience, serving as General Manager Health Benefits & Marketing Divisions for Medibank Private, Head of Marketing at the Bank of Melbourne, Marketing Consultant at Publicis Mojo, Managing Director at Communication Insights Pty Ltd and Head of Marketing Retail Bank Division Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Sydney. Scott is married with 2 children one of whom is a heart kid. Scott has previously served as President of HeartKids Victoria.
Jayne Blake – Director
Toni Planinsek – Director
Toni Planinsek has a personal interest in the success and development of Heart Kids. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of eight grandchildren one of whom is three year old Sophie – a NSW Heart Kid, born and treated at Westmead Hospital. Toni knows that hospital well!
Toni is a successful business woman. As a licensed real estate agent she owns an agency with offices in Melbourne and Brisbane. Before starting a career in real estate at the beginning of this century Toni spent thirty years in education in Australia, North America, Latin America and PNG. She is a trained primary school teacher with a Master Degree in Education as well as post graduate qualifications in Information Systems, Special Education and Business Management.
During her time in education Toni has held senior academic positions including Principal of Methodist Ladies’ College Junior School in Melbourne as well as senior positions in Development. She has been the Director of Development at Firbank Anglican School in Melbourne and Director of Communications and Community Relations at The King’s School in Sydney. As part of these roles Toni has spoken at State, National and International conferences. She has had extensive event management. She understands fundraising and has set up annual giving and bequest programs as well as managing small and large capital appeals and fundraising events.
Philanthropy is important to Toni. She has been a Director of the Rotary Club of Melbourne and during that time she initiated and established an early literacy program for five year olds in East Timor. She is a member of RCH1000 and is a regular supporter of Amnesty International, Médecins Sans Frontières, Oxfam, Salvation Army and The Smith Family.
Gabriel Chiappini – Company Secretary
Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, GAICD
Jann Kingston – Chief Executive Officer
Research Sub Committee:
Dr Anne Fletcher – Chair
Dr Roger Mee – Independent Advisor
Dr Tom Gentles – Independent Advisor
Mr Lee Morgan – HeartKids Australia Director
