Board and Staff Members
Our organisation operates under the leadership of a dedicated National Board, which serves as a coalition of enthusiastic advocates and organisations. Together, we work collaboratively to break down barriers and promote equitable access for people of all abilities.
The Board of Directors will be supported by working committees, including:
- Collaboration and Shared Services
- Communications and Marketing
Board
John Croll AM
Sydney-based John Croll has a career spanning more than 40 years and is an award-winning global leader in the communication and media intelligence industries. In 2020, John co-founded Truescope, a media intelligence business aimed at transforming the industry through technology and talent. Today, John is Truescope CEO and leads the business across all key markets of Singapore, USA, and New Zealand. John was previously CEO at Media Monitors Pty Ltd and subsequently Isentia for almost two decades. A dedicated advocate for sport and inclusion, John was Chair of Disability Sports Australia and served as Vice President of the Australian Paralympic Committee. In 2019, his contributions were recognised with the Member of the Order of Australia (AM). John actively engages with industry boards and holds fellowships with International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC) and Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA), and is also a member of the Institute of Company Directors.
Robyn J Smith OAM
Robyn Smith has worked at the National level in Sports Administration for the past 3 decades as Chief Executive Officer of Sport Inclusion Australia, formerly AUSRAPID. Her role includes working closely with Government Agencies, Paralympics Australia and National Sporting Organisations, including School Sport Australia to develop appropriate inclusive services and opportunities for athletes with an impairment into the mainstream community.Robyn has had extensive experience with management and organisation of Australian teams, including 1992 Paralympics, Spain, 1998 IPC World Athletic Championships UK, 2000 Paralympics and many Virtus events.Robyn was also the CEO of the Local Organising Committee which delivered the 2019 Virtus Global Games in Brisbane in October 2019, 11 sports, 1000 athletes and 47 countries taking part, celebrating inclusive sporting excellence.Robyn was elected President of Virtus in November 2025, the International Federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment. Virtus is a founding member of the International Paralympic Committee.In 2020, Robyn was elected as the inaugural Chair of ASAPD, Australian Sporting Alliance for people with a disability and elected to the International Paralympic Governing Board in late 2021 and re-elected in 2025 and that International appointment gives her a seat on 2032 Brisbane Organising Committee through to 2029. In 2022, she was awarded the Order of Australia medal for her service to people with a disability through sport.More recently, Robyn has been part of an Independent review of the Australian Institute of Sport commissioned by the Minister of Sport to ascertain high performance preparedness for 2032 and beyond.
Phil Harper
Phil has been the General Manager at Deaf Sport Australia since 2019 and has a long history advocating for deaf rights, especially in sports, accessible technology, and leadership training.With a Ph.D. from Deakin University, he focused on the impact of video relay interpreting on workplace dynamics for the deaf. Additionally, Phil authored multiple journal articles, led various programs, and participated in global conferences for accessible technology on behalf of Deaf Sport Australia, Deaf Australia, and the World Federation of Deaf.Throughout his career, he held key positions at Conexu Foundation and Expression Australia (previously Vicdeaf), contributing significantly to the deaf community's well-being.A Life member of Deaf Australia, Phil's interests extend to sports, travel, reading, and community engagement. He currently resides in Melbourne with his family.
Kelly Rourke
Kelly Rourke is the Chief Executive Officer of Boccia Australia, appointed as the inaugural CEO in February 2025. She brings extensive experience in sports administration, having held senior leadership roles including CEO of Football Coaches Australia, General Manager of Safer Sport and Integrity with Greyhound Racing SA, and significant positions with National Rugby League South Australia and Tabcorp. Kelly has also served as Chairwoman of the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women's Sport, championing the advancement and empowerment of women in sport.Before her career in sports, Kelly spent twenty years in the UK police force, which instilled a strong foundation in leadership, discipline, and integrity. She is passionate about inclusive sport, athlete wellbeing, and driving positive change at all levels—from grassroots clubs to high-performance athletes. Her commitment extends to promoting integrity and improving opportunities for coaches and athletes across Australia.Kelly’s vision for Boccia Australia is to foster a truly inclusive community, support athlete development, and expand the sport’s reach nationwide. Her dynamic background and leadership make her a driving force for Boccia and the wider sporting sector in Australia.
Sam Theodore
Sam Theodore has dedicated over four decades to the field of Financial Risk Management, spanning roles across banking, corporate, and government sectors. Currently serving as a Senior Treasury Executive in the Financial Assets and Liabilities, Balance Sheet Management Group within the Victorian Government, Sam brings extensive expertise to his position. In addition to his career in financial management, Sam has made significant contributions to the world of sports. He served as the Victorian Goalball coach in 1988, a blind team sport, before being appointed as the National Coach by Paralympics Australia in 1989. Under his leadership, the team participated in three Paralympic games, achieving Australia's best result by finishing 4th in Atlanta in 1996, narrowly missing out on a medal. Since 2000, Sam has taken on administrative roles within blind sports and currently serves as the Chair of Blind Sports Australia. Furthermore, he holds directorships with various organizations, including the Melbourne High School Foundation, TCorp Group, and Landshare Pty Ltd. Sam holds a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Banking and Finance, and a Masters in Accounting from Monash University. He is also an active member of numerous professional bodies, reflecting his ongoing commitment to excellence in his field.
Paul Brown
Paul Brown brings extensive board and business experience across a diverse range of industries and sectors. Most recently, he served as a business financial advisor, supporting enterprises affected by drought, bushfires, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this, Paul was the owner and director of Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours, a luxury 4WD tour company that also operated an accommodation lodge.Paul has made significant contributions to governance, serving on boards and committees spanning health, tourism, agriculture, and rural development. His current leadership roles include: - Chair, Riding for the Disabled Association Australia, Deputy Chair and Board Member, Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS), Member, Victor Harbor Tram Authority, Committee Member, Audit, Finance, and Risk Committees for the above organisations.He has previously held positions on boards and committees dedicated to aged care, mental health, tourism development, and agricultural advancement—many in senior leadership capacities.
Chris Thomas
Chris Thomas is the CEO of Transplant Australia, a role he has held for more than 17 years. Transplant Australia is the national charity for organ and tissue donation and transplantation helping transplant recipients on their journey while promoting the gift of life to all Australians. He recently completed two four-year terms as President of the World Transplant Games Federation. Chris has worked for a range of charities and professionals associations including the Australian Medical Association, Heart Foundation and Advertising Federation of Australia. He was formerly a journalist working on a variety of newspapers including Medical Reporter of The Sydney Morning Herald. He is passionate about cycling, soccer and bird life.
Jamie O-Connor
Jamie O’Connor is the Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Australia, where he leads the organisation’s mission to create a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disability and/or autism through the power of sport.Jamie brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in sport. Before joining Special Olympics Australia, he held senior roles with Touch Football Australia, Touch Football Queensland and Queensland Rugby League. He has a strong track record in values-based leadership, growth, and building high-performing, inclusive organisations.Passionate about the power of sport to break down barriers, Jamie is dedicated to empowering athletes, supporting families and volunteers, and working with partners who share the vision of inclusion. Under his leadership, Special Olympics Australia is focused on opening more doors for athletes, strengthening pathways, and ensuring every individual has the chance to shine - on and off the playing field.
Management
Dr Phil Hamdorf
Dr Phil Hamdorf is an accomplished governance leader and executive with more than 30 years’ experience across sport, health, education and major events.Currently, the CEO of Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability, Phil has held senior leadership roles including Executive Chair of Disability Sports Australia, CEO of the Australian College of Physical Education, Executive Director at the NSW Office of Sport and Head of the Office of Recreation and Sport in South Australia.He has overseen teams of more than 280 staff, managed budgets exceeding $850M and delivered flagship programs such as the NSW Active Kids Program (2.5 million vouchers distributed in two years) and the Her Sport – Her Way strategy, which drove significant increases in female participation and facility investment in NSW.He has served on more than 20 boards, including President of the Outdoors Recreation Industry Council of NSW & ACT, President of Exercise and Sports Science Australia, President of Sports Medicine Australia (SA), Chair of Skate Australia and governance roles with Blacktown Venue Management Ltd, golf clubs and major event organising committees such as the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.Phil holds a PhD in Exercise Science, a Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is also a Fellow of Exercise and Sports Science Australia, Sports Medicine Australia and the Churchill Memorial Trust, with memberships in leading global sport science and governance bodies.
Garry West-Bail
Garry West-Bail, National Project Manager at ASAPD, has over a 30-year career in sports management, with experience in AFL, hockey, and multi-sports at club, state, and national levels. His proficiency in change management has consistently contributed to sustainable success, supported by strong governance principles and a fostering work environment. Additionally, as the Project Manager at Deaf Sports Australia, Garry ardently advocates for inclusive sporting opportunities, striving to create accessible environments for all Australians. His active involvement with the ASC Volunteer Coalition highlights his profound appreciation for the vital role of grassroots volunteers in sports organisations. Garry's educational background in Transport Economics, Accounting, and studies in Masters’ Sports Law demonstrates his extensive knowledge and expertise. Beyond his professional commitments, Garry remains actively engaged in volunteer roles, demonstrating his dedication to the growth and well-being of sports across various levels.
Ross Ashcroft
Ross Ashcroft, a globally-minded Australian, boasts a unique educational journey across five countries—Australia, Singapore, China, Germany, and Canada—earning nine tertiary qualifications. His expertise spans Law, Chinese language and culture, Islamic studies, OHS, and High-Performance Sport, complemented by vocational qualifications in sports massage, personal training, strength & conditioning, and athlete well-being.With a background in academia and law, Ross advocates for human rights, justice, procedural fairness, and inclusion. Transitioning to sports, he actively participates in local, national, and international events, serving in athlete support roles. Key highlights include roles at the INAS Games 2019, OA Virtus Games 2022, and Virtus Global Games 2023 in Vichy.Ross presently contributes to the International Paralympic Committee's Independent Board of Appeals and the Independent Anti-Doping Tribunal. His curiosity about the world, along with diverse education and experience, drives his dedication to advancing the vision and purpose of the ASAPD and its member organisations.
Jess Jasch
Jess Jasch has a rich background in wellbeing consulting, leadership coaching, embodied mindfulness, and corporate communications. Completing her Master's of Applied Positive Psychology in 2026, Jess is an autistic + ADHD facilitator who specialises in emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and workplace/team wellbeing through facilitating training and event days within her own business. She supports clients from Defence, sports teams, C-Suite executives, and corporate organisations in building inclusive, high-performing teams using practical, evidence-based approaches. Jess has extensive sports leadership experience, including as Program Manager for the Australian Men's Goalball Team (Aussie Storm), coordinating national and international camps and Tokyo Paralympic qualifiers, and providing wellbeing coaching, adaptive yoga, and mindfulness. She is also a Non-Executive Director with Floorball Australia and has been actively involved in competitive netball and surf lifesaving since childhood.
Sophie Kinnear
Sophie Kinnear, Communications Advisor at ASAPD, brings a strong foundation in media and a deep passion for sport, shaped by her lifelong involvement in softball. A graduate of the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Media, Sophie is dedicated to crafting clear, engaging communications that promote equity and highlight the achievements of people with disability. Her ability to build meaningful narratives supports ASAPD’s mission to create inclusive and accessible sporting environments for all Australians. With a keen eye for storytelling and a commitment to amplifying diverse voices, Sophie ensures that communication remains a powerful tool for connection, representation, and change.
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