Keryl Neville Chief Executive Officer

Keryl has developed a national reputation as a leader in the disability services sector In her high profile roles with LEAD, as chair of ACE National, and her strong commitment to sector development in the ACT and region serving on a number of local committees and working groups. In her time as CEO at LEAD she has overseen a period of change and growth. LEAD now provides services to over 400 people in the ACT and region. Keryl’s previous work history includes Policy Officer for the Division of General Practice, Disability Educator for Family Planning ACT, and various employment and accommodation positions with a number of disability organisations in Sydney and the ACT.

Mary Neville Director People and Planning

Mary has built a long and distinguished career in the disability sector, often at the forefront of change. After some early negative experiences working in traditional institutions, Mary committed herself to working with people and their families to get a better deal and promote human rights and equal opportunities for people who have a disability. She has been the CEO of Community Programs Association and Director of Adult Services with the Autism Association of NSW. She loves travel, linguistics, cooking and gardening.

Paul Dachs Manager LEAD Contracting

Paul came to LEAD with high-level experience and skills in policy development and contract management. He manages our contract & business services, delivering job outcomes in contract area of horticulture, asset maintenance and collating. Paul has a long involvement with the State Emergengy Service as a team leader and loves Four Wheel Driving and working on cars.

Vanessa Attridge Manager LEAD Employment

Vanessa is dedicated to the philosophy of all people being included in their community, regardless of their individual abilities. Vanessa's professional experience and expertise is creating a culture within LEAD Employment that strives for excellence and sustainability for the people of LEAD. LEAD is proud to announce that Vanessa was the inaugural winner of the NDS ACT Joan Berry Scholarship. Vanessa has an avid interest in travel, and often will bring her international experience of working with people with disabilities to her current role.

Tom Sutton Resources Team (Planning & Training)

Tom is a well known face to many and has been with the organisation for many years as a support worker and programme coordinator. Tom brings to the position his passion for delivering quality client outcomes for the people of LEAD. Tom has extensive skill and experience in providing training and mentoring to the workers of LEAD and plans on continuing to assist both current and new team members. An active member of the ACT Disability Professionals Learning network, Tom is often working across many platforms to increase community based opportunties for people with disability.

Jeff Thompson Resource Team (Community Development)

Jeff first learnt about community development whilst working as a Volunteer with an inner city mission in Johannesburg South Africa. On his return to Australia Jeff has committed himself to developing and implementing community development practice in his work in the local community sector. Jeff works with people to develop projects that build on the strengths of the community and mobilise community capacity to increase the presence and participation of people in their local community.

Wayne Herbert Resource Team (Senior Pre-Employment Specialist)

After a short break in mid 2011, Wayne is back with LEAD and is focused on improving vocational and social options for people in the Canberra Region. With a diverse background in employment and training for people with disability, Wayne is able to work with the people of LEAD to aim for and achieve real outcomes in their vocational life domain. An ever-smiling and popular face at many ACT networking hubs, Wayne will utilise an evergrowing skill set to assist people to achieve their goals. When not striving towards excellence for the people of LEAD, Wayne enjoys lazy afternoons with friends and family.

Christopher Oppert Resource Team (Training & Development)

While studying in South Australia, Christopher developed a passion for social justice and equality for all members of our community. After relocating to Canberra to work with LEAD, Christopher has continued studying and improving his skills in the disability industry. He specialises in working with people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and advocating community inclusion for people with disability. Christopher has an interest in innovative research and practice in disability and sociology, as well as radio broadcasting and attending local wrestling matches.

Christine Smith Resource Team (Safety, Quality & Training)

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Diane DeJosselin Resource Team (Administration)

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