Our Board Members bring a depth of corporate leadership expertise, with lived experience of the challenges of disability or mental health and a determination to improve lives.
The Board is driven by the goal of guiding the creation of an inclusive world built on trust, respect and equality, where people with disability and mental health issues can live the life they choose and thrive as part of an inclusive community.
Dr Peter Langkamp, OAM
Peter brings a wealthy of sector expertise and lived experience as a carer for his son who has a disability whose NDIS plan, he manages. Peter is a strong and passionate advocate for carers nationally and has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his tireless sector and community leadership.
Peter is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is an experienced Non-Executive Director. He was President of Carers Australia, Chair of disability services provider Yooralla, and a Director at Mental health service Wellways and is currently the chair of the board of our parent company The Disability Trust.
Peter has held senior executive roles in business and consulting for over 30 years with many well-known brands including Shell, NAB, NRMA, Acxiom, Accenture, Callista, NDIA (NDIS) and Bendigo Bank delivering great outcomes to enterprises nationally and internationally. He has deep experience in the strategy and delivery of technology products and services.
Agata Jarbin
Over the course of her career, Agata has held several CEO leadership roles and is currently the Chief Executive officer at HealthAbility, a leading community health organisation that has been providing support and care to people for over 4 decades. Agata’s senior leadership roles have included CEO of the Accident Compensation Conciliation Service and Acting Chief Executive Officer of State Trustees. Agata was also previously a partner of King & Wood Mallesons.
As a Senior Executive, Agata is focused on building organisations that offer great client service while balancing the needs of employees and compliance.
Agata completed Leadership Victoria’s Folio Community Leadership Program in 2015 and is passionate about advocating for mental health and disability services.
Carol Heijo
Carol was born in Uruguay, is blind since birth and identifies as non-binary and Queer. Carol is a Human Resources professional with over 30 years of leadership experience in the public and private sectors.
Carol specialises in Workforce Strategy, Policy Development and Access and Inclusion. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Diploma of Business in frontline Management, an Associate Diploma in Community Welfare and a Certificate of Marketing.
Carol was awarded the Australia Day Achievement Award for exceptional commitment and dedication to providing information and advice on workplace participation and inclusion for people with disability.
Carol is also the co-host of the Labelling the Disabling Podcast.
Stephen Balch
Stephen holds a Bachelor of Business degree, majors in Accounting and Marketing, and has enjoyed a diverse career as an academic, auditor, accountant, general manager, chief executive officer, company secretary and director. He was also an elected member of the Northern Territory Parliament and held the position of Government Whip for 4 years.
Stephen currently works as a private business consultant. Through his consulting work Stephen advises clients on strategy, corporate governance, financial management, internal audit, and risk management issues.
Margaret Bowen
Margaret has had an accomplished leadership career having recently retired following 35 years as a Chief Executive Officer of the Disability Trust. Armed with a passion for social justice and a desire to make the world a little fairer Margaret grew the Trust a small advocacy association with 4 staff to an organisation employing more than 2,000 staff, supporting more than 4,000 people a year.
Margaret has dedicated her life to breaking down barriers so that people with mental illness, disability and complexity can have the fundamental human right to live the life they choose with respect and dignity. Margaret has worked tirelessly to deliver these outcomes, putting forward the best interests of people living with mental illness and disability their families and carers to build a fairer, more inclusive society.
Margaret is also an experienced Board Director, having served on the Board of the Mental Health Coordinating Council in NSW for 5 years and Scope home access for 25 years.
Donna Markham OAM
Independent advisor
Associate Professor Donna Markham is the former Victorian Chief Allied Health Officer, certified organisational coach and registered occupational therapist who has worked in healthcare for more than 18 years.
Donna has held leadership roles within health services and the Victorian government, and has worked across health, mental health, disability and community sectors. She is a non-executive Director for Aged Care provider (Uniting Age Well) and has established her own business, Disequilibrium (the sweet spot where growth occurs), coaching and supporting professionals in the workplace. She is a mum of two boys and advocates for the important role women play both at home and in the workplace, particularly in executive leadership positions. Donna is passionate about the importance of self-care and well-being.
Donna is a graduate of the Williamson Community Leadership Program, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a certified organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership. Donna was awarded a medal of order (OAM) in 2022 for her contribution to healthcare administration.