Our Board
Our Board are passionate about fostering healthy, connected communities.
Their experience spans community based services, finance, law and business consultancy
Jane Hadjion, President
Jane joined CC board in January 2018. Jane brings expertise in business development, systems thinking and design thinking. Jane is particularly inspired by the benefits of community gardens as a tool to build well being and as a spring board for economic participation. She is currently self employed and supports business leaders who seek to align their business purpose and strategy.
Dayo Sowunmi (GAICD), Vice President
Dayo Sowunmi (GAICD) brings to the board over 25 years’ experience in executive and business consultancy gained in Australia, UK and Africa. With a Masters degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) from Monash University, Dayo guides organisations on how to explore AI’s offerings. Dayo is a Mentor with Leadership Victoria and with Australian Business Community Network mentoring high-school students.
Haley Graydon, Secretary
Haley joined the board in October 2022. Haley is a senior solicitor with over 5 years of specialised experience in complex, multi-party construction and finance disputes in Victoria and Western Australia. Completing a double major in Law and Environmental Science at The University of Western Australia, Haley brings her expertise and passion to expand the harmonization of urban development and sustainable agriculture. Travelling extensively, Haley appreciates the cultural significance of food and the positive contributions it can make to mental health, community spirit and intergenerational learning. Haley enjoys getting her hands dirty (in the gardens!) and assisting to grow cultivating community's vision of inspiring a healthy and just world.
Pirathap Naguleswaran, Treasurer
Pirathap joined the board in October 2022. Pirathap currently serves as CFO for Sourci, prior to Souri he held many positions for companies from various industries in Australia and internationally. He brings over 12 years of experience in finance management, treasury management, risk management, governance, and leadership experience to CC's Board. Pirathap is a CFA charter holder, a member of CPA (Australia), and holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management and Computer science. Pirathap is passionate about serving communities, eliminating poverty, and protecting the planet.
Diana Baker, General Member
Diana served for several years with the United Nations in countries emerging from conflict, working alongside political and community leaders to rebuild institutions and social cohesion. Diana currently provides advisory services to international and national clients seeking to review, evaluate or design programs and organisational systems that bring about social change in communities. She loves to support programs and organisations that have an integrated social, economic and environmental purpose.
Maggie McKeand, General Member
Maggie (joined July 2021) is a community engagement specialist and has over 10 years experience in the public, private, and NGO sectors as well as a Masters of Environment. She is passionate about sustainable development and purpose-led business models that enable us to reduce our carbon footprint and enhance community wellbeing.
Jazmin Poyser, General Member
Jazmin brings expertise from the property industry. She has a deep knowledge of the planning & development process, valuations, project feasibility & financing across major asset classes. She couples this with her operations and digital transformation experience.
She has a keen interest in sustainable food systems and is passionate about shaping thriving sustainable cities & communities that serve the many, not the few. In her downtime, she enjoys tending to her balcony garden, baking sourdough and cooking new recipes.
Jazmin has a Bachelor of Environments & Master of Property from the University of Melbourne, is a member of the Australia Property Institute (CPV, MAPI) and Startmate Women Fellow.
Dr Karen White (GAICD), General Member
Karen joined the board in 2018, and was board chair from 2019-21 inclusive. As a social worker with expertise in mental health practise, social work education and research, Karen has provided leadership in consumer engagement and best practice evaluation. Karen led the establishment of board subcommittees and contributed to the expansion of CCs range of services and target groups. She is an experienced board director with skills in governance, consumer participation and community engagement. Karen enjoys propagation and community gardening bringing people together to share skills, produce and support the natural environment.