An elected volunteer board governs the organisation's activities, directing the long-term strategic direction.
The management team, under the guidance of CEO Deborah Heithersay, is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations.
AWL Board
CHAIR
Ms Katherine Bartolo FAPI CPV GAICD
Valuer-General South Australia, Commercial and Legal, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
Year joined AWL Board: 2018
Member of the Animal Welfare Sub-Committee
DEPUTY CHAIR
Ms Lisa Bielby LLB(with Hons) and BA(Hons)(Psych)
Senior Legal Counsel, Department for Infrastructure and Transport
Year joined AWL Board: 2020
BOARD MEMBERS
Ms Michelle Williams MBA
Manager, Change Management, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Shared Services
Year joined AWL Board: 2014
Ms Cate Gaston BA GDipTour GDipMgt FGLF17 GAICD
Brand and Marketing Lead, Silverchain Group
Year joined AWL Board: 2016
Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee
Dr Jo Powell BSc DVM BEd (Adult Ed) DipMgt CIVTAE
Veterinarian and Principal Lecturer, Foundation Skills, Primary Industries, Animal and Laboratory Sciences, TAFE SA
Year joined AWL Board: 2018
Chair Animal Welfare Sub-Committee
Mr David Sanders FCA FGLF
Partner, Assurance Division of EY
Year joined AWL Board: 2023
Mr Hamish McLeay BCom (Mktg) GDipFin MBA
National Sales Manager, Remedy Drinks
Year joined AWL Board: 2023
Ms Penelope Moore BA (Hons) MBA DBA GAICD
Director Accountability and Risk, Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman
Year joined AWL Board: 2023
Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee
CEO
Deborah Heithersay
With over 25 years’ experience in the philanthropy and not-for-profit sector, Deborah has held senior executive roles and led many key initiatives in the health, education and the arts sectors across her distinguished career. Her extensive experience includes philanthropy, marketing, business development and volunteer engagement, and lobbying for leading South Australian organisations such as the University of South Australia and the Flinders Foundation, as well as the international WOMAD UK.
