CHAIRMAN
PETER LEAHY
Former Chief of Army and Director of the National Security Institute, University of Canberra
Director Qualifications: AC, Professor, BA Mil Studs UNSW, MMAS USACGSC, GAICD.
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.
JOHN BALE
Deputy Chairman
Co-Founder Soldier On
Director Qualifications: BA (Hons) UNSW, MA UNSW, MMgtStud UNSW, GAICD.
John Bale is now the Deputy Chairman and Co-Founder of Soldier On. He served in the Army for 12 years and finished his career as a Chief of Army Scholar writing on the de-stigmatisation of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Australian Army. John was state finalist for 2014 Young Australian of the year, winner of the EY Entrepreneurs of the Year 2016 (Eastern Region) and was the joint recipient of the 2017 UNSW Young Alumni Award.
BOARD MEMBERS
MICHAEL BRENNAN
Managing Partner – MinterEllison Canberra
Director Qualifications: BSc LLB (Hons)
Managing Partner of the Canberra office of MinterEllison. Michael has been in commercial legal practice for over 20 years, 12 of those in a partnership role.
ANTHONY COURT
Partner – Defence and National Security, KPMG
Director Qualifications: BSC (Hons), MSC (Military Electronic Systems Engineering), Grad Dip Acc, AICAA, GAICD.
Anthony is the KPMG Defence Partner, has been a management consultant for 21 years and served as an Army Officer for 14 years.
NEIL FLETT
Director Qualifications: 12 years Director Starlight Childrens Association, 15 years Director The Australia Day Council of NSW
Neil Flett is a journalist, public relations and sales communications specialist, founder of the international management, leadership and sales coaching organisation Rogen International.
MICHELE MILLER
Royal Australian Navy
Director Qualifications: BSC (Hons) UNSW, Grad Dip Mgt (Defence studies) UC, Grad Cert Maritime studies UoW, MArts (Strategic Studies) Deakin
Michele has 30 years experience in the Royal Australian Navy, with nearly 15 years in seagoing positions, including serving on operations in the Middle East, East Timor and in border protection both in the north of Australia and in the Southern Ocean. As a Maritime Warfare Officer, she has been the commanding officer of a patrol boat and the frigate HMAS PERTH, and staff positions have included in capability development and career management. Michele was the Director General of the Navy People Branch, based in Canberra, until the start of 2018
BENJAMIN FARINAZZO
Observer to the Soldier On Board
Director Qualifications: BA (Hons), MAICD.
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.
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.