top of page

Meet the Board

Honorable Doug McClelland, A.C.

Honorable Doug McClelland, A.C.

Patron

Our Patron the Hon Douglas McClelland AC has had a long and distinguished career as one of Australia’s leading politicians.

Throughout his political career Doug served in a variety of appointments including Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate ,Deputy President and subsequently President of the Senate.

In 1987, in recognition of his outstanding work over a period of many years he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia, which was personally presented to him by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Doug McClelland graciously agreed to accept the offer to become the Patron of the Intellectual Disability Foundation of St George and he and his wife Lorna attended the Foundation’s launching dinner in November 1998.

Since that time he has maintained an extremely close relationship with the Foundation and through his personal efforts and his wide range of contacts has been of invaluable assistance in promoting the work of the Foundation

Michael Price

Michael Price.png

Chief Executive Officer

After a 27 year Army career Michael retired in  the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and  commenced as the CEO of St George Special Industries ( SGSI ) on 16th of March 1993.

The transition from SGSI to the IDF of St George in 1998 was a direct result of the untiring efforts of Michael to ensure the long term viability of the organisation as a quality provider of supported employment.

The Foundation is now recognised as a valuable community asset. Michael has also served in a voluntary capacity in a variety of community organisations with his efforts duly recognised by being awarded the title of  Rockdale Citizen of the Year in 2013 and again in 2018 with the award of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

Mike Dennis.png

Mike Dennis

Chairman of the Board

Mike became Governor and Director of the IDF of St George in 1999.

 

Mike owned and operated a successful printing company in Sydney north and brings his extensive management and business experience to his role with the Foundation.

Mike has been Chairman of the Board since 2014.

Jeff Vella.png

Jeff  Vella

Governor and Director

Jeff became a Governor and Director of the Foundation in 2000.

A prominent local businessman, Jeff has extensive experience in the property industry and is a Fellow of the National Institute of Accountants.

Brigid McCarthy.png

Brigid McCarthy

Director

Brigid joined the Board in 2008 bringing an extensive experience in manufacturing and logistics in Australia and overseas.

She has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry.

Richard Nikolovski.png

Richard Nikolovski

Director

Richard is in mid level management at a major bank and has worked in various roles in the Financial Services industry for over 25 years.

Richard joined the Board in 2013 and has a well-established connection with the Foundation as his brother has been employed at our Arncliffe worksite since 1987.

Sue Tytherleigh.png

Sue Tytherleigh

Director

Sue is a retired school teacher, whose son was a long term employee at our Arncliffe and Kogarah work sites.

She has been a Director since 1985 and a Board Representative of the Workers Consultative Committee since 2004.

Sue was awarded life membership of the Foundation in 2019.

Board members IDF (1).png

Geoff  Vickers

Director

Geoff joined the Board in 2013 and his son has been employed at our Kogarah worksite since 2001.

In addition to his work with the Foundation, Geoff has a long involvement with the Special Olympics and presently chairman of the Sydney South Committee.

Board members IDF.png

Spiro Pissas

Director

Spiro is an experienced start-up and digital executive with a demonstrated history of working in the technology, marketing and advertising industry.


Skilled in Business Growth, Digital Strategy and launching businesses both in Australia and internationally.


Strong business development professional now helping SMBs take control of their digital destiny.

Board members IDF (2).png

Executive Director

Bill completed 40 years of service with the Department of Defence, with his last 10 years of service as The Director Financial Management and Budgeting for Army’s Headquarters Training Command.

He has been involved with The IDF of St George for a period of 57 years and during that time served as a Board Director , Board Chairman and for the last 21 years as the Manager Planning and Development.

Bill was re-appointed to the Board as Executive Director in 2019 and continues in the role of Manager Planning and Development.

Bill was awarded life membership of the Foundation in 2019

Bill Dunn

bottom of page