Our people come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds and pathways, but we all hold one principle in common: putting our members first is at the heart of everything we do. A genuine passion to create the best outcomes for our members is the driving force behind decisions made at every level of the organisation.
Dr Geoff Newcombe AM
Chair,
Employer Director
since 1 March 2013
Sponsoring organisation: Association of Independent Schools NSW
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Education, Master of Educational Administration, PhD in Financial Management in Education, Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Experience and expertise
Dr Newcombe has been an Employer Director since 1 March 2013. He has had extensive experience in school management and finance having held positions of Head and Business Manager in a number of Independent Schools. He has held a number of positions in independent schools, and in 1998 joined the Association of Independent Schools as Director of School Governance and Industrial Relations. He was the Executive Director of AIS (NSW) from 2005 to 2022.
Special responsibilities
- Chair of Board
- Chair of the Nominations and Appointment Committee
- Member of HR, Remuneration and Governance Committee
- Member of the Investment Committee.
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
Georgina Smith
Deputy Chair,
Employer Director
since 1 July 2014
Sponsoring organisation: SA Commission for Catholic Schools
Qualifications: Master Education Studies, Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching, Graduate Diploma of Religious Education, Graduate Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees.
Experience and expertise
Georgina has been an Employer Director since 1 July 2014. She has worked as Assistant Director, Principal Consultant, School Principal and teacher in Catholic Education SA and is currently an independent consultant supporting sector and school leadership in Catholic Education. She has significant experience in leadership recruitment and selection, strategic planning, risk management, human resources and school governance.
Special responsibilities
- Deputy Chair
- Chair of the HR, Remuneration and Governance Committee
- Member of the Nominations and Appointment Committee.
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
Patrick Anderson
Member Director
since 12 May 2022
Sponsoring organisation: Independent Education Union SA
Qualifications: Bachelor of Journalism.
Experience and expertise
Patrick has been a Member Director since 12 May 2022. He is an experienced business owner, founder of a national communications and digital agency that employs 20 staff, with clients including the AFL, Nokia Australia and Charter Hall. His skills and experience include strategy, corporate governance, communications and business development.
Special responsibilities
- Member of the HR, Remuneration and Governance Committee
- Member of the Strategy and Marketing Committee.
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
David Brear
Member Director
since 2 April 2022
Sponsoring organisation: Independent Education Union Vic/Tas
Qualifications: Bachelor of Education (Business Studies), Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Experience and expertise
David has been a Member Director since 2 April 2022. He is an experienced education professional, and currently holds roles as Treasurer of the Teacher Learning Network, Vice President of the Independent Education Union (IEU) of Australia, and General Secretary of the IEU Vic/Tas. He is also a lawyer admitted before the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Special responsibilities
- Member of the Risk Audit and Compliance Committee
- Member of the Claims, Review and Insurance Committee.
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
Terry Burke
Member Director
since 6 May 2019
Sponsoring organisation: Independent Education Union Qld/NT
Qualifications: Bachelor of Education, Master of Educational Administration, Graduate Diploma in Education, Certificate in Finance, Certificate in Governance for Not for Profits, Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Experience and expertise
Terry has been a Member Director since 6 May 2019, and was previously Chair of the QIEC Super Board. He is the Branch Secretary of the Independent Education Union in Qld/NT and has experience in organisational development and administration, risk assessment and management, strategic and policy development. He taught and held administrative positions in Catholic schools.
Special responsibilities
- Chair of the Investment Committee
- Member of the Nominations and Appointments Committee
- Member of the Strategy and Marketing Committee.
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
Michelene Collopy
Employer Director
since 26 August 2019
Sponsoring organisation: Roman Catholic Province of Sydney
Qualifications: Bachelor of Economics, Financial Planning Accreditation (Deakin University), Financial Planning Specialist (Institute of Chartered Accountants), Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Experience and expertise
Michelene has been an Employer Director since 26 August 2019. She is an experienced professional in funds management, treasury, risk management, compliance and corporate governance, and has held roles as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director and Financial Controller and Chief Operation Officer. Michelene was most recently the Chair of Perpetual Superannuation Limited.
Special responsibilities
- Chair of the Risk Audit and Compliance Committee
- Member of the Nominations and Appointments Committee
- Member of the Investment Committee.
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
Kathy Dickson
Employer Director
since 17 July 2015
Sponsoring organisation: Association of Independent Schools NSW
Qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Certificate of Governance and Risk Management, Master of Labour Law and Relations, Master of Laws in Enterprise Governance, Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors, Graduate Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees, Fellow Governance Institute of Australia.
Experience and expertise
Kathy has been an Employer Director since 17 July 2015. She is an experienced executive with over 27 years in the education sector. Her roles have included responsibility for finance, compliance, risk, asset and infrastructure management, human resource management and strategic leadership and stewardship in the for-purpose sector. She is also the CEO of the Association of School Business Administrators (ASBA).
Special responsibilities
- Member of the Risk Audit and Compliance Committee
- Member of the HR, Remuneration and Governance Committee.
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
Carol Matthews
Member Director
since 27 September 2023
Sponsoring organisation: Independent Education Union NSW/ACT
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Certificate of Governance and Risk Management.
Experience and expertise
Carol has been a Member Director since 27 September 2023. She has been a member of the IEUA for over 39 years where she has held a number of roles including serving as Deputy Secretary for the NSW/ACT Branch since 2019, with a period in 2021-2022 serving as an Acting Secretary. She has been Federal President of the IEUA since April 2023. Carol has experience in organisational development, administration, cyber security, data management and corporate governance.
Special responsibilities
- TBA
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
Mark Northam
Member Director
since 1 February 2023
Sponsoring organisation: Independent Education Union NSW/ACT
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts with the Diploma of Education, Master of Education Studies, Certificate of Governance and Risk Management, Harvard Trade Union Program.
Experience and expertise
Mark has been a Member Director since 1 February 2023. He was an English/History teacher for over 20 years, and has also been a lecturer and practicum supervisor at Newcastle University. Mark was a member of the Quality Teaching Council from 2013–2016. Since 2001, he has worked for the IEU as an Organiser, Assistant Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Secretary.
Special responsibilities
- Member of the Risk, Audit and Compliance Committee.
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
Deborah Ponting
Employer Director
since 1 January 2022
Sponsoring organisation: Community Management Solutions
Qualifications: Bachelor of Education Study, Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education (University of Queensland), Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Master of Information Management (QUT).
Experience and expertise
Deborah has been an Employer Director since 1 January 2022. She is a higher education professional, with over 30 years’ experience in not-for-profit superannuation, education and community sectors. Her roles have included Sessional Lecturer in Information Management (QUT), Head of Centre for Learning and Innovation at Ormiston College, Brisbane and Teacher and Librarian at St Augustine’s College, Brisbane.
Special responsibilities
- Member of the Claims, Review and Insurance Committee
- Member of the Strategy and Marketing Committee.
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
Christine Wilkinson
Member Director
since 12 February 2013
Sponsoring organisation: Independent Education Union NSW/ACT
Qualifications: Bachelor of Education, Masters of Educational Studies, Graduate Certificate of Careers Counselling, Cert 4 in Training and Assessment, Diploma in Teaching.
Experience and expertise
Christine has been a Member Director since 12 February 2013. She began teaching in 1967, and taught in primary, secondary and early childhood before retiring from teaching in 2022. Christine has been an IEU member for over 30 years, holding a number of senior positions, and is currently on the Executive of the IEU NSW.
Special responsibilities
- Chair of the Strategy and Marketing Committee
- Member of the Claims Review and Insurance Committee
- Member of the Nominations and Appointments Committee.
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
Wendy Wills
Employer Director
since 17 December 2018
Sponsoring organisation: Association of Independent Schools SA
Qualifications: Bachelor of Economics (Accounting), Master of Business Administration, Australian Institute of Company Directors Diploma, Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance & Investment, Graduate Diploma in Company Secretarial Practice, FCPA, FAICD, FCIS, FGIA.
Experience and expertise
Wendy has been an Employer Director since 17 December 2018. She has experience in manufacturing, finance, consulting, government, multimedia, not-for-profit and education. In 2000, Wendy was appointed Business Director at Pembroke School, a senior leadership and general management role that encompasses finance, compliance, risk management, governance, human resources and strategic planning.
Special responsibilities
- Chair of the Claims, Review and Insurance Committee
- Member of the Investment Committee
- Member of the Nominations and Appointment Committee.
Other Directorships and appointments are detailed in the Interests and Duties Register.
Natalie Previtera
Chief Executive Officer
Natalie was appointed Chief Executive Officer on 5 June 2023, following nine months acting in the role. Natalie was appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer in August 2022, following her appointment as Chief Risk and Governance Officer in 2021, after joining the Fund in 2019. As Chief Executive Officer, Natalie is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Fund’s operations while leading the Executive team in the successful execution of the Fund’s business plan. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Graduate Diploma in applied Corporate Governance, and is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and is an admitted Solicitor in New South Wales. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Natalie brings her skills and expertise to lead the Fund and deliver successful outcomes for members.
Ben Facer
Chief Strategy Officer and Deputy CEO
Ben was appointed to the Executive team on 29 August 2017. As Chief Strategy Officer and Deputy CEO, Ben is responsible for the maintenance and advancement of all strategy, product, finance and business intelligence functions within the Fund. He oversees the operating framework and development of strategy that enables the Fund to continue its focus on providing valuable services for members.
Ben joined NGS following 5 years as Actuarial Consultant and Partner at Deloitte. Prior to his time with Deloitte, Ben spent almost 20 years with Mercer, initially as Actuarial Consultant, then International Retirement Consultant in London and finally Retirement Practice Leader, South Asia in Singapore. Ben holds a Bachelor of Economics (Actuarial Studies).
Ben Squires
Chief Investment Officer
Ben was appointed to the Executive team on 12 March 2018. As Chief Investment Officer, Ben is responsible for formulating both the short and long-term investment strategies, recommending investments, overseeing our team of investment professionals, and managing external asset consultants.
After working for MLC as an Investment Analyst, Ben joined the NGS Super Investments team in 2008. Ben holds a Bachelor of Business with Majors in Accounting and Finance, as well as a Master of Applied Finance.
Melissa Adam
Chief Experience Officer
Melissa was appointed to the Executive team on 1 July 2019. As the Chief Experience Officer, Melissa is responsible for the Fund’s marketing, communications, sponsorships, and digital, providing ultimate oversight of all member and employer experience.
Melissa has 19 years’ marketing experience, including roles at J.P. Morgan, ANZ, QSuper, and Telstra. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Business Communications from the Queensland University of Technology, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland, RG147 Qualifications, is a certified Direct and Digital Marketer and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Marketing.
Christopher McManamon
Chief Service Delivery Officer
Chris was appointed to the Executive team on 1 July 2020. As Chief Service Delivery Officer, Chris is responsible for the strategic delivery of operations through administration, insurance and helplines. He brings more than 20 years’ experience across operations management, change leadership, process improvement and service, retention and growth, particularly in the superannuation space. Chris holds a Bachelor of Business from Charles Sturt University.
Darryn Studdert
Chief Advice Officer
Darryn was appointed to the Executive team on 1 July 2021. As Chief Advice Officer, Darryn is responsible for the delivery of the financial advice service at NGS Super. He is a Certified Financial Planner® and holds a Master of Financial Planning. With over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Darryn has a broad depth of expertise across the financial advice sector and is passionate about the meaningful change that can be made to peoples’ lives through financial advice.
Jo Klingberg
Chief Growth Officer
Jo was appointed to the Executive team on 24 April 2023. As Chief Growth Officer, Jo leads the overarching Growth Strategy for the Fund, focusing on retention, acquisition of new business and strategic partnership growth for the member and employer landscape.
Jo has over 25 years’ experience in the superannuation industry both within retail and industry funds, having held senior roles at the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST), Rest, ME Bank, Hostplus, BT, AMP, AXA and ANZ. Jo is a Fellow of The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, holds a Diploma of Financial Planning and Diploma of Marketing, and is also a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Philippa Minney
Chief Risk Officer and
Head of Corporate Services
Philippa was appointed to the Executive team on 3 July 2023. As Chief Risk Officer, Philippa is responsible for developing, enhancing, and implementing an effective risk management framework, leading both the Risk and Governance team in the management of regulatory matters and government affairs, as well as the People and Culture Team in the delivery of human resources.
Philippa is an experienced executive with a demonstrated track record in leading risk and compliance functions across financial services through complex and challenging periods. She has over 25 years’ corporate experience in the financial services sector, including roles at Allianz Australia and Insurance Australia Group. Philippa is a Chartered Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma of Accounting from the Australian National University and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Darryn Studdert
Chief Advice Officer
As Chief Advice Officer, Darryn is responsible for the delivery of the financial advice service at NGS Super. He is a Certified Financial Planner® and holds a Master of Financial Planning. With over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Darryn has a broad depth of expertise across the financial advice sector and is passionate about the meaningful change that can be made to peoples’ lives through financial advice.
Cheryl Haines
Financial Planner
Cheryl is a Certified Financial Planner®, holding a Bachelor of Business (Accounting, Business Law and Taxation), a Diploma of Financial Planning and a Diploma of Superannuation Management. Cheryl joined NGS in July 2019, bringing with her over 17 years of financial planning experience. She specialises in wealth accumulation, superannuation and retirement planning strategies.
Cheryl’s passion lies in helping our members realise and achieve their financial and lifestyle goals. Cheryl is based in the Brisbane office and regularly services our regional Queensland members.
Trudy Jenkins
Financial Planner
Trudy is a Certified Financial Planner® with a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and over 20 years of experience in wealth management and financial services. Trudy is a specialist in superannuation, retirement planning and portfolio construction. Trudy joined NGS in July 2016. She is based in our Adelaide office and regularly visits Perth to service our Western Australian members.
Trudy enjoys educating our members and assisting them in removing the stress associated with planning retirement.
Maria Maganic
Financial Planner
Maria is a Certified Financial Planner® holding a Bachelor of Business (Accounting/Finance Major) and a Diploma of Financial Planning. As a Financial Planner for the past 14 years, Maria’s expertise is expansive, covering areas such as debt and risk management strategies, corporate superannuation, wealth creation and retirement planning. Based in Sydney, Maria services members locally as well as in Melbourne.
Toby Perkins
Financial Planner
Toby Perkins is a Certified Financial Planner® with over a decade of experience in the industry. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Corporate Finance), a Graduate Diploma in Global Wealth Management and an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. Toby is based in Adelaide and specialises in superannuation, retirement planning and wealth accumulation.
Toby enjoys getting to know members and their own unique circumstances in the process of helping them achieve their lifestyle goals and objectives.
Emerson Scott
Financial Planner
Emerson is a financial planner with over twenty years of experience in the industry. As a retirement planning specialist adviser who understands aged care, he is passionate about helping people learn about their finances and put them in a better position for retirement.
He is a Fellow Charted Financial Planner (FChFP), has a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning, and has met the FASEA ongoing education requirements.
Jeff Watkins
Financial Planner
Jeff is a Certified Financial Planner® with over 15 years of industry experience and a Master of Applied Finance.
Jeff joined NGS in February 2018. Based in the Sydney office, Jeff specialises in pre-retirement planning, retirement strategies and wealth protection. He enjoys getting to know our members and guiding them to reach their financial goals in order to help them enjoy a worry-free retirement.
Vince Zappia
Financial Planner
Vince is a Certified Financial Planner®, holding a Master of Commerce (Financial Planning) and a Diploma of Financial Planning. Vince joined NGS in September 2014. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Vince has extensive specialist knowledge in pre-retirement planning, retirement planning and risk management advice strategies. Vince is based in our Sydney office and regularly services our members in Canberra.
Vince’s passion lies in empowering our members through financial education and providing them with peace of mind.
Fund information
Awards and ratings
