Leadership

Governance

CHAIRMAN

  • Mr Kym Wallent

BOARD MEMBERS

  • Mr John Inglis
  • Mr Ben Raw
  • Ms Lucinda Osborne
  • Mr Peter Miller
  • Mr Tim Haggis

Management

Michael is an experience senior leader with a range of commercial, not-for-profit and Directorship experience in SA over the past 30 years.

Recently promoted to the Chief Executive Officer of Lutheran Disability Services, he is passionate about provide safe and secure accommodation for people living with disability and ensuring that the NDIS remains sustainable and provides quality outcomes for participants and the organisations that support them.

Prior to commencing as the Lutheran Disability Services CEO, Michael was the Chief Operating Officer responsible for quality & safeguarding, COVID response, people and culture, marketing and strategy.  Michael joined the sector in 2018 with a short stint at Bedford before commencing at LDS. Prior to joining the sector Michael had a very successful commercial career at RAA with roles leading the Marketing, Sales and Business Development teams.

The desire to join the disability sector was to bring commercial outcomes that combine heart and sustainability to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community.  Having found this purpose at Lutheran Disability Services he has been able to combine commercial acumen with not-for-profit heart to help grow the impact of the brand for clients.

Michael’s undergraduate degree is in Theology (Flinders) and he has undertaken further study at UniSA with a Masters of Business Administration and an Emerging Leaders short course at ESADE University in Barcelona.

Vincent has held senior positions in not-for-profit and local government organisations over the past 15 years, and has many years’ experience evaluating organisations for the national Australian Business Excellence Awards.

Vincent specialises in the economics of organisational culture change and has led transformational change initiatives in several organisations. He was attracted to join Lutheran Disability Services as his personal and professional philosophy aligns strongly with LDS’s values, and he is committed to ensuring the sustainability and quality of accommodation for people living with a disability.

With training and certification in a number of psychometric, leadership and team development instruments, he earned a Bachelor of Psychology at Uni SA, followed by a Master’s in HR and Organisational Development at SCU.

Ben has been working within the disability sector for more than 15 years and has lived experiences with a son who has autism. He has more than 25 years’ experience in a variety of different leadership roles within the NFP and for profit sectors.

Ben is responsible for the strategic direction and implementation across the service areas in Adelaide (Metro, Hills, South and North) at Lutheran Disability Services and is well-connected within the Lutheran communities across the metro and regional areas in SA. He is passionate about ensuring that Lutheran Disability Services staff are equipped with the right training, mentoring and guidance so that clients receive the best possible support to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life.

Image of Joyce, Senior Finance Manager. She has shoulder length brownn hair, and wears a brown check-patterned dress. She stands in front of the white backdrop with LDS logos tiled across.

Joyce manages the finance of Lutheran Disability Services (LDS) through effective leadership, advice and hands-on support. She focuses on delivering outcomes that are aligned to the mission, values and financial goals of LDS to ensure that we are providing the optimum service to our clients. Joyce immigrated to Australia in 2006 and is a Certified Practising Accountant. Joyce has served LDS since 2015 and enjoys make a difference in the lives of our clients through her role.

Marcy is one of our Client Services Manager South responsible for clients, staff and houses in St Mary’s, Plympton and Glandore.  Marcy and her team of Support Workers and Team Leaders are dedicated to delivering a high quality service to our clients and enriching their lives.  Marcy has spent over twenty years managing Government funded programs across the Youth, Disability and Employment sectors, and is passionate about making a positive contribution and giving service to others.

As Client Service Manager for Lutheran Disability Services, working in the Southern areas of Adelaide, Joanne delights in engaging with and assisting in the development and  growth of staff, to provide positive and purposeful outcomes for our clients.

After initially working in the Homelessness services and bringing those skills and experiences to the disability sector, she feels blessed to be a part of a service who’s values amongst others include Faith and Fun. She also feels privileged  to be a part of each client’s diverse and individual journeys.

She is passionate about supporting not only the clients but the families and support people ensuring everyone she supports is surrounded by person centred, caring and prayer filled supports.

Supporting clients to live their lives to the fullest through the delivery of high quality services is Laura’s passion. As our Client Services Manager for the North Western region, Laura brings a wealth of experience in the mental health and disability sector, through managing teams and mentoring staff to think creatively and act compassionately. At LDS, Laura is responsible in supporting clients maintain independence, develop life skills and achieve personal goals. Working holistically with families, carers and other support networks, Laura likes to lead the team with a can do attitude and client centred vision.

I starting working in the community service sector in Local Government about 15 years ago and then moved in to NGOs, with developing ROSC (Resource Options and Support for Carers) program at UCWB, Anglicare, and Access4U – coordinating and managing customers living with mental health & disabilities as well as supporting their carers (families).

I bring with me a passion for the sector, I am values driven, and I have a focus on staff wellness and building strong connections to family, providers & community.

At LDS, I am responsible for the North Eastern suburbs of Adelaide, working with clients to achieve their goals and outcomes, with a client-centred approach.

Carla is an energetic HR Professional who supports our team through leading the HR generalist function at LDS. With a background in recruitment, banking and finance and employee relations, Carla provides advice to our leaders and helps drive organisational objectives, through a collaborative and person centric approach. A true believer in the importance of wellbeing in the workplace, Carla works on encouraging staff and clients to have fun and create an inclusive environment for all.

Rebecca supports the intake and transition of new clients into Lutheran Disability Services (LDS) within southern Adelaide. She works collaboratively with LDS staff, support coordinators and other service providers to ensure that clients have their NDIS funding and their needs met. As a developmental educator and woman of faith, Rebecca is passionate about connecting with those she works with so that they feel valued, supported and empowered. She brings both professional experience, having worked in the disability sector for many years, and lived experience parenting a son with a disability.

Jarrod has been an invaluable member of the LDS team for the past four years, serving as a Support Worker and Team Leader in our Southern area. During this time, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in developing strong partnerships with participants, families, and community stakeholders. His genuine commitment to improving outcomes for people with disability have been evident to all who have worked with him. Responsible for business development activities and new client intake, he is ready to chat to you or your loved one about how you’re going with your NDIS journey!

Jimmy joins the LDS Finance Team as a CPA qualified accountant. Coming from a background in accounting and finance with a focus on infrastructure, education and non-profit sector, his expertise lies in budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting. At LDS, his role works closely with Finance team specialising in contracts and budget management, as well as supporting the leadership team. During the new client onboarding process, Jimmy works with creating new Service Agreements and liaises with nominees regarding quotes and financial agreements.

Wendy is an associate CPA member and responsible for payroll, banking, expenses and financial reporting at LDS. She started her work in disability service industry in 2022 and has extensive experience of the SCHADS award and the NDIS. Prior to working in the disability industry, she has had over 12 years’ experience in accounting. Wendy and her team are passionate about providing excellent support to all staff in LDS, optimising work processes and maintaining the accuracy of financial reports, and assist the management team to make strategic decisions and contribute to LDS’s long-term success.

LDS Org Chart 2025