Our People
One thing all team members at Linked Community Services have in common is a genuine aspiration to give back and improve the quality of life and independence for people within the community.
The team at Linked Community Services comprise a Board of Directors, over 30 employees and over 60 volunteers with some being a part of the organisation for over 30 years.
Without our people, we simply wouldn’t be able to impact the community in the ways that we do, we are proud to create a place where we can connect people to support each other and provide outstanding services.
Board Members
Alan Watts – Chair
Alan Watts has been a member on the Linked Community Services Board for over 3 years. Alan’s career includes 20 years in telecommunications where he worked closely with stakeholders and customers to design and deliver major service implementations and infrastructure upgrades. His other valuable experience includes business operations management, project management, IT service management and solutions design.
Ian Skead – Deputy Chair
Ian Skead has been an active member on the Board for Linked Community Services for over 5 years and has over 35 years’ experience in the NSW Public Sector (YAC, FACS, DoCS). Ian’s diverse skillset extends delivery and management of service delivery (Psychologist), organisational management, workforce analytics, HR and more. Formal qualifications include Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree in Psychology.
Russell Stockham – Secretary
Russell Stockham has been strongly involved in the hospitality industry since 1998, through his positions as Finance Manager and CEO and his contributions to many industry boards. Russell has managed diverse hospitality clubs across Australia and acted on the Board of Clubs Queensland from 2007-2009 and is currently the CEO of Panthers Port Macquarie. Formal qualifications include Bachelor of Business majoring in Accountancy.
Susan Judd – Director
Annette Messenger – Director
Annette Messenger has a professional background in several industries including engineering, creative arts, teaching, disabilities, social work and autism therapy. She has served on the Board of Linked Community Services Port Stephens for over 6 years. Annette is currently a carer and NDIS manager for her adult son who has autism and an intellectual disability whilst working part-time as a tutor for young people with learning disorders. Formal qualifications include Bachelor of Behavioural Studies (Psychology), Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition, Graduate Certificate of Autism Studies, and Master of Education and Professional Studies by Research (Autism).
Lorraine Heraghty – Director
Lorraine Heraghty has been a community Transport volunteer for 5 years; 3 years in the office processing My Aged Care Referrals and 3 years as a Board Member. Raised in the Manning Valley, Lorraine attained her Enrolled Nurse Aide Certificate at Manning Base Hospital, Taree. Moving to Sydney, Lorraine was employed with Social Security – now Centrelink/Dept of Human Services, continuing for 24 years until her retirement. Lorraine managed various Regional Offices in NSW before moving to the National Office in Canberra where, as a Senior Officer, she worked closely with the Department of Health and Aging with Policy Development and implementation, attaining a Diploma in Project Management. Lorraine recently accepted the invitation to join the board of Linked Community Services as part of the new partnership with Care’N’Go.
Ken Heffernan – Director
Ken Heffernan has been a Community Transport Volunteer for 12 years; 5 years as a driver and 7 years as a Board member (Care’N’Go). Post school, Ken completed a 5-year apprenticeship as a Fitter & Machinist with NSW Government Railways, (Loco Workshops, Goulburn) and in the mid 70’s he worked in Sydney as a Bus Conductor, then Driver, with what is now Sydney Busses. Ken completed tertiary studies in Philosophy and Theology and spent 28 years in pastoral ministry in the Canberra & NSW South Coast areas. Ken is joining the Board of Linked Community Services as part of the new partnership with Care’N’Go.
Corporate Management Team
Carlie Comer
Chief Executive Officer
David Paff
Corporate Services Manager
Wendy Skimmings
General Manager Client Services
Gillian Leek
Strategy, Growth and Innovation Officer
Emily Hedges
Executive Officer
