Our Board

RICHARD THORN

BA, LLB, GDLP, JP(QUAL)

Chairperson

Richard has over thirty years' experience working within compliance and policing roles for various government agencies throughout Australia, and he has extensive governance experience.

During duties he carried out for the Military, as a Training Development Officer deployed in a training capacity with the International Force East Timor, Richard experienced firsthand the value of providing the essentials of life, friendship and hope to those who had lost everything.

Over the past twenty years, Richard has undertaken various volunteer roles with a number of not-for-profit organisations. This has included the past two years as the Secretary and Public Officer for Suited to Success Ltd.

Richard is excited to continue working with Suited to Success into the future and to fulfil the role of Chairperson.

“I am so proud to have been given an opportunity to work with an organisation and group of people whose principal objectives are to treat all people with dignity, and to provide physical and tangible hope for a better future.”

Lauren Christian

MBA, BCom(BusLaw),GAICD, MAICD. IML

Deputy Chairperson

Responsibilities: Chair Governance Committee

Lauren is an Executive General Manager who has spent the last 12 years providing B2B technology products within the automotive industry. Lauren has experience across all operational aspects of leading a business including Strategy Development, Finance, Human Resources, Product Development, Customer Experience, Sales and Marketing.

Having experience preparing a business for sale with appropriate due diligence, Lauren understands the need for building strong governance structures.

Lauren enjoys leading teams and helping team members and leaders take control of, and continually develop, their careers. Lauren is looking forward to applying this passion to helping our clients to overcome barriers to employment, improve their confidence and employability, and enable them to thrive in work and life.

Samantha Fernando

MBA, BNeuroscience, BBA

Director

Samantha has worked with not-for-profits, NGOs, and multi-national organisations, in fostering partnerships with Australian and New Zealand Government organisations. She is an experienced talent solutions specialist with over 12 years’ experience helping transform Public Sector organisations, by bringing industry insights, create a strong talent pipeline, and enhancing employee engagement for her clients.

She currently recruits for Executive Roles and consults on Workforce Strategy for Queensland and Federal Public Sector clients. She is also working on her post graduate research on unconscious bias and employee engagement with Griffith University.

Samantha joins the Suited to Success Board as she is passionate about supporting employment pathways for our clients. She has previously volunteered for Dress for Success® Sydney and has been an Advisory Board Member for a social justice enterprise.

Vicki Cameron

EdD, MHRM, BA, Bed, DipBus, CAHRI

Director

Responsibilities: Chair HR, Nominations & Remuneration Committee

Dr Vicki is a highly experienced educator and human resource professional, commencing her career teaching youth who were disadvantaged and disengaged, she made a mid-career pivot into human resource management (HRM).

As such she has wide-ranging experience in senior leadership commencing as a school principal and moving on to roles including executive manager of People and Culture in a large government statutory authority. Vicki has vast experience in all aspects of strategic and operational HRM, leadership and workforce planning in both not-for-profit and corporate organisations.

“As a strong believer in social equity and having an experience early in my career helping youth experiencing disadvantage to become work ready, I was drawn to Suited to Success by their positive impact in helping people in overcoming barriers to employment.”

Kylie McKinlay

MBA, BBus (Public Administration/HR Management)

Director

Responsibilities: Chair Risk Management Committee

Kylie is highly effective at fostering collaborative and creative environments and has played a leading role in developing, reviewing and transforming service delivery teams in both the public and private sector.

Kylie also has experience in the not-for-profit sector, holding voluntary leadership positions with a Brisbane branch of Make-A- Wish Australia. She is passionate about developing sustainable social enterprises and brings this energy and experience to Suited to Success.

Kylie returned to the Board in 2020 after previous involvement with Suited to Success Inc as Vice President and Dress for Success Brisbane as a volunteer.

"Being part of Suited to Success was life changing for me and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to re-join the team and contribute to their important work in supporting vulnerable Queenslanders."

Nicki Sheehan

BCom, ICAA

Director

Responsibilities: Finance

Nicki is a Chartered Accountant and has over 20 years’ experience in mergers and acquisitions, finance and accounting at leading global companies. Her key achievements include completion of US$9 billion of transactions in corporate mergers and acquisitions roles across the mining, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries. She also has experience transforming Finance departments in technology businesses.

Nicki is very passionate about inclusion and diversity and enjoys leading teams, mentoring and helping others develop their careers.

“I am honored to be a Suited to Success Board member and to be part of an organisation that is helping people secure employment.”