Board Members

Noel Lyons has over 30 years of executive leadership experience, working across industry, government, and the TAFE sector throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific. His expertise lies in developing high-quality education, training, and development programs that drive industry growth and professional capability.

Noel joined PIEF in April 2020 as Executive Director, bringing a wealth of experience from his role as Chief Commercial Officer at Chisholm Institute. Before that, he spent four years in Macau and Hong Kong, leading organisational development and training for a globally recognised integrated resort, hotel management, and entertainment company.

A leader in vocational education and training (VET) and higher education, Noel has a proven track record of collaborating with government and industry stakeholders to create engaging, high-impact learning solutions. His leadership continues to shape PIEF’s commitment to raising industry standards and empowering professionals across the personal injury sector.

Chris White has been leading WorkCover WA as CEO since November 2019, bringing over 35 years of expertise in workers’ compensation and occupational safety policy in Western Australia. With extensive experience in senior policy and management roles at both WorkCover WA and WorkSafe WA, Chris plays a key role in shaping the state’s workers’ compensation landscape.

With over 20 years of experience in personal injury insurance, Jason Lardelli has held key leadership roles across both public and private sectors in New Zealand and Australia. Since joining WorkSafe Victoria in July 2023 as Executive Director of Scheme Reform, he has been at the forefront of driving industry improvements and return-to-work initiatives.

His extensive career spans executive roles at ACC (NZ), Comcare (Canberra), EML (NSW), TAC (Victoria), and now WorkSafe Victoria. A seasoned leader in scheme reform and claims management, Jason brings a wealth of strategic insight to the industry.

A long-standing advocate for education and professional development, Jason has served multiple terms on the Personal Injury Education Foundation (PIEF) board, reinforcing his commitment to industry excellence. He holds a Bachelor’s in Economics and a Master’s in Health Management, equipping him with both financial acumen and a deep understanding of health-focused recovery strategies.

With over 25 years in financial services, Allicia Tsolis is a dynamic executive dedicated to enhancing customer outcomes and driving industry innovation.

She played a pivotal role in transforming South Australia’s AAMI CTP business, leading its shift to a competitive underwriting model. This milestone marked the first privatisation of the statutory government scheme in two decades, reshaping the state’s CTP insurance landscape and solidifying Allicia’s reputation as an industry trailblazer.

Currently serving as Executive General Manager of Worker’s Compensation at Suncorp, she oversees strategic management of workers' compensation operations nationwide. A forward-thinking leader, Allicia continues to champion innovation, ensuring a more customer-centric and progressive future for the insurance industry.

With 20 years of experience in statutory personal injury schemes across Australia, Declan Collins has a deep understanding of claims management and insurance operations. Since joining ReturnToWorkSA in 2020 as Chief Operating Officer of Insurance, he has overseen major claims management functions across Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales.

His background includes roles at WorkSafe Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission, where he managed litigation. Declan holds a Master of Laws and a Master of Business, reflecting his strong technical and strategic leadership in the industry.

As CEO of EML Management, Don Ferguson leads teams supporting workers’ compensation managed fund clients in NSW, Victoria, and South Australia. With a strong track record in personal injury and human services, Don has held key leadership roles, including heading the NSW Lifetime Care and Support Scheme and the NSW Dust Diseases Scheme.

He has also served as interim CEO of icare NSW and Group Executive for Insurance for NSW, bringing deep expertise in public sector policy and scheme management. Don’s leadership extends to board roles across med-tech, health, and disability, and he is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dustin Bartley leads CGU’s national workers’ compensation business, leveraging over 15 years of industry experience, including a decade at IAG. With a background in personal injury and intermediated insurance, Dustin has successfully driven major transformational change across CTP and workers’ compensation claims.

Previously, he played a key role in developing IAG’s Intermediated Insurance Australia Business Plan (FY22-24) and led the turnaround of CGU Personal Lines. Dustin holds two master’s degrees, including an MBA, reinforcing his strategic expertise in the sector.

Emma Wright is a visionary leader committed to fostering a workplace culture that values people. With a background in corporate services and human resources, she is dedicated to building high-performing teams and enhancing employee experience.

As Chief People Officer, Emma is driving WorkCover’s transformation into a modern, adaptive organisation. She also plays a key role in shaping corporate strategy and aligning organisational goals with its people-focused vision. Recognised for her leadership, Emma was named one of AFR Boss Young Executives of the Year in 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management, a Master of Organisational Development, and an Executive MBA from QUT.

Julie Mitchell oversees Allianz Australia’s personal injury lines, including CTP, Life, and Workers’ Compensation. With over 24 years in the industry, she has held senior leadership roles at Allianz, including Chief General Manager of Workers’ Compensation and General Manager of Victoria and NSW Treasury Managed Fund businesses.

Her expertise spans workplace injury, claims management, and operational strategy. Julie previously worked at WorkCover NSW and in the occupational rehabilitation sector. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Rehabilitation Counselling) from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma of Safety Science from UNSW.

Katherine Gobbi is a strategic leader with extensive experience in managing complex insurance and claims business models. In her role at the Transport Accident Commission, she is focused on customer-centric transformation.

She previously led the turnaround of The Recovre Group and established Mercer Marsh Benefits’ People Risk Consulting practice, now Australia’s largest dedicated Workforce Health Advisory practice. Recognised for her industry contributions, Katherine has received multiple leadership awards. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Williamson Civic Leadership program with Leadership Victoria.

Mandy Young was appointed Chief Executive of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority in June 2024. With a career spanning over 20 years in the NSW public sector, she has driven large-scale reforms in service delivery, socio-economic policy, and justice initiatives.

Previously, as Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for the Department of Customer Service, she managed a $4 billion budget and 14,000 staff across multiple agencies. Mandy’s leadership experience extends across key government departments, focusing on improving service delivery and community outcomes. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from UNSW.

With 25 years of experience in health, ageing, and workers’ compensation, Megan Buick leads Comcare’s strategic partnerships and engagement initiatives. Previously, she managed strategic programs, including the Collaborative Partnership to Improve Work Participation.

Her career spans roles in Victorian health services, academia, and primary care, where she served as Acting CEO of a Division of General Practice. A passionate leader, Megan is dedicated to building organisational capability and driving meaningful change in the personal injury sector.

Michael Neary is an insurance industry leader with over 20 years of experience in financial services and innovation. As General Manager for DXC Technology in APAC, he focuses on advancing insurance technology and operational excellence.

He holds a BSc, Master of Commerce, and a Doctorate of Business Administration, specialising in financial services innovation. Michael is also a member of Sydney University’s Ethics Committee and an advisory board member for InsureTech Australia.

Michael Young leads the ACT Government’s Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations division, overseeing workers’ compensation and work safety regulatory frameworks. With over 15 years of experience in personal injury management, he plays a key role in return-to-work and injury management services for the ACT Government.

Since 2022, Pete Nicholson has led Gallagher Bassett’s Australian operations as CEO, driving growth and strengthening key industry partnerships. With a background in finance and operations, Pete first joined GB as CFO in 2017 and later became CFO for GB International, shaping global merger and acquisition strategies.

A PIEF board member since 2022, Pete is passionate about industry engagement and fostering innovation in personal injury management.

Rachel Elmes leads QBE’s Managed Fund Claims, supporting customers across Insurance for NSW, Nominal Insurer, Self-Insurance, and Comcare operations. With over 21 years of experience in injury rehabilitation and claims management, she is committed to building industry talent and capability.

Rachel holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and leverages her rehabilitation expertise to drive service excellence in personal injury management.

As CEO of StateCover Mutual, Samantha Fuller leads workers’ compensation, safety, and wellbeing solutions for local governments. A former Deloitte partner with over 20 years in personal injury insurance, she is passionate about improving workplace safety and return-to-work outcomes.

Sam holds a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies (Hons), is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries (FIAA), and is a Graduate of the AICD.

With over 30 years in personal injury and social insurance, Shane O’Dea is a respected industry leader. He played a key role in establishing PIEF and has served in executive roles at WorkSafe Victoria and Sedgwick. Shane is known for his people-first approach and dedication to professionalising the personal injury sector.

With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tony Wessling has driven strategic growth and transformation in workers’ compensation. Currently leading icare’s Workers Compensation division, he previously held executive roles in strategy, corporate affairs, and innovation.

Tony is known for fostering strong industry relationships and driving regulatory and operational excellence.

As the General Manager of Government Insurance for the Insurance Commission of Western Australia, Janice leads a team of 140 dedicated staff who provide insurance services for more than 100 government agencies and their employees. She has been with the Insurance Commission since April 2014 and General Manager since 2016.

Managing workers compensation for government employees is a significant part of Janice’s portfolio, with more than 5,000 personal injury claims per year on average. Her commitment to helping injured workers recover and return to work as quickly as possible, has culminated in excellence in service delivery and high agency and claimant satisfaction.

Prior to joining the Insurance Commission, Janice held senior leadership and executive positions across a variety of sectors in Canada and Australia, including education, telecommunications, financial services and health care. She has been Chair and Deputy Chair of Leadership Western Australia’s Audit and Risk Committee since 2015.

Janice holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce (Accounting) and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.