Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO

Patron

The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO was officially named a GMR Patron in 2015.

She has enjoyed a rich and distinguished career as an academic, lawyer, community and human rights advocate, senior public officer, university college principal, and vice-regal representative of Queensland and Australia.

Dame Quentin served as the Governor of Queensland (2003 to 2008), before becoming the 25th Governor-General of Australia (2008–2014). She was the first woman to hold this prestigious position, and remains a pioneer in contemporary Australian society, whose commitments to our nation are as significant as they are diverse.

In 2014, Dame Quentin become a Dame in the Order of Australia.

Major General Emeritus Professor John Pearn AO, GCStJ, RFD

Patron

Major General Emeritus Professor John Pearn is GMR’s 2005 Founding Board Member. He is a leader in the field of paediatrics and child health and his research is widely published; he has more than 700 published papers on medicine, the history of medicine and health.

Professor Pearn is Senior Paediatrician at the Queensland Children’s Hospital where he has served as a full-time staff clinician since 1968.

Professor Pearn served as one of Australia’s most senior doctor-soldiers. He rose progressively through various senior command and executive positions in the Defence Health Service. In 1998 Major General Pearn was appointed Surgeon-General of the Australian Defence Force and served in this role until his retirement in 2000. He also served as the Senior Physician and Intensivist in Papua New Guinea (1966), Vietnam (1970) and Rwanda (1994-95).

He has received more than 40 awards, academic and campaign medals, and service decorations, including that of Officer of the Order of Australia, Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St John and the Centenary Medal—for services to the nation.

Tim Thomas

Ambassador

Ex-special forces commando and Breathwork in Bed CEO

Tim joined the GMR Team as a veteran Ambassador to help promote GMR’s research in veteran mental health and wellbeing.

Tim is an ex-special forces commando with deployments to Afghanistan and East Timor. He left the Army in 2010.

He is a passionate advocate of better understanding and support for ex-service personnel as they transition from service to civilian life.

Pat Welsh

Ambassador

Pat was a 2005 Founding Board Director for GMR. He has continued his unwavering commitment as an Ambassador, generously donating his time and talents to GMR fundraising events such as the Supporter High Tea.

As a leading Australian sports journalist, commentator, and sports editor, Pat is a familiar face to most Queenslanders. He is best known for his rugby league and golf commentary and travelled extensively throughout Europe, Australia, and the US for the Seven Network.

In January 2023, Welsh announced his resignation from the Seven Network after 47 years.

Dr Amanda Dines OAM

Board Chair

Director General Health Reserve – Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

Dr Amanda Dines joined the GMR Board in 2022 and currently serves as Chair. She guides the organisation’s research strategy, to advance GMR’s mission of improving health outcomes through its biopsychosocial research.

Dr Dines served as the Director General Health Reserve – Air Force in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), where she holds the rank of Air Commodore, for four years (2020-2024). Since 2014, she has also served as the Honorary Aide de Camp to the Governor General of Australia and has been an Adjunct Associate Professor at The University of Queensland Medical School since 2018.

Dr Dines’ extensive health career also includes roles as Executive Director at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), Executive Director Cancer Care Services at Metro North HHS, and Deputy Executive Director Medical Services at RBWH.

Justin Greenwell

Deputy Chair

Chief Executive Officer, Greenslopes Private Hospital

Justin Greenwell is the CEO of Greenslopes Private Hospital, a role he commenced in 2023 following several executive leadership positions within Ramsay Health Care.

Prior to this, he served as CEO for Ramsay’s Sunshine Coast private hospitals, where he led operations across a significant regional network.

With a strong commitment to people-focused healthcare, Justin brings valuable experience in hospital management, operational strategy, and clinical partnerships.

His contribution as Deputy Chair of the GMR Board supports the organisation’s commitment to quality research and healthcare innovation.

Dr Bernadette Boss CSC FRSN

Board Director

Dr Bernadette Boss CSC brings a distinguished record of service, shaped by her military career and commitment to justice and equity.

Her experience includes roles as a magistrate, coroner, and decorated military officer, recognised with the Conspicuous Service Cross for her contributions to the Australian Defence Force.

As Interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention, she laid the foundation for the national Royal Commission. Dr Boss is now an Adjunct Professor, with expertise across law, public policy, and international relations.

She offers GMR strategic insight grounded in leadership, veteran advocacy, and public health governance.

Lady Jane Edwards AM

Board Director

Managing Director, BBS Communications

Lady Jane Edwards is a highly respected communications executive with more than three decades of leadership experience across public relations, business strategy, and executive mentoring.

As Managing Director of BBS Communications, she has led regional operations throughout Australia and Asia Pacific, working with government and corporate leaders.

In addition to serving on numerous public and private boards, Jane has played a pivotal role in the arts and cultural sectors, including as the first woman to chair the Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees.

She is a Fellow of AICD, AIM, and PRIA, and serves as an Adjunct Professor at The University of Queensland, bringing deep strategic acumen to GMR’s Board.

Brendan Cox

Board Director

Chief Executive Officer, Legacy Brisbane

Brendan Cox served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Australian Army. His military service included deployments to the Former Yugoslavia, Timor Leste, and Afghanistan.

Since transitioning from Defence, he has held executive roles in financial services and veteran support and is currently the CEO of Legacy Brisbane.

Brendan holds two master’s degrees in Business and Defence Studies, and he is a Harvard Fellow (2018), and a Churchill Fellow (2023).

His leadership at GMR is shaped by a personal and professional dedication to improving outcomes for veterans and their families.

Professor Mark Smithers AM

Board Director

Mayne Professor of Surgery, University of Queensland

Professor Mark Smithers is a leading academic surgeon with expertise in gastrointestinal and melanoma surgery.

He holds appointments at The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.

Professor Smithers has been recognised nationally for his clinical leadership, including receiving the Order of Australia (AM) and the Sir Hugh Devine Medal.

He has contributed significantly to research in neoadjuvant therapy, sentinel node biopsy, and complex GI surgery outcomes.

A passionate mentor, Professor Smithers has guided postgraduate research and served as an international examiner, advancing surgical education and translational research across global platforms.

Professor Stephen Gray

Board Director

Professor of Finance, University of Queensland; Director, Frontier Economics

Professor Stephen Gray is a senior academic in Finance at The University of Queensland and a Director at Frontier Economics.

Since 2000, he has taught courses in asset valuation and corporate finance and has contributed extensively to industry and government as a financial consultant and expert witness.

He holds Honours degrees in Commerce and Law from UQ and a PhD in Financial Economics from Stanford University.

At GMR, Stephen brings deep expertise in financial strategy and governance, strengthening GMR’s long-term sustainability and operational excellence.

Dr Robert Herkes

Board Director

Chief Medical Officer, Ramsay Health Care Australia

Dr Robert Herkes is the Chief Medical Officer at Ramsay Health Care Australia, where he oversees clinical governance and quality assurance across the organisation’s hospital network.

With extensive experience as an intensive care physician, he has been a driving force in the development of critical care services nationally.

His leadership roles have spanned both hospital systems and health policy, and he is widely regarded as a clinical leader focused on safety, standards, and innovation.

Dr Herkes brings valuable oversight and medical insight to GMR’s governance.

Jo Dooley

Board of Directors

Vice President of Enterprise, Microsoft Australia & New Zealand

Jo Dooley leads Microsoft’s commercial enterprise business across Australia and New Zealand and was awarded the prestigious Bill Gates Platinum Founders Award in 2020 for exceptional leadership.

With over 25 years of experience in retail and technology, Jo has held senior roles at IBM, Seek, Big W, and Leo Burnett.

She is a passionate advocate for digital upskilling and gender equity, serving as executive sponsor of Military at Microsoft and member of the Monash Tech Council.

At GMR, Jo contributes strong commercial acumen, digital strategy, and a commitment to empowering communities through innovation.

Garth Callender

Board Director

Chief Executive Officer, Bravery Trust

Garth Callender is the CEO of Bravery Trust, a national charity supporting veterans in financial crisis.

A former Lieutenant Colonel, Garth served for 25 years in the Australian Army and has since built a career advising Boards and executives through uncertainty and change.

He is a published author, Churchill Fellow (2023), and advocate for veteran wellbeing.

His leadership extends to roles on the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and Australian War College, and he brings to GMR a deep understanding of veteran affairs, strategic planning, and ethical leadership.

Gwen Cherne

Board Director

Gwen Cherne served as the inaugural Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner from 2020 until 2025, and joined the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission in 2021.

A partner, mother, and widow of veterans, she brings lived experience of military family life, mental health challenges, and family violence.

Since her husband’s death in 2017, Gwen has advocated for increased support for war widows, veteran families, suicide prevention, and mental health services.

Gwen serves on the Council of the Australian War Memorial and is an Invictus Australia Ambassador. Gwen brings her expertise and lived experience in finding community-led solutions for families facing crisis and hardship to the Gallipoli Medical Research Board.

Miriam Kent

Chief Executive Officer

Miriam Kent was appointed CEO of GMR in 2023. Prior to joining GMR, she held senior roles at Brisbane City Council and its subsidiary, the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

Miriam led key initiatives such as the Brisbane Business Hub and in response to COVID-19, established the MedTech Initiative, which supported early-stage commercial businesses in accessing market pathways, investment, and innovation amplification.

Working closely with the Board, Miriam provides strategic direction and oversees the execution of GMR’s operations and Board-endorsed strategy.

She is responsible for ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high-impact medical research and meaningful community outcomes.

Professor Darrell Crawford

Director of Research

Professor Darrell Crawford is Director of Research at GMR and has more than 25 years of experience as a respected leader in hepatology, with expertise in iron overload disorders, liver transplantation, and viral hepatitis.

His previous roles include Head of the School of Clinical Medicine at The University of Queensland, Dean of Medicine at UQ and Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he fostered a strong research culture that continues today.

Professor Crawford has held senior positions in professional organisations, including President of Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) and The Asian Pacific Association of the Study of Liver (APASL).

He has contributed extensively to national and international research policy and practice. His research has informed global best practice in the management of liver disease and he continues to supervise and mentor the next generation of clinician-scientists.

Dr Laura G. Carrascosa

Director of Health Translation and Strategic Partnerships

Dr Laura G. Carrascosa has been with GMR since 2024 and leads efforts to translate health research into clinical practice to build strategic partnerships that enhance the organisation’s impact.

She brings over 20 years of experience in the Australian and European health research sectors.

With a background in molecular biology and health innovation, she has led strategic engagement and research development roles across The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute Australia, Mater Research, and other institutions.

Laura is a recognised leader in building government-industry-university collaborations and attracting competitive research funding.

Dr Camila Guindalini

Director of Mental Health Research

Dr Camila Guindalini joined GMR in 2022 and was appointed as Director Mental Health Research in 2024.

She brings extensive experience in psychiatric and translational research.

Her work has spanned a range of mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and infectious disease-related psychiatric disorders.

At GMR, Camila works closely with research leaders to design and implement high-impact studies that generate real-world mental health outcomes, particularly for the veteran community.

Her goal is to develop research that informs clinical practice and contributes to systemic improvements in mental healthcare.

Julieann Keyser

Director of People

Julieann Keyser joined GMR in 2019, initially holding dual roles in project management and human resources. In 2022, she was appointed Director of People.

With more than 15 years of experience in HR and project delivery across commercial and not-for-profit sectors, Julieann has led workforce projects both in Australia and internationally, including time managing HR operations for Auckland UniServices in the Middle East.

She holds a Bachelor of Management in Human Resource Management and is passionate about creating an inclusive, high-performing culture that supports staff, researchers, and the broader GMR community.

Veena Herron

Director of Marketing and Communications

Veena Herron joined GMR in 2024 to lead the marketing, communications, and fundraising teams.

With over two decades of experience in corporate communications and stakeholder engagement, she has delivered award-winning strategies across healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Her work in thought leadership has received industry recognition at an international, national, and state level.

Veena is known for her expertise in brand development, issues and crisis management, and media strategy.

At GMR, she focuses on building authentic relationships with supporters, donors, and partners, while raising awareness of the organisation’s life-changing research.

She holds qualifications in journalism, communications, international relations, and research.

Sashika Naidoo

Associate Director of Clinical Trials

At GMR, Sashika Naidoo ensures adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards in the advancement of medical research. Supported by over 14 years of experience in clinical trials and certifications in ISO 9001 Lead Auditing and HREC training, her expertise spans regulatory compliance, ethical oversight, and quality systems, particularly in the field of oncology.

At GMR, Sashika collaborates with investigators, sponsors, regulators, and ethics committees to facilitate clinical research initiatives that prioritise compliance and participant safety. Her commitment to ethical excellence and passion for oncology trials drives valueable contributions to advancing impactful medical research and improving human health.

Dustin Clowes

Director of Finance

Professor Mark Smithers AM

Chair and GMR Board Director

Mayne Professor of Surgery, University of Queensland

Professor Mark Smithers is a leading academic surgeon with expertise in gastrointestinal and melanoma surgery.

He holds appointments at The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.

Professor Smithers has been recognised nationally for his clinical leadership, including receiving the Order of Australia (AM) and the Sir Hugh Devine Medal.

He has contributed significantly to research in neoadjuvant therapy, sentinel node biopsy, and complex GI surgery outcomes.

A passionate mentor, Professor Smithers has guided postgraduate research and served as an international examiner, advancing surgical education and translational research across global platforms.

He is a Director of the GMR Board.

Dr Robert Herkes

GMR Board Director and Chief Medical Officer

Chief Medical Officer, Ramsay Health Care Australia

Dr Robert Herkes is the Chief Medical Officer at Ramsay Health Care Australia, where he oversees clinical governance and quality assurance across the organisation’s hospital network.

With extensive experience as an intensive care physician, he has been a driving force in the development of critical care services nationally.

His leadership roles have spanned both hospital systems and health policy, and he is widely regarded as a clinical leader focused on safety, standards, and innovation.

Dr Herkes brings valuable oversight and medical insight to GMR’s governance.

Dr Andrew Khoo

Principal Psychiatric Advisor

Dr Andrew Khoo is a psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in treating PTSD, mood, and anxiety disorders.

Since earning his fellowship from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2002, receiving the College Medal for his dissertation on PTSD, he led CBT-based group therapy at Toowong Private Hospital, where he served as Director since 2004.

In 2016, he was appointed Director of Medical Services and Chair of the Medical Council. He also holds an academic title with The University of Queensland and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed psychiatric publications.

Dr Khoo plays a key role in shaping mental health policy for veterans and first responders. He is Deputy Chair of The Royal and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Military and Emergency Services Network, Chair of the Open Arms National Advisory Committee, and a member of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Expert Advisory Group.

Dr Khoo regularly contributes to national inquiries and has presented widely on trauma and psychological health across media and professional forums.

Dr Ian Gardner

Consultant Occupational and Environmental Medicine Physician

Dr Ian Gardner is a specialist physician with nearly 45 years of experience in occupational, environmental, and public health medicine.
He has held senior roles across Defence and veterans’ health, including 14 years with the Department of Defence, and 4 years as Principal Medical Adviser and Chief Health Officer at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Ian has contributed extensively to research and policy development, having chaired and managed multiple veteran health studies and is currently serving as a ministerially appointed member of the Specialist Medical Review Council.

He is the Specialist Medical Adviser to the RSL National Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has been a Board Member of veteran charity, Mates4Mates Ltd, and he is currently the chair of RSL QLD’s Services and Clinical Governance Committee.

He also represents the Royal Australasian College of Physicians on the Tasmanian Workcover Medical Advisory Panel.

Dr Richard Skoien