About Lutheran
Homes Group

Mel brings over 20 years of experience in human resources, leadership, and governance across diverse industry sectors, including construction, mining, and not-for-profit organisations in Australia and the UK.

Outside of her role as Board Chair, Mel is the Managing Director of Red Seed Productivity Strategists, a consultancy business providing human resources, strategy, and governance services, as well as at Humanology Recruitment. Mel is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons) from Flinders University, along with a Bachelor of Management from the University of South Australia.

Andrew has extensive experience as a company director and has previously held positions as Vice Chairperson and Chair of the Finance Committee at Concordia College and was a Non-Executive Director and Councillor at the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME).

Andrew is currently a Regional Operations Manager at Viterra, and has had a successful executive career spanning various sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing and mining, with a particular focus on sales, strategy, business development, operations and supply chain management.

Andrew is a Graduate of the AICD and holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Business Administration (Merit) from the University of Newcastle.

Debra began her career teaching in Lutheran schools before transitioning into the hospitality and retail sectors. Over a span of 12 years, Debra held various managerial positions at the Richmond Hotel, Hyatt Regency Adelaide, and Myer Grace Bros.

Debra has a Diploma of Teaching, Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Business from the University of South Australia.

Colleen has extensive board experience, including roles on the South Australian Council of Social Services and as a Director on the board of the SA Energy Industry Ombudsman. Currently, she chairs the Board of Advice for the Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Funds, which provide grants for children and young people who are or have been under the Guardianship of the Minister for Child Protection.

Outside of board roles, Colleen has led a career dedicated to community and social work. She was previously Director of Lutheran Community Care and also held a senior management role at Families SA. Colleen remains actively involved in the Lutheran Church of Australia and serves on the Committee for Care Ministries, the Governance Enhancement Committee for Lutheran Aged Care and Community Services and chairs the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand’s Standing Committee on Nominations. Colleen holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Flinders University.

Emily is actively involved in various boards, including as Deputy Chair of Lutheran Education South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia Inc.

Outside of her board commitments, Emily is a Partner at Piper Alderman, where she specialises in employment law, providing legal advice throughout the employment lifecycle, from hiring to managing the workforce, and resolving disputes. She has been recognised by Doyle’s Guide as a ‘Rising Star for Employment & WHS – Australia’ in 2018, 2020, and 2021, and as a Leading Employment Lawyer (Employer Representation) in South Australia in 2023.

Emily holds Bachelor Degrees in Law and Media from the University of Adelaide, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She is also a Graduate (Order of Merit) of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Company Directors Course.

With a career spanning over several decades, Kathryn serves as a General Practitioner, working in a private general practice since 1995. Kathryn continues to care for her older patients by providing medical care when they move to aged care facilities. In addition to her work in private general practice, Kathryn also works as a surgical assistant. Currently, she holds a position on the CEIH Statewide Surgical & Perioperative Care Clinical Network Steering Committee, where she actively contributes her insights and expertise.

Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Diploma of Obstetrics, and Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Kathryn is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

With extensive experience as an architect in the private and public sectors, Tony is currently a partner at MPH Architects. Prior to establishing MPH, Tony was a partner of an international architecture firm where he was responsible for national leadership and management of the Adelaide office.

Tony has successfully delivered many award-winning and significant projects, including renowned international projects in the United Kingdom, USA, Qatar, and South Africa.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Australia, and he is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Philip holds directorships at Capital Prudential, Credit Union SA, and MyVenue. He was previously a director of the Risk Management Association of Australia and worked as a Group Executive at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank for 24 years. Philip has extensive experience in governance, finance, and property development. Philip was responsible for all of Bendigo Bank’s Aged Care and Retirement Division which incorporated direct development and direct ownership of a large portfolio of Retirement and Aged Care facilities across Australia.

Philip holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of South Australia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Adelaide. He is a Fellow of the Society of Certified Practicing Accountants, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, and a Chartered Banker with the Chartered Banker Institute of the United Kingdom.