Border Trust board and operations team

Susan joined Border Trust Board of Directors in February 2024.

With her family owning property in Mount Beauty, Susan has spent over 40 years holidaying in Mount Beauty and Falls Creek. In 2015 Susan and her husband decided to move out of Sydney and finally settle in the region they love by making Albury their home.

Susan has broad strategic, operational, and project experience working across multiple industries designing and delivering strategic change to support innovation.

Being GAICD qualified, Susan is passionate about helping Not For Profits (NFPs) and their boards achieve great things for their communities. She believes Border Trust has an important role in the region, connecting donors to community initiatives, being a conduit for funding and providing governance support to local NFPs.

Susan also loves travelling as well as partaking in the great food wine and cultural activities our region offers.

Originally from Shepparton in regional Victoria, Kristy has a strong connection to the benefits of a regional lifestyle and community, prompting her relocation to the Albury-Wodonga area in 2012.

Her hope is that our regional communities have access to great services and opportunities, as well as the skills and experience to build their future success and growth through collaboration, development and innovation.

She believes that she can contribute in a meaningful way through the sharing of her skills and experiences, and so is involved in a number of community and not-for-profit organisations at Board level, including Border Trust.

Kristy is currently Head of People and Culture at Boys to the Bush and has over 20 years’ experience in Human Resources across various sectors, in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. She also has experience in the areas of operations, change management, corporate governance and risk management.

Born in Albury and after a brief stint living and working away, James moved back to this amazing Border region 15 years ago. James is a proud father of three children and a husband to Ashleigh. He is passionate about his family and the Border region and has been involved in promoting and advocating for the region for many years. A previous Director at Border Trust, James has returned to be a part of Border Trust family once again. James is currently employed as the Director of Business Services for Align Work Health, an organisational health and wellbeing provider, based in Albury, servicing regional NSW and Victoria. James has collaborated on Boards and Committees in Albury for the past 15 years, including; Albury Business Connect as Chairperson and Director, Business NSW (Murray Region), TAFE NSW (Southern NSW) and Regional Development Australia (Murray).

James is an advocate for attracting talent and business to the region and mental health awareness. He brings a broad knowledge of regional opportunities and challenges. James’ strength is in collaboration and partnering with key stakeholders to achieve a collective benefit for the region.

Ryan is an accomplished professional with a rich and diverse background in operations and financial management. Growing up in North West Queensland, Ryan has spent the last twelve years in Albury, a place he proudly calls home. He enjoys the vibrant community life of Albury alongside his wife Lisa and their two sons, Levi and Lewis.

Ryan’s career has been marked by a series of significant roles across various industries, both in Australia and overseas. Having experience in both large and small organisations, including roles the Commonwealth Bank, Albury City Council, RSM Australia and the Royal Australian Navy.

Dedicated to organisational health through effective planning and financial management, Ryan’s commitment to continuous improvement and community service motivates him to bring a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking perspective to the Border Trust board. He aims to contribute positively to the growth and well-being of the Albury Wodonga region and the Border Trust.

Sue was appointed to Border Trust’s Board in 2022 and became Executive Officer in January 2023.

She is dedicated to building capacity and working collaboratively to amplify the organisation’s impact in our region.
Sue is an experienced business consultant and executive mentor committed to creating meaningful social and economic change. She brings over 20 years of experience on boards and committees in the health, education, business and community sectors.

Sue has lived on a few acres in Beechworth with her partner Andrew, since 2012. In 2003, she left Melbourne for her ‘tree change’, landing in Dinner Plain to run a mixed business.

She understands what it’s like to live with the threat of bushfires, drought, COVID and floods.
“To say it’s been challenging for our local businesses and communities is an understatement.”

Sue joined Border Trust to actively contribute to the foundation’s long-term sustainability and community capacity building and impact endeavours.
“I’m keen to support Border Trust’s role in helping others on their pathway to a better future and stronger community, as people work together to tackle the issues that matter to them.”

Michelle joined the team September 2023 and brought with her more than 20 years of experience as a marketing, communications and engagement specialist.
Michelle grew up locally, with a passion for community and its members.

Michelle is no stranger to Border Trust, having previously volunteered as a Board Director (2015 – 2018) and as Co-founder and Chair of Volunteer Committee for the annual Hume Bank City2City RunWalk, her history with Border Trust is one that spans over 8 years.

Recently having moved back to her hometown of Albury, Alexandra joined the Border Trust team in August 2023.

With over 10 years of experience in the Events and Marketing industry Alexandra is delighted to expand her knowledge with Border Trust and to further her involvement in this community.

“I’m thrilled to have joined the team at Border Trust, it’s an amazing opportunity to be part of an organisation creating such positive change and impact in this community.”

Alana has been a volunteer, employee and donor since the early days of Border Trust.
“Border Trust has come so far since it began! I’m proud of the fact we have a local foundation that facilitates connections, encourages giving and prioritises the needs of this community“.