Meet the Executive Management Team

Combining nearly 80 years’ experience working with the Association, our Executive Management Team in 2010 is:

Mark Henley
Chief Executive Officer

Mark joined the Spinal Injuries Association in 1989 as Chief Accountant and Administration Manager, and became Chief Executive Officer in 1999. He has contributed to steering the Association through its greatest period of growth, influence of systemic community change and development of services. His continuing role is to work with government, business and the community to achieve services, independence, dignity and equitable outcomes for people with a disability.

Frances Porter
Client Services

After beginning her nursing career in a Brisbane hospital’s spinal unit, Frances decided to move into a community-based job, which is how she began work with the Spinal Injuries Association in 1988. She oversees five services within the Association: Spinal Advisory Service, Employment Options, Peer Support, Member Networks and Post Polio Support Groups. Frances describes the client relationships and the positive and supportive culture of the organisation as the best things about her job.

Donna Harre
Personal Support Plus

With more than 20 years’ experience working in hands-on and management roles in the community sector, Donna oversees the Association’s personal care service, which coordinates and provides nearly 350,000 hours of assistance annually through three programs to people with disabilities and the aged in Queensland. She is a registered nurse who began her career nursing patients in a spinal unit.

John Mayo
Community Relations

John’s been with the Spinal Injuries Association since 1994. He works in Community Relations, advocating for services for people with a spinal cord injury and their families by seeking to work cooperatively with government, business and the community. He is also involved in project consultancy and training about equity and access issues. John was nominated for ‘Australian of the Year’ in 2004 and was a Queensland Government nominee and winner of the UN International Year of the Built Environment Award 2004.

George Aronis
Corporate Services

George joined the Association in March 2008, and has had over 15 years experience in finance and administration roles, in a variety of industries. The Corporate Services department is dedicated to providing a high level of service to the Association with a view to improve the efficiency and to maximise the value of the Association for its members and stakeholders. 

Jodie Donaldson
Human Resources

Jodie joined the Association in May 2008 with more than 10 years’ experience in learning and development, human resources (HR) and management. She is dedicated to developing long-term HR initiatives and strategies that deliver on the needs of the Association’s members and stakeholders.

Carol Haffke
Fundraising & Communications

With more than 20 years’ experience in journalism, public relations and fundraising in Queensland and overseas, Carol leads a small team of professionals dedicated to raising awareness about, and funds for, the Association. She started with the Association in March 2007 and describes it as the best job she’s ever had!