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
For 30 years, Robyn Smith has served as CEO of Sport Inclusion Australia, previously known as AUSRAPID, collaborating with government agencies, Paralympics Australia, and national sports bodies to foster inclusive services for impaired athletes. With rich experience in managing Australian teams, she spearheaded the 2019 Virtus Global Games in Brisbane, hosting 1000 athletes from 47 countries across 11 sports. As Virtus' Vice President, she contributed significantly to the International Paralympic Committee. Robyn further assumed roles as the inaugural Chair of ASAPD in 2020 and joined the International Paralympic Governing Board in 2021. Recognising her contributions, she was honoured with the Order of Australia medal in 2022 for her dedication to disabled individuals in sports. Robyn, a widow and mother of three, divides her time between Brisbane and Benalla.
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.
Pierre Comis
Pierre is the CEO at Special Olympics Australia, a Director of the Australian Sporting Alliance for People with Disability, Chair of the Bluearth Foundation, and Co-Chair of the Physical Literacy Special Interest Group at the Asia Pacific Society for Physical Activity. He has 20 years experience growing participation for all Australians, having worked at the AFL, NRL and the Australian Sports Commission. There, he was instrumental in the design of Sporting Schools, led the National Participation team, and drove the Physical Literacy agenda influencing sport and physical activity policy across the sport, health and education sectors. As a father of three young children, Pierre is dedicated to achieving generational change – he remains passionate about getting a country moving by improving levels of physical literacy in our children and youth, driving inclusive sport outcomes, and putting all Australians on the path to a more active, healthy and fulfilling life.
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.
Justin Dent
Justin is the Executive Officer with Riding for the Disabled Australia and has been in the role since January 2023. He has worked in leadership roles across the Disability and Sporting sectors for over 25 years, including seven years as the Executive Officer with RDA South Australia and 12 years with the South Australian National Football League in community management and game development roles. He holds degree qualifications in Sports Science, Coaching and Community Management and brings industry experience in Marketing and Partnerships. His passion for RDA and ASAPD comes from seeing the benefits that sport and community participation has on people with a disability and the benefits that being involved with our programs has on the lives of our volunteers. Outside of RDA, he is an advisory member of multiple sporting club and association Boards in South Australia.
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.
Renae Domaschenz
Renae is the Co-Chair of Disability Sports Australia (DSA), Chair of DSA’s Governance and Policy Committee, Director on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Compliance Review Committee, Director of the Australian Sporting Alliance for People with Disability and an independent member of Commonwealth Games Australia’s Renumeration Committee.
Renae has had a long and successful career in sport. She is a Tokyo 2020 Paralympian and a world champion high-performance coach in Rowing. A strong role model for women leaders in sport - she was awarded a place on the 2023 Association of Paralympic Sports Organisation Female Leadership Master’s program, the 2022 AIS Women Athlete Accelerate Program and 2020 AIS Women in Sport Leadership Talent Program funded by The Australian Government's Office for Women.
Renae is a highly regarded consultant currently providing leadership, facilitation and specialist advice, in global sports advisory, governance, policy and business transformation for Federal and Commonwealth Government. Renae is an experienced Non-Executive Director with current and comprehensive appointments on sports boards, including recently being nominated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Athlete Council as the new athlete member of WADA’s Compliance Review Committee from January 2024 for a three-year term.
Management
Dr Phil Hamdorf
Dr. Hamdorf is an accomplished senior executive with a career spanning various roles in both the private sector and government organisations. Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Hamdorf has maintained a strong involvement in the sport and physical activity sectors, providing valuable services through his consulting company. His academic background in exercise physiology and his doctoral research, which focused on cardio-respiratory training for older women, resulted in significant contributions to this field. Dr. Hamdorf is a Life Member, Fellow, and former President of Exercise and Sports Science Australia and a Fellow and former President of Sports Medicine Australia (SA Chapter). In addition, Dr. Hamdorf has accumulated extensive experience as a Board Director in several organisations including the World Police and Fire Games Corporation, Australasian Masters Games, Trans-Tasman Netball League Corporation, 2015 Asian Cup, 2022 UCI World Road Cycling Championships and Muirfield Golf Club. He currently serves as the Chair of Outdoors NSW & ACT and Skate Australia.
Garry West-Bail
Garry West-Bail, Integrity and Project Manager at ASAPD, possesses a remarkable 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.