On A Mission For Change

Ian is a seasoned business executive and board director with significant experience in Asia and Australia, and an extensive international network. After graduating from Cambridge University in 1987, Ian began his career in Investment Banking in New York. In 1988, he moved into the Advertising industry, and worked for over 25 years in London and Asia, partnering with leading companies and brands such as Apple, Adidas and Singapore Airlines. Ian relocated to Australia in 2015 and developed a portfolio career including Consulting assignments and Board appointments. He currently sits on the Boards of Good Sammy Enterprises, Amana Living, D’Orsogna and Talisium.

Leanne has a background in agriculture, education, media and health. Working in both operational and management roles for the WA Health and Education Departments. Leanne had a long career in broadcast media through roles at 6PR, 96FM and Channel 7. A recent career move saw Leanne part with her role Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research as Executive Assistant to the Director. Now working back at Seven West Media, Western Australia's largest Media organisation, Leanne and her family oversee a successful wheat and sheep operation in Mukinbudin. Leanne was approached to join the board by close friends Grant and Adrienne Whyte. She joined the board to honour the memory of their son, Jayden.

Craig is an accountant with over 25 years’ experience. After graduating from Curtin University in 1996, Craig joined Byfields Business Advisers in 1997, becoming a qualified CPA in 2001 and a director of the firm in 2004. Craig grew up in the country, and with all of his clients being in the rural/farming sector, he feels a very strong link with the Blue Tree Project’s core purpose.

Leanne is a highly experienced and results driven leader with a wealth of experience in managing projects across multiple industries including not-for-profit, arts and culture, resources, government, and health. Leanne’s career has spanned 25 years in senior management roles, delivering key projects through working collaboratively with diverse and multi-disciplinary stakeholders, creating successful partnerships and implementing innovative strategies to deliver positive outcomes.

Joanne is an experienced operations manager and high functioning senior executive with a proven track record in delivering superior health and community services. She is passionate and committed to delivering client focussed solutions with expertise in financial and contractual management, clinical and corporate governance and continuous quality improvement. Her lived-values of teamwork, commitment and maintaining a positive strengths-based approach have enabled her to successfully develop and implement innovative strategies in all her roles.

Simon Comerford was born and grew up in Mukinbudin where he still lives and manages the town’s swimming facilities during the summer months. Simon attended Mazenod College in Perth, after which he undertook an apprenticeship in carpentry and travelled extensively. Simon is currently undertaking a degree in Counselling at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle and will graduate in 2023. It was Simon’s tree on his family farm that he painted, with the help of Jayden’s cousin, went viral and became the catalyst for the Blue Tree Project.