The Board
Phoebe House is governed by seven female, voluntary Board Members who share similar values relating to improving equity and access for women and children within the alcohol and other drug field. Each Board Member brings her own expertise, style and innovation to their role and each is motivated to ensure Phoebe House is well-resourced, well-governed and continuously improving our service delivery.
President/Public Officer
KAREN BECKER
Karen has over 20 years of experience in executive management with a degree in Social Work and an MBA in Health Management. She has been General Manager of Public Hospitals as well as Area, District and Drug Health Services. She has extensive experience in assessing public, private and not for profit organisations against national accreditation standards, while striving for quality, embracing diversity, and bridging the gap in Aboriginal health. Karen is currently working as a consultant in governance and quality.
Vice President
CLAIRE McMAHON
Claire is a qualified social worker with many years of experience assisting women to transition from prison back into the community. Claire is currently the Training Coordinator at the Community Restorative Centre in the Advocacy, Research and Policy Unit.
Treasurer
LUCY RIGGALL
Lucy brings extensive experience in financial oversight, governance and community-focused service delivery. With a strong background developed through her previous involvement in the Board of St Vincent’s Clinic and Chair of Open Support, Lucy has worked closely with health and social support organisations to strengthen operational effectiveness and ensure sustainable, values-driven outcomes. She is passionate about supporting organisations that make a tangible difference in people’s lives, and she combines strategic financial expertise with a collaborative, service-oriented approach. Lucy is particularly interested in ensuring not-for-profits are well positioned for long-term sustainability, strong governance and meaningful community impact.
Secretary
LEANNE HOWARD
Leanne is an IT professional, holding an MBA specialising in Technology. She is also an early career academic within the public health environment, having recently completed a Master of Public Health specialising in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing, and currently undertaking assistant research and teaching roles. Leanne is a proud Biripi woman and passionate advocate of improving health outcomes amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Our members
SUE JEFFERIES
Sue has an extensive history as a Registered Nurse in Corrections; working in the field since 1977. From 1990 to 2000, Sue worked as the Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) responsible for co-ordinating the Prison Methadone Program, and she has worked as CNC responsible for co-ordinating the treatment for those participants entering the Drug Court Program since 2000. Currently, Sue is a valuable member of the Drug Court Team located at Parramatta Court Complex. In her spare time, Sue shows ongoing passion about Cricket & the Sydney Swans and spiritually she engages in Tibetan Buddhism.
SARAH LALOR
Sarah is a Chartered Accountant who holds a Degree in Biomedical Engineering, and has spent her career working in Professional Services and Banking in both London and Sydney. She is passionate about supporting organisations that create environments for children to reach their potential in life, as well as helping people with a disability. She has three young children and enjoys the simple things in life!
NICOLE QUINCE
Nicole Quince is the founder and Managing Director of a Human Resources consulting business, Everything HR. Prior to starting her own company, Nicole held several leadership roles in companies including Stockland, Investec Bank and Aevum (a previously listed retirement living and aged care company). She supports and partners with her not-for-profit, listed corporate and private and family owned company clients with all aspects of their Human Resources. She sits on the Remuneration and Nomination Board Sub-Committee for Odyssey House NSW and has completed the Company Directors course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Nicole has several qualifications including a Bachelor of Arts (psychology), Bachelor of Law and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance and Investment. When not working, she loves spending time with her young family and tries to fit in the odd run or swim with friends.