Cara’s Board of Directors elected Matthew Nicholls as President of the Board at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday evening with fellow Board Director Lucy Davies re-elected as Vice-President.
Matthew joined Cara’s Board of Directors in 2018 and brings over 30 years of experience in a range of roles across public administration, consulting and corporate finance. Matthew also brings a lived experience of disability having lost both of his arms in a farming accident at a young age.
Matthew had previously been elected as Chair of Cara’s Finance and Audit Committee since 2018 and succeeds retiring President Nick Smith.
“I am honoured to accept the role of Board President at Cara,” Matthew said.
“Cara is a leading disability provider in South Australia and I feel privileged to be able to share my skills and experience with an organisation that has such a rich history and excellent reputation.”
“Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience and I am looking forward to working with him to achieve our vision of empowering our customers for greater independence,” Sonya Furey Chief Executive says.
Vice-President Lucy’s background extends across law, government, management consulting and brand strategy.
She is skilled in policy development, government processes, strategy, business development and marketing, with strong negotiation and analytical prowess.
After seven years as a director and one as President, Nick Smith advised the board in October of his intention to not stand for board re-election at this year’s Annual General Meeting.
“Nick has been integral to Cara’s ongoing success over his seven-year tenure. On behalf of Cara, I would like to thank Nick for his service and wish him all the very best,” Sonya Furey said.
“We welcome Matthew and Lucy into their roles and look forward to working with them in the future.”
In addition, Cara has appointed experienced executives Michele Smith and Peter Auhl as board directors.
Michele has more than 30 years’ experience in the health and human services industry and is the current Governing Board Chair of the Eyre Far North Local Health Network.
Peter who is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Divide Group, has held Chief Information Officer roles with a number of local councils and state Government departments across a career spanning over 25 years.
“Both Michele and Peter were chosen from a strong field of candidates.” Sonya Furey says.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michele and Peter to our Board of Directors and see both appointments as important next steps in Cara’s growth and future success.”
Corporate lawyer Sam Scammell was also appointed as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee.
Find out more about our Board of Directors.
