President
Jarrod Briffa
Jarrod is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kinfolk Enterprise, a social enterprise that operates hospitality businesses that create more inclusive communities.
Kinfolk distributes 100% of its surplus to Australian charities according to customer nominations. Embedded in the operation of Kinfolk is an inclusive training program for volunteers that creates opportunities for people marginalized in the community to gain training, build their confidence and build a social network.
Many volunteers face barriers to employment which can include transitioning from prison; people with learning disabilities; mental health challenges and those who have experienced long-term unemployment or who have never been employed before. Kinfolk is unique as a social enterprise as it has operated in a self-sufficient manner for a large part of its existence. Jarrod is inspired to help Rollercoaster develop self-sufficient income streams to build resilience in the organization for the future.
Vice President
Emily Harms
Emily is Head of Marketing and Communications at the Wheeler Centre. Prior to this, she was Head of Marketing and Communications for Melbourne’s pre-eminent independent bookseller, Readings, since 2005.
Emily has broad marketing and communications experience in arts and cultural organisations in Melbourne including Mollison Communications, Australian Film Institute (AFI), Playbox Theatre – where she managed the launch and transition to Malthouse Theatre - and in an arts marketing agency in London where she managed the marketing for the opening of a new Salvador Dali Gallery in County Hall. Emily was on the Committee of Management for La Mama Theatre in Carlton from 2010-2013 and Back to Back Theatre in 1997 - 1998.
Secretary
Krissy Huxley
Krissy’s mission is to bring capital choice to specialist markets, providing clients with alternative sources for acquiring business-critical assets that underpin growth and improve balance sheet efficiency.
Working in partnership with all her clients, Krissy has more than 20 years’ experience in financial management, analysis and consulting in large multinational organisations.
She is tenacious about exploring all available options to create the right capital solution for each client and the long-term health of their business.
She strongly believes in building capital solutions that consider all of an organisations financial requirements, optimising resources for sustainable growth and development.
Treasurer
Fiona Crombie
Fiona is an actor based in Melbourne, she is a graduate of the full-time programme at 16th Street Actors Studio. Alongside acting Fiona has also produced a number of theatre shows over the last 2 years.
Fiona completed a BSC in Psychology at the University of Edinburgh in 1996 after which she started her first career in the corporate fashion retail sector in Merchandising. Over 20 years in the industry Fiona gained ten years of leadership experience, delivered profit against large budgets, managed large teams, reported strategically to board level and travelled and lived in many places around the world.
Fiona has also previously held the treasurer position for two years at Kindred Clubhouse Pty a mental health NFP based in Frankston, Vic.
Committee Member
Jacinta Parsons
Jacinta Parsons is co-host of the Breakfast Program on ABC Radio Melbourne and is also a writer and public speaker. After a decade working at community radio station 3RRR, Jacinta began working at the ABC in 2015 as Music Director for Local Radio and has held roles across both programming and content creation. Jacinta has also been involved throughout her working life with community arts and music organisations and has a passion for ensuring the growth, strength and diversity of arts and culture.
Jacinta is an ambassador for Crohns and Colitis Association Australia and in that role advocates for people living with chronic illness and IBD.
Committee Member
Fran MacDonough
My daughter, Shea who is 34 years old and was born with Downs syndrome, has been an ensemble member with Rollercoaster Theatre for approximately 7 years.
I’ve worked most of my early years within the airline industry, a Flight Attendant with Ansett Airlines followed by 18 years managing the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge at Melbourne Airport.
In 2000 I was employed as an Integration Aide at Oak Park Primary School where I felt I could bring my knowledge to the position, and put in practice what I’d learnt over the 14 years supporting and advocating for my daughter. Shea has taught me so much with regard to the inclusion and acceptance of those who may be marginalised.
In 2006, I started working in the school office, where I am currently employed as the Office Manager.