Emerge Board and Leadership

Claire (BA, Juris Doctor, University of Melbourne) is a lawyer specialising in human rights and has spent her career working in institutional reform before taking the role of CEO at Emerge in 2022. Claire has worked in Executive roles across NFP and government on research and transformation initiatives that increase safety and equality and improve access to justice. Before working as CEO of Emerge, her recent work has included running restorative justice processes to ensure that victim survivors of institutional gendered violence have access to redress, research to increase the cultural safety and rehabilitative focus of prisons, and independent review of police to create safe and equal workplaces.

BPhysio (La Trobe University), MPhysio (Research) (University of Melbourne), GAICD

Claire Murphy is a skilled non-executive director and chair in purpose-driven organisations across public health, education, community services and professional associations. She brings extensive expertise in corporate and clinical governance, change management, strategic development and public health leadership. Claire also serves on the boards of Timboon and District Healthcare Service and the Victorian Healthcare Association.

BA (Hons) (University of Melbourne)

Eva Perez has close to three decades of experience working in the public sector across Australia and New Zealand. She specialises in policy development, service reform and strategic direction, including in responses to family violence and child abuse.

BComm (Deakin University), GradDip Chartered Accounting, Member (CAANZ), Accredited Family Business Australia Advisor, Cert Governance and Directorship (Governance Institute of Australia)

Lucie McKenna is a trusted family office advisor who works closely with families to define long-term goals, values and governance structures. She brings extensive expertise in strategy, governance and financial stewardship.

BA Hons (University of Melbourne), MA Organisatinoal Psychology (University of Melbourne), MAICD

Jane Stuchberry is an organisational psychologist specialising in governance and board effectiveness. She is a Director at Board Partners and an affiliate with global consulting firm Mercer, where she leads the Board Effectiveness practice.

BA (Psychology), MA (Psychology) (University of Canterbury), PhD (Criminology) (University of Melbourne)

Shasta Holland has more than 20 years of experience in justice policy and violence prevention reform. She has held senior executive roles across the Victorian and Australian public service and previously led implementation monitoring of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

LLB, BA (Deakin University)

Beth Gant is a principal lawyer specialising in estate planning and succession law. She brings extensive legal experience across criminal, business and succession law, including work at the Office of Public Prosecutions and in private practice.

BComm (University of Melbourne), Chartered Accountant (CAANZ)

Hillier Deniz is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years’ experience in finance, governance and risk management across multiple industries including manufacturing, retail and financial services.

LLM (Human Rights) (Monash University), LLB/BA (Monash University)

Avital Kamil is a family lawyer specialising in family violence and family law. She has worked across private practice, Victoria Legal Aid and Victoria Police and has extensive experience supporting victim-survivors through complex legal matters.