THE BOARD
Peter Leahy
CHAIRMAN
Peter Leahy retired from the Army in July 2008 after a 37-year career, concluding with the rank of Lieutenant General in the appointment of the Chief of Army. Since leaving the Army, Peter has joined the University of Canberra as a Professor and the foundation Director of the National Security Institute. He is a member of several advisory, commercial and charity boards. Peter is a regular commentator on defence and security matters on television and radio and in the print media in Australia.
Director Qualifications: AC, Professor, BA Mil Studs UNSW, MMAS USACGSC, GAICD.
Former Chief of Army and Director of the National Security Institute, University of Canberra
Michael Brennan
Michael is the Managing Partner of the Canberra office of MinterEllison, and has been in commercial legal practice for over 20 years, 12 of those in a partnership role.
Director Qualifications: BSc LLB (Hons)
Managing Partner – MinterEllison Canberra
Anthony Court
Anthony is the KPMG Defence Partner, has been a management consultant for 21 years and served as an Army Officer for 14 years.
Director Qualifications: BSC (Hons), MSC (Military Electronic Systems Engineering), Grad Dip Acc, AICAA, GAICD.
Partner – Defence and National Security, KPMG
Michele Miller
Michele has over three decades of experience in the Royal Australian Navy, with nearly 15 years in seagoing and command positions, conducting operations around Australia and overseas. She joined Soldier On at the end of 2012 to bring the perspective of current-serving ADF members to the Board, particularly the voice of Navy people. Her recent roles in the ADF have also meant brings an appreciation of what Defence and DVA are endeavouring to do for current serving ADF members and veterans, and help Soldier On find the right needs to work on. Michele has a particular focus on transition, connectedness and the ongoing health of ADF members (and their families) as they move from active service to the next stage of their life where they contribute in new ways to the Australian community. Michele is the daughter of an Army veteran, the wife of an Air Force veteran and a veteran herself, which can make dinner conversations very interesting.
Director Qualifications: BSC (Hons) UNSW, Grad Dip Mgt (Defence studies) UC, Grad Cert Maritime studies UoW, MArts (Strategic Studies) Deakin
Bryant Stokes
Bryant is a Property Development Executive specialising in Master-Planned Communities and Commercial Property Management. Bryant has over two decades of experience in property and commercial roles.
Director Qualifications: UTS Grad Cert Pro Dev (Property Development), UTS Grad Dip Pro Dev (Property Development), 10 Years Director Australian Capital Equity Pty Ltd
Ben Farinazzo
OBSERVER TO THE SOLDIER ON BOARD
Ben is a Soldier On Ambassador. He was an Australian Army Officer and served as part of the International Force in East Timor (INTERFET). He successfully transitioned from the military across to several senior executive roles in Australia and offshore. He previously held Chief Executive Officer roles in both corporate and not-for-profit sectors.
Director Qualifications: BA (Hons), MAICD.
Soldier On Board positions are volunteer-based with the exception of the Chief Executive Officer. All non-Executive Directors generously donate their time, including all travel, to assist in the governance and strategic direction of Soldier On.