GEKA is an incorporated association operated by a board of directors as required under the GEKA constitution. Board members are accountable to the Department of Education and Training (DET) and are responsible for the overall governance, management and strategic direction of GEKA, in line with the goals and objectives set out. GEKA’s board consists of representatives that are skilled based professionals with an interest in the Glen Eira community and early childhood sector.
Jacqueline Deady
Jacquie joined the GEKA Board in April 2016 and is Chair of the board as well as chairs the Human Resources Board Committee . Jacquie has previously been on the committee of management for local kindergartens and early learning centres and is an active member of local educational, sport and cultural community groups. She is passionate about delivering high quality, accessible education in partnership with local communities.
Jacquie has expertise in human resources, organisational development and transformation and has held senior in-house human resources and consulting roles across the professional services, technology, financial services, postal and education sectors. She has worked for global and leading ASX organisations, working at national level in the UK and Australia and across the Asia Pacific region. Jacquie is married with three children and is interested in travel, food and the arts.
Katie Frazer
Katie is a superannuation professional with over 20 years experience within the industry super fund sector. Her broad experience across a number of roles, means she has extensive expertise at both operational and strategic levels.
She enjoys working in roles that focus on ensuring the best retirement outcomes for members. Katie is currently the Chair for the Women in Super (WIS) Victorian committee and a director of the national WIS Board. She holds formal qualifications in superannuation management and financial planning. Katie is passionate about supporting and growing organisations that are focussed on high quality and affordable early years education. As such she has previously been the President and Approved Provider for a local community based child care centre, as well as the President of GEKA Glover Street Kindergarten. Katie joined the GEKA Board in January 2017.
Sandra Chui
Sandra is a Chartered Accountant and a Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors with over 13 years local and international experience as a finance professional.
Sandra is currently a Group Chief Financial Officer in the training and workforce solutions industry, and has high engagement with several Boards and Executive Management on strategy and financial sustainability. She has held senior roles in professional services and commercially in a large energy organisation. Sandra is passionate about education and held the position of Treasurer for the Zema Scholarship Fund, and is currently also professional mentor to aspiring Chartered Accountants.
Sandra is a Glen Eira local and has two young boys. She enjoys her coffee, yoga and nature. Sandra joined GEKA as Board member and Treasurer in November 2019.
Melanie Gratton
Melanie is an experienced childhood educator with a sound knowledge of development who has worked with children from birth through to post school age.
She has a vast background working with a diverse range of children in various educational settings in both the public and private sector and is very passionate about every child being given authentic, nurturing opportunities to enrich development and build positive lifelong outcomes.
Melanie has been involved in many community projects with local government, private business and the department of education to improve the educational outcomes of all children. She has a deep enthusiasm for continued professional development and has most recently been involved in innovation and leadership action research through the department of education. Melanie joined the GEKA board in October 2018 as a General Member.
Francesca Bianco
Francesca has over 30 years’ experience in senior management roles, working in the healthcare industry. With a breadth of experience across the pharmaceuticals, dental and health services sectors in Australia and the Asia Pacific region, she has led the strategic direction of teams responsible for commercialisation and launch of new products and services.
She brings a wealth of commercial, financial management and marketing experience, drawing on a combination of technical, operational and strategic expertise to provide business advice to inform decision making and business planning.
Francesca enjoys working with teams, developing, inspiring and motivating teams towards a common goal of value creation.
Francesca joined the GEKA board in November 2019 and is committed to contributing to the ongoing development and growth of GEKA and its vision to be the leading provider of innovative, professional Early Years Education.
Maxine Jacona
Maxine is presently Executive Manager Governance and Company Secretary of an industry superannuation fund. She is responsible for executive management, implementation and improvement of regulatory compliance.
A proven leader with a range of corporate skills, Maxine demonstrates a key ability to provide both strategic guidance and thinking to improve performance and create sustainable value. These abilities translate across both corporate and community organisations with ease.
Maxine has volunteered on management committees of community-based organisations, including a local kindergarten as well as sporting and educational groups. She has also mentored refugees and vulnerable students one-on-one through work placements to assist them to develop vocational, employability and industry skills whilst also improving personal and social skills.
Believing that organisations can and should take responsibility to help create a positive and transformational experience, Maxine enjoys connecting with people to build a vibrant and inclusive community.
Dirk Gierlach
Dirk has over 25 years of international experience in management consulting and delivering complex digital transformation programs for Financial Services and Technology Companies. He is an entrepreneur, C-Level advisor and accomplished business leader. Dirk is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dirk has a passion for Early Childhood Education as a father of 4 children and has been involved in community organisations for many years. Dirk is married and is a multi-talented musician with interests in travel, food, sports, cars and the arts.
Dirk joined the GEKA Board in November 2019. He is a member of the Finance Committee. He brings an “outside in” client perspective to the Board and is dedicated to helping the GEKA board and management team to further improve the organisation towards a sustainable and successful future.
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