EREA Board Profiles

Dr Stephen Brown

Dr Stephen Brown has undertaken senior executive roles in all sectors of enterprise: Public, private, and not for profit.  He currently undertakes a portfolio career consisting of a combination of roles and positions. These include advisor to business and governments, and directorship of a global professional services company, The Brown Collective, specialising in the education sector and board appointments. Dr Brown is a highly regarded global expert within the education sector in the areas of leadership development, education systems renewal and redesign, strategy, change management, capability development, school improvement and governance.

Dr Brown’s knowledge of strategic and operational governance is extensive. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors program, Director of Stuartholme School, a former member of the international advisory panel for the Scottish government’s school leadership college, a Board member of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and a graduate of Oxford University’s Saiid Business School’s Executive Leadership Program. Dr Brown was educated by the Christian Brothers in Rockhampton Qld.

Cynthia Rowan (QLD)

Cynthia has spent more than 25 years in senior and executive roles with the Queensland Government, mainly on Indigenous policy and inclusion, child safety and family support. Cynthia spent two terms as a part-time Commissioner for Queensland Corrective Services where she monitored the implementation of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Cynthia is the Reconciliation Action Plan Manager for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. As a recently appointed continuing Board Member (2021), Cynthia ensures continuity whilst naming the challenges and contributing strategic insights to all aspects of EREA.

David Penny (NSW)

David brings experience as a Non-Executive Director in complex not for profit organisations, including Director of the Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited (ACSL) to make the church a safe place for all. He has also held a range of NED/Board roles including Calvary Ministries, Centre for Christian Spirituality Ltd and the BCA National Training Group (a registered training organisation in business, community services, conservation, land management, governance, training and assessment). David is currently the Executive Director of ISMAPNG and brings a detailed understanding of the Catholic Church and the environment in which it operates. He has a sound understanding of the charism of Edmund Rice.

Stephen Ellich (VIC)

Stephen is a proven Board Director and Senior Executive with a 25+ year proven track record of success in governing and leading large, complex, national organisations through the establishment, development and implementation of transformational change to deliver sustainable growth, profitability and strong operating cash flow. Specifically in the NFP area, Stephen served on the Boards of YMCA Victoria, YMCA Australia and the AICD NFP Advisory Committee (VIC). He brings a strong commitment to the charism of Edmund Rice and EREA through his close affinity with the Christian Brothers and his membership of the Board of Edmund Rice Camps (Vic) over many years. His two sons were educated at St Kevin’s College. Stephen is a Fellow of the AICD.

Dr Susan Stevens (VIC)

Susan is currently a Board Director of a College, Pathways Deputy Chair and Board Director 2022 on the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Education Strategy & Policy Board. She brings proven experience and performance as Principal of Loreto College, membership of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) with responsibility for this Music VCE subject across Australia and prior experience as a member of the Mary Ward International Australia Grants Committee and Chair & Director Mary Ward International Australia. Susan’s passion for quality education, dedication to Catholic education and familiarity with Victorian Regulatory Requirements will be an asset.

Mark Anderson (VIC)

Mark brings to the role over 20 years experience in non-executive director positions in the government, for profit and non-for-profit sectors with strong experience in the finance and audit areas. Mark is currently serving as a Board Director across education, aged care, leisure entities and as a member of the outgoing EREA Board represents the continuity necessary during this period of transition. Mark is strongly imbued with the charism of Edmund Rice and has deep knowledge of the 55 EREA schools around Australia.