Michael joined the Committee for Geelong as CEO in February 2023, bringing over a decade’s experience in senior leadership roles in the Federal Government and Hockey Australia. Prior to this, Michael spent an extended period with the Australian Sports Commission, having commenced his career with Coulter Legal in Geelong.

Michael is on the Geelong Football Club Corporate Governance Committee and is a non-executive director with sport technology platform, Tidy HQ.

Michael grew up in Geelong and returned in recent years with his family.

Lauren joined the Committee for Geelong in January 2024, bringing extensive experience collaborating with leaders at all levels across a range of organisations within the Victorian State Government, Local Government, Education, Retail and Creative industries.

Lauren is the Vice President of Awkwardstra Geelong, an inclusive community orchestra established in 2022.

Lauren grew up in Geelong before moving to Melbourne to study at Monash University. She returned to Geelong with her partner in 2009 and they couldn’t think of a better place to raise their family!

Caz has been at the Committee for Geelong since 2017. Caz provides administrative and financial assistance, membership support and is EA to the CEO.

Caz lived in the UK until 2010 where she worked in engineering and sales for many years, with extensive background in Office Management, finance and onsite administration services.

Caz and her daughter emmigrated to Melbourne, then moved to Geelong in 2012 to enjoy a more rural lifestyle and all that Geelong has to offer.

Karen joined the Committee for Geelong in May 2022 as the Community Leadership Manager after a long stretch working at Deakin University. Her career at Deakin ranged from community liaison, coordinating graduations and most recently she headed the Merchandise function.

Karen is excited to be a part of the Leaders program, one which enriches people’s lives and contributes to providing a positive benefit to the region.

Karen and her husband have raised their family on a few acres in the Surfcoast area.

Ellen has been working with the Committee for Geelong since 2022.

Ellen has a Post-Graduate Degree in Arts and Entertainment Management from Deakin University, as well a plethora of hands-on experience working across the corporate landscape, not-for-profit sector and more recently with a range of local organisations.

Geelong born, Ellen spent many years in Melbourne before returning in 2014 with her husband to raise their family in proximity of both beach and bush.

Julie-Ann came to the Committee for Geelong as a short-term finance contractor after a career in Business banking and then working as a finance manager in the private sector.  Six years later Julie-Ann is still here and a permanent member of the team.

When not working at the Committee, Julie-Ann does finance and contract management work for other not-for-profits.

Julie-Ann moved to the Greater Geelong area in 2002 with her family and completed her Business Analytics degree at Geelong’s Deakin University in 2018.