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Board and Management Team

Fight Parkinson’s Board 

Philip Thomas 

Board Chair
M. ComLaw, B.Bus.,Grad. Dip. CSP.,ASA, FCSA, FCIS, F.Fin, MAICD
Appointed: June 2016

Philip is the Managing Director of Oakland Group, providing professional compliance, governance and advisory services to a variety of companies from ASX listed entities to the no-for-profit-sector. He is a frequent guest speaker on corporate practices and is currently the Australian advisor to two international entities on Australian Compliance and Governance requirements. Over the past 25 years, Philip has developed a keen interest in the expansion of strategic corporate growth through boardroom development and action. 

Professor David Finkelstein 

Chair Research Committee
B.Sc., Grad. Dip. Scientific Instrumentation, M. Sc., Ph.D.
Appointed:  May 2014

Physiologist and neurobiologist David Finklestein is the head of the Parkinson’s Disease Laboratory at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. In this role, he uses his skills and knowledge to investigate possible new medical interventions for Parkinson’s. He has led many research projects, authored over 300 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented his innovative work to medical researchers all over the world. David is committed to raising awareness of Parkinson’s research within the broader community and increasing the profile of Parkinson’s research in Australia. He assists Fight Parkinson’s to advocate for more funding from government grants for Parkinson’s research and support for Parkinson’s services. 

Jason Karametos

Chair Finance and Investment Committee
B Com/LLB (Hons),  LLM.
Appointed: April 2018

Jason is a PwC Partner leading the national corporate tax team and has over 24 years’ experience advising Australian and multinational public companies on broad corporate tax and international tax issues.  Having worked in professional services firms in Australia and abroad, Jason has developed strong international networks and expertise in navigating complex global regulations and risk. Jason's late father had Parkinson's and through his work with the Board he aims to raise awareness of Parkinson's within the broader community and be an advocate for increase funding for community services and research. Jason is also an Australian Lawyer of the Supreme Court of Victoria and is currently also a board member and chair of finance for an Independent School in Melbourne. 

Professor Jennifer McGinley

Chair of Governance & Risk Committee
Member Research Committee
B.App.Sci (Physiotherapy)
Grad Dip (Neurosciences)
PhD G.A.I.C.D
Appointed: February 2021

Jennifer McGinley is a Professor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. She has worked in clinical practice with people with Parkinson’s Disease and led research programs to better understand how Parkinson’s affects walking and mobility, how to improve walking and prevent falls, and how to support people to stay physically active and live well.  Jennifer is passionate about increasing access of all people living with Parkinson’s to high quality multi-disciplinary health care services and increasing funding support for research in Parkinson’s.

Sheenagh Bottrell

Chair of Consumer Engagement & Advisory Committee
Appointed 17 August 2023
Registered Nurse

Sheenagh was a Registered Nurse for 39 years, training in London and emigrating to Australia in 1987 and has worked in numerous healthcare settings around the country, including public and private hospitals, as well as general practice surgeries. She now works part time as a carer.  Since being diagnosed with young/early onset Parkinson’s in 2011, Sheenagh has focussed on raising awareness and advocating for people with Parkinson’s, especially young onset. 

Peter Wylie

Certificate of Accounting; Bachelor of Business Studies (Swinburne); CPA
Member of Finance & Investment Committee
Member of Consumer Engagement & Advisory Committee
Appointed 27 February 2025

Peter began his career in 1969 with the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) after completing his studies at Dandenong High School. Early in his career, he earned a Certificate of Accounting, followed by a Bachelor of Business Studies from Swinburne University. He subsequently achieved CPA status, which he maintained until retirement.

Following the restructuring of MMBW, Peter continued with Melbourne Water, where he managed key projects including the implementation of the Technology One – Finance One system and the introduction of GST processes across the organisation. These projects involved significant system upgrades and staff education.

Peter retired in 2008 and remains active in the community through his roles on the Fight Parkinson’s Board and Committees.

Fight Parkinson’s Management Team

Emma Collin
Chief Executive Officer

Emma has a professional background and extensive experience in the not-for-profit and local government sectors. Prior to joining Fight Parkinson’s as CEO, she held a number of senior management roles including Executive Manager, Carer Representation and Engagement with Carer’s Victoria and General Manager, Community Services with Melton City Council.

The focus of Emma’s current role is on securing government, philanthropic and community support for people with Parkinson’s, including legislative and social policy reform. She leads a dynamic team who provide information, education, advice and peer support services to the Parkinson’s community as well as manage fundraising and community awareness raising activities.

Emma is a passionate advocate for vulnerable members of the community. She is committed to ensuring people living with Parkinson’s and their families are able to have a representative voice and access to a range of high-quality services that are flexible and responsive to individual needs.

Emma holds a Bachelor of Business from RMIT and is currently completing her Executive MBA at RMIT University, Melbourne.

Charlotte Hutchins
Chief Operating Officer

With more than 20 years' experience working with not-for-profit organisations, Charlotte specialises in building community engagement strategists, project management, fostering partnerships and communications. She has worked in tourism, the arts, professional associations and community welfare. She has been responsible for leading the marketing and fundraising for Wesley Mission Victoria, Life's Little Treasures, Heide Museum of Modern Art, and the Royal Academy of Dance in London.

She is a driven professional with a Masters in Marketing who is motivated by building the capacity of the community.

Victor McConvey OAM RN MACN
Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Consultant – Director of Health Services

Victor has been a nurse for 25 years and has worked in the area of neurology for the past 18 years. He has worked in clinical management and service development positions in both Australia and the UK, including establishing the Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist position in Leeds, UK.

In his role at Fight Parkinson’s, Victor leads the Health Team, providing direction to the development and roll out of our information, peer support education programs.

Victor is currently involved in a range of projects including developing the role and profile of the Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist in Australia and participating in the working party reviewing clinical and consumer information generated by Fight Parkinson’s. He has written journal articles, presented at international conferences and received a number of awards and fellowship related to his work with the Parkinson’s community.

Vacant
Director of Fundraising

 

Rachel Mouer
Health Services Team Leader

 

Katie Howland
Marketing Manager

 

 

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