Board of Directors

David R Bamford, OAM

Non-Executive Director

David joined the Board in 2006 and has a wealth of community and corporate experience. Before retiring, David was a senior manager with NRMA, working with the company for 31 years. A Rotary member for 41 years, David is a former president of the Rotary Club of Blacktown City, currently Club Secretary, and has been recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow.

David is Honorary Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Blacktown Traffic Offenders Program and a member of numerous local community and safety committees. In 2009, David received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to Rotary International and the community of Blacktown.

Jon Isaacs, BA [Hons], FAICD

Chair

Jon brings to Ability Options significant experience in strategic planning and governance across private, public and not-for-profit organisations, including a successful career in the NSW Public Service and nine years as the CEO of the Royal Blind Society.  Since its inception in 2003 he has chaired the $1.2 billion NSW Government/private sector joint venture development at Rouse Hill in north west Sydney and currently chairs five NSW Government Audit Committees.

He has coached and mentored CEOs and senior executives from a wide range of organisations in sectors such as finance, legal, FMCG, construction/development, education, retail, regulation, human services and health.

Jon was elected Chair at the Annual General Meeting held in October 2014.

Michael Maxwell, GradDipAdEd (VET); MSocSci; GAICD

Non-Executive Director

Michael joined the Board in 2014. He has combined an extensive career in the social and community services sector with post-graduate qualifications in Adult Education and Social Science to work with disadvantaged communities in developing training and employment projects that have opened doorways of opportunity for those to whom they are so often closed. At the core of Michael's work has been a passion and ability to create programs that promote social and financial inclusion and by which individuals who face complex and compound factors of social disadvantage are supported to live to their full potential in a safe, secure and appropriate environments.

Michael has worked with a range of social service organisations and is currently Principal at Social Traction and lectures at several tertiary institutions.

Nola Buck

Non-Executive Director

Nola has been a Board member since September 2002.  Nola’s commitment to the independence, worth and dignity of the service users of Ability Options was ignited when she supported them at their monthly client meetings. Nola has been an advocate for people with disability for over twenty years and is a life member of both the Polio NSW Inc. and People with Disability Australia Incorporated. Having contracted poliomyelitis as an infant, Nola has a life-long experience of disability. Nola is married with four adult children and lives in Western Sydney.

Pearl Forrester, CPA; MBA; BEcon; GradDipCompSci; GAICD

Deputy Chair

Pearl is a finance executive with experience in the not-for-profit human services sector, with roles over the last 10 years in Aged Care and Disability organisations. Pearl worked primarily in ASX-listed service oriented companies for over 20 years prior to moving into not-for-profit, mission-focused organisations to combine life and career goals. Pearl is a former regional Board member for a large aged care provider and is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Trustees of Catholic Aged Care Sydney.

Richard Mossie, BCom; FCPA

Non-Executive Director and Treasurer

Richard joined the Ability Options’ Board in December 2000. He has extensive experience working in senior management and finance for a number of high profiles organisations, including as Chief Internal Auditor with Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd before he retired in 1999. Richard has also served as Treasurer for the Oatlands Golf Club, a role he retired from in 2008 after many years of service. As a Director and Treasurer of Ability Options, Richard is committed to using his knowledge and expertise to enhance services for people with disability.