Our board consists of outstanding business professionals who each volunteer their time and expertise. The board includes parents of children who have experienced cancer and a childhood survivor, who bring a personal understanding of the challenges and issues.
Board and staff members who have been directly affected by childhood cancer
Former Minister for Employment; Innovation, Medical Research, Digital Economy; Small Business; Resources
The Honourable Jaala Pulford is an experienced leader with deep experience in Cabinet government, public administration and governance, Jaala is passionate about making sure people and businesses can thrive in an economy undergoing fast-moving, often destabilising, but exciting and transformational change.
Jaala’s daughter Sinéad was diagnosed with cancer in September 2014 and died 12 weeks later – she was 13 years old. Jaala hopes her work with the Foundation will help other families avoid the devastation of a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Non-Executive Director, Children’s Cancer Foundation
Jeff is a management consultant with a background in manufacturing and finance. In 2009, Jeff’s 15-year-old son William was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumours. After four years of relentless fighting, he sadly lost his battle. Will’s journey inspired Jeff and his family to join the fight against childhood cancer, including as a board member and serving as our Executive Director from 2020 to March 2023.
Former Chief Executive Officer for Crown Sydney & Crown Hotels
Peter Crinis has overseen the development, operations and market strategy for some of the largest pieces of tourism infrastructure in Australia, most recently at Crown Resorts where he was Chief Executive Officer for Crown Sydney and Crown Hotels nationally.
In 2014, Peter received the Tourism Accommodation Australia (VIC) ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’ award. He currently sits on the board for Visit Victoria and the Children’s Cancer Foundation and is The Million Dollar Lunch Co-Chairman.
With over 30 years’ experience in the hotel and hospitality industry across Australia, Peter is one of Australia’s preeminent senior business leaders in the travel and tourism sector.
Professor, Monash Business School
Tracey Danaher is the mother of Zac who at age 8, lost his battle with a Choroid Plexus Carcinoma. Her research is interdisciplinary merging psychology, marketing, analytics, and economics in retail and service contexts including health care. Tracey was previously the Academic Director of the Australian Centre for Retail Studies at Monash University and has published extensively.
Director, University Food Group and Chair of My Room
The Marcocci family was instrumental in the establishment of My Room as a consequence of Maurizio’s diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Disease at the age of 13 in August 1991. Maurizio has been actively involved and supported My Room for over two decades.
Former Community Liaison Officer, Children’s Cancer Centre, Paediatric Oncology, Royal Children’s Hospital
Mary’s nursing career and work in childhood cancer span over 40 years in Australia. Mary joined the Foundation’s board in 2001. She contributes to numerous other children’s cancer committees, volunteer groups and fundraising, and is a founding and current committee member of My Room and the Murray to Moyne. Mary received a Pride of Australia Medal in 2006 and the Order of Australia in 2021, recognising her phenomenal work in nursing and charity work with children’s cancer.
Executive Director, Flagstaff Partners
Vivienne has a background in investment banking, corporate advisory and commercial finance. She has advised on numerous M&A transactions for clients in the retail, consumer, financial services and technology sectors. Prior to her current role, she has held roles at REA Group (realestate.com.au) and Deutsche Bank. Viv is also a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Independent Advisor and Founder of Wyse Women
Sarah is an executive commercial leader with a track record of leading company-wide shifts in strategy, launching new businesses and motivating small and large teams to deliver bold business goals – whilst having fun along the way. With 20 years of global experience in the media & digital sector, Sarah is driven by evidence based, high impacting, commercially focused businesses and importantly – people, who make a difference.
Director of Fundraising
Renee has been in the non for profit organisation sector for the past two decades working for organisations such as Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Australia. She has developed key negotiation and influencing skills in commercial partnership and media while running high profile fundraising campaigns and events. Renee ran the Carols by Candlelight event for 8 years and is a true fundraiser at heart, with a passion to drive outcomes.
Finance Manager
Sally has spent much of her career in banking, arranging and executing finance for mining projects around the world. She worked for Rothschild in Sydney, and then Société Générale in their Melbourne and London offices. Now very much settled back in Melbourne, Sally is an active community fundraiser and has held many voluntary roles over the past 10 years. Childhood cancer is a cause very close to Sally’s heart.
Fundraising and Marketing Manager
Erin is a creative and collaborative marketing professional with extensive experience across campaign management, communications, fundraising and major events. She has helped deliver the marketing campaigns for two of Victoria’s largest events, the Royal Melbourne Show and Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight. She aims to engage, inspire and connect the community to the meaningful work of the Foundation.
Digital Communications Lead
Yen has qualifications in graphic design and user experience design. She has worked in-house for small to medium businesses and as a freelance designer aiding sole traders with bringing their marketing and media to life. Yen is pleased to be working with an organisation making life-saving change and aims for her knowledge of visual communication to galvanise the Foundation’s brand.
When you love someone deeply you want them to shine in your life always. You will do anything to protect them. Children’s cancer shouldn’t happen – but sadly, it still does. With your help, we're funding game-changing research projects that will help eliminate children’s cancer.
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ABN: 96 114 942 415