Our Board

Ellen Jackson 

Chair

Ellen is a workplace psychologist, leadership development professional, and social science practitioner, passionate about impact through community capacity building.  She is the founder of Potential Psychology, adjunct lecturer in two University MBA programs and a podcast producer and host.  She is a regular subject matter expert on ABC radio, and Mum to two teen boys and two kelpies.  Ellen was born and raised in Melbourne, trained and established her career in Sydney and now calls beautiful Ballarat home.

Jacki Whitwell

Deputy Chair

Appointed to the Board in January 2021, Jacki is an executive leader with more than 15 years experience in the not-for-profit sector in a variety of strategic policy, research and advocacy roles working with some of Australia’s largest and most respected not-for-profit organisations. She is passionate about youth empowerment and ensuring all children and young people can reach their full potential. Jacki owns and manages her own consulting company and is completing her MBA (Social Impact). Jacki moved with her family to Ballarat in 2019 and is keen to use her skills and experience to support the local community.

Nigel Jarvis

Treasurer

Nigel joined the board in April 2018 and is currently the Executive Director Finance & Corporate Services and Company Secretary at Western Victoria Primary Health Network. He has previously worked as Director of Commercial Operations Services St John of God Hospital Regional Victoria, Director of Business & Finance at Ballan District Health & Care and as Senior Financial Accountant for Ballarat Health Services. He is also Deputy Chair & Treasurer of Beaufort & Skipton Health Services and member of the Finance Consultative Committee Ballarat Catholic Diocese Education. 

Chair of Finance Committee, Member of Executive Committee

Scott Sherritt

Company Secretary

Joining the board in 2022, Scott is a long-term Ballarat local with a strong commitment to the community. He has diverse qualifications in areas including corporate governance, accounting, risk management, financial planning and insurance. He is also a registered Victorian Bail Justice. With a recognition of the benefits of strengths-based development of people he has supported community improvement through work in the health sector and local government as well as through a number of not-for-profit Board and Committee positions. The Ballarat region and its people continue to prosper through not leaving people behind and giving everyone a chance and Scott is dedicated to contributing towards this continuing. 

Claire Huntington

Claire is an experienced business coach with over 20 years in corporate leadership, specialising in people and culture. She is the current Deputy Chair of McCallum Disability Services, and Chair of Food is Free, Inc. A Ballarat native, Claire is passionate about her community and has intentionally built her coaching business to allow dedicated time for community contribution. Her work supports leaders to align how they work with who they are and the impact they want to make.

Rochelle Kirkham

Appointed to the Board in 2022, Rochelle is a journalist with ABC Ballarat and she brings a deep understanding of social issues and a passion for helping the community to the Ballarat Foundation Board. Rochelle has been a community member of Commerce for Ballarat and completed the Future Shapers leadership program in 2021, working with stakeholders to host a forum on homelessness. She also participated in Dancing with Our Stars in 2021 and 2022.  

Dr Margaret Moreton

Dr Margaret Moreton is the Chief Executive Officer at Gender and Disaster Australia having most recently been the Executive Director at the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR). Previous roles include social policy and advisory positions and program management roles in government, working in community resilience from within philanthropy, working with non-government organisations, and delivering private consultancy services. She works to enhance indigenous outcomes, social and community outcomes, early childhood learning, stronger families and communities, and mental health and wellbeing.  She lives in Ballarat.

Lee Miezis

Occupation: CEO Environmental Protection Authority

Qualifications: Masters of Business Administration, Bachelor of Forest Science

Appointed the Board May 2019 Lee brings over 25 years’ experience in the public sector in NSW and Victoria, working in executive roles across policy, operations, service delivery and regulation.  Accomplished at both strategy development and execution Lee brings strong commercial and financial acumen with a focus on good governance and managing risk.

Member of Donor Engagement Committee

Mitch Brown

Mitch brings a decade of experience in elite sport, where he gained deep insight into leadership, resilience, and culture.  Inspired to share these lessons, he’s travelled the world and worked with students across Australia.  Today, Mitch is passionate about empowering individuals to discover their true selves, develop life skills, build meaning connections and appreciate the world around them through transformative experiences.

Katrina Baraquiel

Appointed to the Board in 2025, Katrina is a gender equality, accessibility, and multicultural affairs advocate. Her niche interests include the drivers of migration, having lived in the Philippines, Spain, and Germany prior to studying in Australia. She shares evidence-based research and her lived experience to help break down barriers to access for women and gender diverse people across intersectional backgrounds. Katrina also completed the Future Shapers program in 2024.