board of directors

Sherman has over 20 years of experience in higher education, holding academic leadership, research, teaching and governance roles at both RMIT and Macquarie Universities.

He is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Vice-President at RMIT, and he joined the Spectrum Board in 2021. Prior to becoming an academic, he ran a multimedia production company, building interactive media for corporate and publishing clients. Sherman has a deep understanding of what is required to lead organisation transformation projects, and embraces the concepts of diversity and inclusion in all of his work.

Sherman has a BSc (UNSW), Masters in Media Technology and Law (Macquarie University) and a PhD in Media and Cultural Studies (UQ).

“As a migrant myself, I’m passionate about ensuring that new arrivals have every opportunity to succeed. Spectrum can help build a truly welcoming Australia that celebrates diversity”.

Chris is a people and values-driven finance professional, with over 30 years’ experience in the community welfare services, investment, funds management, stockbroking, money market, banking and heavy equipment leasing sectors.

Chris is a Principal with the CFO Centre in Victoria, and has a portfolio of clients in a variety of industries. Prior to this, he was CFO for 18 years at Anglicare Victoria, one of the Victoria’s largest child and family welfare organisations.

He is also experienced in managing non-financial functions such as Property and Vehicle infrastructure, Human Resources, and Information Technology.

Andrew joined the Spectrum Board in 2022 and has over 25 years’ experience as a senior executive in the energy industry working in operations, business development and customer service. His most recent role was Chief Customer Officer for the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group. He has qualifications in science and economics, including a Master of Economics degree from the University of New England.

An experienced Non-Executive Director, he has served on various community and industry Boards for over 25 years, including five years as Chair.

Andrew is passionate about identifying opportunities to help shape and achieve meaningful social support and change in our community to create a more inclusive and connected society. Spectrum provides an opportunity to achieve this end through its work with new refugees and migrants, assisting them to settle, and feel welcome, in Australia.

Ross has over 37 years of experience at the CEO and governance level in the not-for-profit aged and disability services sectors, which has given him a deep strategic and operational understanding of these sectors. He has also served on several Boards including ten years on the Board of Baptcare and as Chair of their Quality and Clinical Governance Committee.

Ross has an excellent understanding of good governance and brings extensive knowledge and experience in the provision of aged care.

He has an undergraduate degree with majors in psychology and earth science and post-graduate qualifications in education and business.

Casey joined the Spectrum Board in 2022. She has Senior Leadership, transformation, strategy, advisory & governance experience across a range sectors, and is the Executive Chairperson of Wombats Wish. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (MIS), Diploma of Business / Diploma of Management and is a Certified Community Director.

Casey grew up in Dallas and the North-West, and has familial experience with migrant journeys. She is purpose driven and passionate about diversity, as well as leaving people & environments in a better place. Casey is an avid traveller and water-lover, and she lives in regional Victoria with her family.

Elisa has twenty years of experience as a Data & Analytics leader in both the US and Australia. She has worked in industries spanning finance, FMCG, technology, and sport at companies including Citigroup, Avon Products, Quantium, LinkedIn, and now at the AFL.

Elisa has undergraduate degrees in Finance and Accounting from New York University and an MBA from both Columbia University and London Business School.
In 2022, Elisa was named as a Top 10 Analytic leader by the IAPA (Institute of Analytics Professionals Australia). She currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for the IAPA.

Omar is a management consultant with experience assisting boards and executive teams in the private and public sectors to solve their most complex problems across strategy and execution, organic and inorganic growth, and organisational transformation. Omar joined the Spectrum board in October 2023, inspired by the organisation’s purpose of helping everyone 'feel at home'.

Omar grew up in Syria and migrated to Australia in 2014 to start a new life in Melbourne. Omar is passionate about building an inclusive Victoria and is committed to ensuring new arrivals and people from migrant and refugee backgrounds are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to build a successful life in Victoria.

Omar holds a Bachelor of Business degree (majoring in finance and accounting) from RMIT University. He is currently a Senior Consultant at Baringa Partners and has previously worked for Deloitte Australia and Right Lane Consulting.

With over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology sector, Lizelle is currently the Director of Software & SaaS Partnerships team at Microsoft Australia & New Zealand - where she is focused on the success of digital and technology companies that are innovating to deliver new products and services.

With a career in the IT space, Lizelle has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and NetApp. She has helped grow strategic partnerships advising on sales, marketing and business growth strategies. In 2016, Lizelle was Highly Commended by ARN Australia Women in ICT for achievement in the Channel; and again a Finalist in 2018.

Lizelle has lived and worked in Australia, USA, Germany, UK – and has a background living in the Middle East (Oman), India & Peru. She is passionate about people leadership, mentoring and community contribution. As an immigrant herself, she is passionate about equity and opportunity for everyone – with a special focus on empowering refugees with settlement in Australia.