• Michael Thorn
    Michael Thorn Vice President

    Bachelor of Business, MBA (Monash)

    Michael has held executive positions across several Australian and overseas start-up companies, and currently heads up the Procurement department for the Australian Football League (AFL).

    Michael has also recently been voted on the Committee of the East Malvern RSL, and is the organiser of the annual ANZAC Day junior football event.

    Currently servicing as Vice President of the MAD Foundation, Michael is also a co-founder of MAD back in 2000.

  • Andrea Boal
    Andrea Boal Beneficiary Liaison

    B.Teach (QUT), B.Ed (UQ)

    Andrea Boal is a qualified teacher who works as MAD’s Beneficiary Liaison Officer.
    Andrea joined MAD after many years of supporting the Foundation and admiring its
    direct impact. In her third year in this role, she is the everyday interface between our
    beneficiary families and medical professionals in receiving, assessing and
    processing funding requests.

    Her background in primary education, school advisory boards and community
    organisations, drives her passion and belief that all children be given the opportunity
    to learn and develop to their full potential.

    “Ideally, we would see no child with special needs missing out or experiencing
    prolonged delays on equipment or services, that are essential to their health, safety
    and development.

    Each day I am moved by the challenges faced by many families who need support
    but warmed by the generosity of our supporters, who allow us to deliver life-changing
    assistance.”

  • Chris Steiger
    Chris Steiger Treasurer

    Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia

    Chris Steiger is a director and co-founder of Vertex Group Pty Ltd, a financial planning advisory firm based in Malvern.  Prior to starting Vertex Group in 2002, Chris worked in various roles primarily in the superannuation industry.

    Chris is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia (FIAA) and also holds an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning (ADFP).

    As Treasurer of MAD, Chris oversees the foundation’s financial and compliance obligations.

    Chris was one of the co-founders of MAD Foundation in 2000 and has been the Treasurer since that time.

    I am amazed at how MAD has grown from very humble beginnings thanks to the dedication and efforts of a large group of volunteers over the years.  I am looking forward to the continued growth of MAD so that we can help even more families who really need our support.Read more…

  • Elizabeth Priddle
    Elizabeth Priddle Board Secretary

    Elizabeth Priddle

    LLB, BEc

    Elizabeth is a partner at BSP Lawyers in Melbourne, practising in hospitality law for over 25 years.

    Elizabeth joined the Board in 2017 and has filled the role of Secretary at MAD.  Elizabeth oversees all corporate governance matters and provides legal expertise to assist in the ongoing development of MAD as it seeks to build its capacity to support more beneficiaries.

    “I was initially attracted to join MAD because I was so impressed with the immediacy of support that MAD can offer its beneficiaries.  Real needs of beneficiaries who are facing day to day challenges are fulfilled with so little fuss.  “Making a difference” is MAD’s aim and I am privileged to now play a small role in such a wonderful organisation.”

  • Damian Toohey President

    B.Bus (Accounting), FCPA, GAICD

    Damian has more than 30 years’ experience across a range of financial, strategic, commercial, supply chain, operational and corporate roles in the manufacturing sector, most recently in the capacity as an Executive and Director at Qenos.

    Damian is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Leadership Victoria Fellow, graduating from the Williamson Community Leadership Program. Damian is also a Life Member and former Captain of the De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club.

    Damian is a co-founder of MAD Foundation in 2000 and is currently serving as President.

    “It is a privilege to witness the impact that MAD has on both sides of the fence. From the emotional experience of support felt by the beneficiaries and families in need, to the sense of joy and fulfilment the network of MAD volunteers and supporters feel in providing life changing equipment and services directly to others.”

  • David Francis
    David Francis Director

    B.Eng (Communications), MBA (Melb)

    David is General Manager Sales, Marketing and Product Technology for Qenos in Melbourne.

    David brings a background in strategic planning, business development and marketing communications developed across a wide and varied career working in and consulting to the manufacturing and technology sectors.

    David Joined the Board of the MAD Foundation in 2016 as the Marketing and Communications Director and is contributing through the development of the marketing strategy and communications.

    I’m energised by the volunteer spirit of MAD and the generosity of its patrons. I’m proud to be part of the team at MAD and to see the difference MAD makes to the lives of its beneficiaries

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