Our Team
Katherine Ellis
CEO
Katherine has over 30 years’ diverse leadership experience across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, and a strong track record of developing leaders and connecting them across sectors to achieve collective impact. She is a graduate of Leadership Victoria’s flagship Williamson Community Leadership Program (2007), which she celebrates as a pivotal point in her life.
Katherine worked for 20 years in the youth sector, as CEO of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic), the peak body for young people and the youth sector in Victoria; Director of Youth Affairs at the Commonwealth of Nations, working with governments and youth leaders across 53 countries; CEO of the Reach Foundation, where she transformed and grew the organisation four-fold; and consulting to organisations such as Teach for Australia and the Foundation for Young Australians.
Earlier, Katherine spent over a decade in the private sector, working both in Australia and internationally in a variety of analysis, strategy and corporate social responsibility roles.
Katherine holds a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, a Master in e-Business, a Bachelor of Commerce, and a Diploma of Youth Work. She is a graduate of the AICD Company Director’s Course, and a Non-Executive Director of the Brian M. Davis Charitable Foundation
Katherine worked for 20 years in the youth sector, as CEO of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic), the peak body for young people and the youth sector in Victoria; Director of Youth Affairs at the Commonwealth of Nations, working with governments and youth leaders across 53 countries; CEO of the Reach Foundation, where she transformed and grew the organisation four-fold; and consulting to organisations such as Teach for Australia and the Foundation for Young Australians.
Earlier, Katherine spent over a decade in the private sector, working both in Australia and internationally in a variety of analysis, strategy and corporate social responsibility roles.
Katherine holds a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, a Master in e-Business, a Bachelor of Commerce, and a Diploma of Youth Work. She is a graduate of the AICD Company Director’s Course, and a Non-Executive Director of the Brian M. Davis Charitable Foundation
Chris Kotur (WCLP'94)
LV's Leader in Residence
Chris Kotur has been actively involved in community leadership since she took part in the Williamson Community Leadership Program in 1994. Since then Chris’s distinguished career has included senior executive and CEO roles, serving as a university Pro Vice Chancellor and as a council and board member, director and trustee. She is Leadership Victoria’s Leader In Residence.
Chris is now a trusted adviser to government, community and public sector leaders and her skills as a strategist have been particularly valuable during times when people, organizations and authorities have attempted to solve difficult problems or adapt to major change. Chris is an expert facilitator and has worked with community leaders and authorities during many of Victoria’s toughest challenges.
Chris has worked with three Royal Commissions – the Bushfires Royal Commission, the Royal Commission into Family Violence and the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and in each instance she has continued to work with communities and agencies implementing subsequent reforms.
Chris has had first hand experience of how difficult, often unwelcome and challenging events affect people’s lives and what adaptation requires of leaders at all levels. Her consultation methods are now considered best practice. She routinely works as a strategist with government departments, local councils, and leadership teams and with community and NFP groups and serves on key government expert panels. Apart from degrees in Arts and Education Chris undertaken extensive leadership and management development at Harvard University.
Chris is now a trusted adviser to government, community and public sector leaders and her skills as a strategist have been particularly valuable during times when people, organizations and authorities have attempted to solve difficult problems or adapt to major change. Chris is an expert facilitator and has worked with community leaders and authorities during many of Victoria’s toughest challenges.
Chris has worked with three Royal Commissions – the Bushfires Royal Commission, the Royal Commission into Family Violence and the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and in each instance she has continued to work with communities and agencies implementing subsequent reforms.
Chris has had first hand experience of how difficult, often unwelcome and challenging events affect people’s lives and what adaptation requires of leaders at all levels. Her consultation methods are now considered best practice. She routinely works as a strategist with government departments, local councils, and leadership teams and with community and NFP groups and serves on key government expert panels. Apart from degrees in Arts and Education Chris undertaken extensive leadership and management development at Harvard University.
Dr Katy McDevitt
Faculty Lead
Dr Katy McDevitt (pronouns: she/her) is the Faculty Lead for Leadership Victoria’s flagship Williamson Community Leadership Program. A former learning executive with a global background in higher education, professional and adult learning, Katy is an accomplished leadership educator, coach and facilitator, who draws on 20+ years of experience developing leaders, teams, partnerships and portfolios in educational, commercial and nonprofit organisations.
Katy was born and raised in London and has been based in Australia since 2008 – she brings to Williamson a prized combination of deep expertise in the art and science of learning, and broad practical nous in leadership at all levels of organisational life. Katy holds a Doctorate in English from the University of Oxford, and a Graduate Diploma in Learning Sciences and Technology from the University of Sydney. She has also trained extensively in Executive Education, Adaptive Leadership and Facilitation, including with Adelaide University, Melbourne Business School, and Design Thinkers Academy London. Katy is a Certified Organisational Coach (IECL, Levels 1 & 2), an Authorised Practitioner of Harthill’s Leadership Development Profile, a Certified Practitioner of HBDI (Whole Brain Thinking®), and a trained Immunity to ChangeTM Facilitator. Before joining LV, Katy enjoyed a 10-year leadership career working with executives, boards and teams to generate capabilities for change and innovation at scale, including Director roles at world top 1% University of Adelaide, FTSE-listed global learning company Pearson, and HEX, a gutsy Victorian startup empowering young people’s leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities.
A longtime practitioner of adaptive leadership, Katy is a skilled creator and facilitator of leadership experiences that integrate reflective practice, experiential learning and groupwork. Katy is highly regarded for her astute, relational approach, fluidly adapting to the needs of individuals and groups to maximise learning for all. Now in her second year with Leadership Victoria and Williamson, Katy is looking forward to getting to know a new year of Williamson leaders and to the journey of exploration and growth that lies ahead!
Katy was born and raised in London and has been based in Australia since 2008 – she brings to Williamson a prized combination of deep expertise in the art and science of learning, and broad practical nous in leadership at all levels of organisational life. Katy holds a Doctorate in English from the University of Oxford, and a Graduate Diploma in Learning Sciences and Technology from the University of Sydney. She has also trained extensively in Executive Education, Adaptive Leadership and Facilitation, including with Adelaide University, Melbourne Business School, and Design Thinkers Academy London. Katy is a Certified Organisational Coach (IECL, Levels 1 & 2), an Authorised Practitioner of Harthill’s Leadership Development Profile, a Certified Practitioner of HBDI (Whole Brain Thinking®), and a trained Immunity to ChangeTM Facilitator. Before joining LV, Katy enjoyed a 10-year leadership career working with executives, boards and teams to generate capabilities for change and innovation at scale, including Director roles at world top 1% University of Adelaide, FTSE-listed global learning company Pearson, and HEX, a gutsy Victorian startup empowering young people’s leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities.
A longtime practitioner of adaptive leadership, Katy is a skilled creator and facilitator of leadership experiences that integrate reflective practice, experiential learning and groupwork. Katy is highly regarded for her astute, relational approach, fluidly adapting to the needs of individuals and groups to maximise learning for all. Now in her second year with Leadership Victoria and Williamson, Katy is looking forward to getting to know a new year of Williamson leaders and to the journey of exploration and growth that lies ahead!
Tara Crowe
Partnerships and Business Development Lead
Tara has extensive strategic marketing and communications experience within her professional portfolio having embarked on her public relations career in London over two decades ago. With a passion for international development and social issues Tara later joined World Vision Australia and has since curated a diverse and rich experience working with social impact brands and not-for-profit organisations.
It is Tara’s somewhat eclectic mix of experiences that provides the diverse business development experience she will draw upon in this partnership role. Tara led a luxury adventure tourism operation in Tanzania, East Africa for eight years gathering unique and valuable experience in leading in a space of difference, and across cultural spaces – whilst juggling the demands of a General Manager role.
Since returning to Australia, she has deepened her culturally responsive learning as Marketing Manager for an L&D start-up which, like Leadership Victoria, was driven by fostering leadership that disrupts the status quo to inspire ethical and purpose-led leadership in our community.
Tara resides on Boon wurrung Country in Melbourne’s Inner West, spends a lot of time thinking about women’s sports and the best vegan recipes, but plays her most important role as mother to her daughter.
It is Tara’s somewhat eclectic mix of experiences that provides the diverse business development experience she will draw upon in this partnership role. Tara led a luxury adventure tourism operation in Tanzania, East Africa for eight years gathering unique and valuable experience in leading in a space of difference, and across cultural spaces – whilst juggling the demands of a General Manager role.
Since returning to Australia, she has deepened her culturally responsive learning as Marketing Manager for an L&D start-up which, like Leadership Victoria, was driven by fostering leadership that disrupts the status quo to inspire ethical and purpose-led leadership in our community.
Tara resides on Boon wurrung Country in Melbourne’s Inner West, spends a lot of time thinking about women’s sports and the best vegan recipes, but plays her most important role as mother to her daughter.
Nkosi Ndlovu
Marketing and Communications Lead
Graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce and beginning her career in digital media, Nkosi developed a strong foundation in connecting with clients and delivering outcomes that exceed expectations.
She then ventured outside of media world, establishing her event experience through cultural, community–based events. These focused on showcasing and highlighting the talent of the African youth through festivals and performances to the broader community. This merged her passions of diversity and inclusion with organising memorable events that leave a lasting effect.
This is something Nkosi aims to continue as part of Leadership Victoria, expanding her knowledge of leadership through a wider lense as well as making a positive impact on the community. She started her career in the Events and Programs Coordinator role and moved to the Marketing and Communications Lead role thereafter. This has allowed her to combine her passions of events and communicating that to a wider audience.
She then ventured outside of media world, establishing her event experience through cultural, community–based events. These focused on showcasing and highlighting the talent of the African youth through festivals and performances to the broader community. This merged her passions of diversity and inclusion with organising memorable events that leave a lasting effect.
This is something Nkosi aims to continue as part of Leadership Victoria, expanding her knowledge of leadership through a wider lense as well as making a positive impact on the community. She started her career in the Events and Programs Coordinator role and moved to the Marketing and Communications Lead role thereafter. This has allowed her to combine her passions of events and communicating that to a wider audience.
Ezra Eugene
Events and Programs Lead
Ezra is an event professional who is passionate about contributing to a greater purpose. After coming to Australia in 2011, she first joined student organisations where she learned that serving communities led to internal growth and accomplishment. She began her leadership and event training by participating in a charity project, focusing on improving welfare for underprivileged youths through education and innovative financing. She then continued the event journey, managing and delivering charity events to provide funding and educational opportunities for children with special needs in Indonesia. Passionate about people, leadership and successful events, she has been exploring the industry ever since, including cultural, theatrical, private and corporate events.
Ezra earned her Bachelor of Communication, focusing on areas of advertising, campaigns & events, and continued with her master’s degree study in early childhood education, which she completed in 2016. Her strong background in organisations had assisted her to professionally work in both event and education sectors.
Enthusiastic to be a part of Leadership Victoria, she aims to amplify her communication, dedication and confidence to make an influential impact on the communities.
Ezra earned her Bachelor of Communication, focusing on areas of advertising, campaigns & events, and continued with her master’s degree study in early childhood education, which she completed in 2016. Her strong background in organisations had assisted her to professionally work in both event and education sectors.
Enthusiastic to be a part of Leadership Victoria, she aims to amplify her communication, dedication and confidence to make an influential impact on the communities.
Danni Findlay
Senior Programs & Events Coordinator
Danni is adept at driving projects to success with efficiency and agility. With a collaborative spirit and meticulous attention to detail, she excels in problem-solving and innovation. Experienced in Events Management, Economic Development, Project Management and Human Resources, Danni holds a Bachelor Business (Human Resource Management)/Bachelor Arts (Psychology) and is an Australian Certified Economic Developer (ACEcD).
Having organised and executed events from All Staff Expos with over 600+ people in attendance, Business Excellence Awards programs right down to intimate executive and board dinners, she thrives on the diversity and challenges that each engagement brings.
In addition to her passion for projects and events, Danni’s notable achievements include spearheading local COVID recovery initiatives within the Macedon Ranges Shire and delivering impactful community projects like the Woodend Community Centre Masterplan.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, she takes immense pride in her role raising three sons with her husband. Residing in the picturesque Macedon Ranges, on Dja Dja Wurrung land, Danni is delighted to be a part of the Leadership Victoria team to support the next generation of leaders to inspire, connect and transform.
Having organised and executed events from All Staff Expos with over 600+ people in attendance, Business Excellence Awards programs right down to intimate executive and board dinners, she thrives on the diversity and challenges that each engagement brings.
In addition to her passion for projects and events, Danni’s notable achievements include spearheading local COVID recovery initiatives within the Macedon Ranges Shire and delivering impactful community projects like the Woodend Community Centre Masterplan.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, she takes immense pride in her role raising three sons with her husband. Residing in the picturesque Macedon Ranges, on Dja Dja Wurrung land, Danni is delighted to be a part of the Leadership Victoria team to support the next generation of leaders to inspire, connect and transform.
Ryan Davis
Events and Programs Coordinator
Ryan has always had a passion for events, he loves to create memorable and unforgettable experiences for all involved. From the very beginning through to the end he believes it’s all about working hard and enjoying it along the way. Ryan is a true believer that no event is too big or too small. Ever since he started his first job in customer service at 15 years old, Ryan knew he had a passion for meeting new people. He believes it is all about putting on a smile and making someone’s day. Over the years Ryan moved into the hospitality industry and began bartending during his studies, whilst also working at the university. Starting in accommodation services, Ryan also worked in functions and venues and graduation. It was during this time when his passion for events really ignited, assisting guests on their events and also being a residential assistant on campus.
After graduating from his bachelor of business majoring in event management degree at LaTrobe University in 2021, Ryan has worked across not for profit organisations and small event agencies. Starting off working events in the not for profit sector, Ryan knew this was the industry for him, following this Ryan moved to a small event agency which he also loved but found something was missing. It wasn’t until he moved back into the not for profit sector he realised he was working with a purpose. During his free time Ryan loves to get outdoors in the sun, going for runs along the Yarra, swimming at the beach, trying out new restaurants, or catching up with friends. Ryan was born and grew up on Gunaikurnai land.
After graduating from his bachelor of business majoring in event management degree at LaTrobe University in 2021, Ryan has worked across not for profit organisations and small event agencies. Starting off working events in the not for profit sector, Ryan knew this was the industry for him, following this Ryan moved to a small event agency which he also loved but found something was missing. It wasn’t until he moved back into the not for profit sector he realised he was working with a purpose. During his free time Ryan loves to get outdoors in the sun, going for runs along the Yarra, swimming at the beach, trying out new restaurants, or catching up with friends. Ryan was born and grew up on Gunaikurnai land.
Our Associates
Jon Eddy
Jon Eddy combines a rare mix of extensive, organisational leadership experience and a deep expertise in coaching, leadership development, team development and culture and engagement consulting. In a business career that spanned 27 years Jon gained experience through a broad variety of roles. He has been educated in system thinking disciplines, and sees things from multiple and often different perspectives, while helping others to do the same, to tackle personal and organisational challenges in new ways.
Jon is regularly asked to support people tackling organisational, public policy or community challenges in partnering with multiple, often difficult stakeholders. A key theme in Jon’s work with those seeking career development and progress is helping them to find where their strengths and passions intersect with opportunity and the unexpectedly broad options that arise from there. In particular, he helps people to accelerate their process of personal evolution, through identifying new approaches to replace old ones that have passed their useful date. Jon has helped innumerable high potential people to make the challenging transition from manager to leader and to leader of leaders. He is highly experienced and effective in working with leaders at all levels and in government, community, for-purpose and business settings. He is a director of two organisations in the not-for-profit sector, including the Australian Adaptive Leadership Institute (AALI), of which he is chair. He is also a member of the advisory board of an organisation that provides grants to not-for-profits.
Jon is an accredited Level III Executive Coach through the Institute of Executive Coaching & Leadership and in 2011 Jon completed The Art & Practice of Leadership Development at Harvard’s Kennedy School, studying under Professors Ronald Heifetz, Marty Linsky and Robert Kegan.
Jon is regularly asked to support people tackling organisational, public policy or community challenges in partnering with multiple, often difficult stakeholders. A key theme in Jon’s work with those seeking career development and progress is helping them to find where their strengths and passions intersect with opportunity and the unexpectedly broad options that arise from there. In particular, he helps people to accelerate their process of personal evolution, through identifying new approaches to replace old ones that have passed their useful date. Jon has helped innumerable high potential people to make the challenging transition from manager to leader and to leader of leaders. He is highly experienced and effective in working with leaders at all levels and in government, community, for-purpose and business settings. He is a director of two organisations in the not-for-profit sector, including the Australian Adaptive Leadership Institute (AALI), of which he is chair. He is also a member of the advisory board of an organisation that provides grants to not-for-profits.
Jon is an accredited Level III Executive Coach through the Institute of Executive Coaching & Leadership and in 2011 Jon completed The Art & Practice of Leadership Development at Harvard’s Kennedy School, studying under Professors Ronald Heifetz, Marty Linsky and Robert Kegan.
Nell Wilson
Nell Wilson was ‘born and raised’ in Melbourne on the lands of the Boon Wurrung people. Her dad was also born on Boon Wurrung (Bunurong) land and her Mum on Taungurung land. She also has a great affiliation with the lands and peoples of Jinibara on the Sunshine Coast, where she spent most of her school holidays as a kid with her dad, playing in the tall sand dunes and swimming in the beautiful seas and rivers. Raised by a loving and hard-working single Mum, who also lives and works on the Boon Wurrung (Bunurong) lands here in Melbourne with her two dogs ‘Indy & Finn’.
Nell has spent over 20 years, working with leaders across Australia and internationally, from incredibly diverse industries and sectors, helping them to define the kinds of leaders they want to be, supporting them to lead authentically, intentionally and with purposeful impact.
Nell brings over 25-years’ experience as a leadership practitioner to Leadership Victoria whilst also having had a number of senior leadership roles in large organisations across Australia. Nell studied Adaptive Leadership at Harvard with Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky in 2015 and has worked with thousands of leaders locally and around the world to identify, navigate and solve adaptive problems.
Nell considers herself to also be a ‘student’ of leadership as she is constantly learning with and from the leaders she works with both as a facilitator, coach and consultant.
Nell has spent over 20 years, working with leaders across Australia and internationally, from incredibly diverse industries and sectors, helping them to define the kinds of leaders they want to be, supporting them to lead authentically, intentionally and with purposeful impact.
Nell brings over 25-years’ experience as a leadership practitioner to Leadership Victoria whilst also having had a number of senior leadership roles in large organisations across Australia. Nell studied Adaptive Leadership at Harvard with Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky in 2015 and has worked with thousands of leaders locally and around the world to identify, navigate and solve adaptive problems.
Nell considers herself to also be a ‘student’ of leadership as she is constantly learning with and from the leaders she works with both as a facilitator, coach and consultant.
Dana Eisenstein
Dana Eisenstein is a seasoned Leadership & Transformational Facilitator and Executive Coach, who thrives on unlocking human potential with individuals and organisations.
Growing up in South Africa during Apartheid, amidst racial segregation, Dana witnessed the struggle for justice and equality. As South Africa transitioned into democracy, she observed the emergence of a nation where all voices mattered. This fuelled Dana’s mission for equity, creating a sense of belonging and empowering others to discover their authentic voice. She believes that courage lies in not only being able to speak one’s truth but the wisdom to listen deeply to others.
Dana is a lifelong learner with credentials in Honours Human Resource Development, is an accredited and skilled coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership Level 1 and 2; a Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner and Master Practitioner; ANZ Breakout Transformation Facilitator; Adaptive Leader and Appreciative Inquiry practitioner and Meditation teacher.
As a high-performance coach, Dana quickly builds trust and empowers leaders, teams, and individuals to achieve their best.
Dana is a Catalyst for Change: Dana uses genuine curiosity and a heart-based approach to raise the heat and challenge deep-seated assumptions. This fosters new awareness and learning experiences; making change stick.
🧘♀️Yoga and Meditation Enthusiast: Dana’s mat is her sanctuary, where balance and energy converge.
🌲Forest Hiker and Beach Lover: She finds solace in winding forest trails, connecting with nature and beautiful beaches fuel her spirit.
Family First: Dana wears her motherhood badge with pride, raising three remarkable kids together with her husband, Paul, and being amused by their 2 playful cats.
Growing up in South Africa during Apartheid, amidst racial segregation, Dana witnessed the struggle for justice and equality. As South Africa transitioned into democracy, she observed the emergence of a nation where all voices mattered. This fuelled Dana’s mission for equity, creating a sense of belonging and empowering others to discover their authentic voice. She believes that courage lies in not only being able to speak one’s truth but the wisdom to listen deeply to others.
Dana is a lifelong learner with credentials in Honours Human Resource Development, is an accredited and skilled coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership Level 1 and 2; a Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner and Master Practitioner; ANZ Breakout Transformation Facilitator; Adaptive Leader and Appreciative Inquiry practitioner and Meditation teacher.
As a high-performance coach, Dana quickly builds trust and empowers leaders, teams, and individuals to achieve their best.
Dana is a Catalyst for Change: Dana uses genuine curiosity and a heart-based approach to raise the heat and challenge deep-seated assumptions. This fosters new awareness and learning experiences; making change stick.
🧘♀️Yoga and Meditation Enthusiast: Dana’s mat is her sanctuary, where balance and energy converge.
🌲Forest Hiker and Beach Lover: She finds solace in winding forest trails, connecting with nature and beautiful beaches fuel her spirit.
Family First: Dana wears her motherhood badge with pride, raising three remarkable kids together with her husband, Paul, and being amused by their 2 playful cats.
Dr Anne Hartican
Dr. Anne Hartican is a Melbourne | Naarm born and bred leadership and organisational development specialist with a depth of experience in working with government and health sectors. Through her work with a broad range of organisations Anne has built a reputation for assisting leaders strengthen their impact and organisations drive meaningful cultural change. In working with clients Anne draws on extensive experience in both public and private sector organisations as a senior manager where she was responsible for organisational mergers, workforce restructures, managing large change projects, commissioning new facilities and services and developing work unit effectiveness and performance.
Anne’s depth of experience in managing large workforces, coupled with her consulting and research expertise, provide a solid foundation for her leadership and organisational culture development work. Her approach to enhancing leadership capability and organisational performance is underpinned by a sophisticated knowledge of leadership, organisation development and group dynamic theories. Anne also draws on her highly developed diagnostic and facilitation skills to support clients deal effectively with complex adaptive organisational challenges as well as interpersonal challenges.
Anne is a published author on leadership. Her published works include The Character of Leadership (2006) and articles in Leadership & Organization Development Journal and the Monash Business Review.
Anne’s depth of experience in managing large workforces, coupled with her consulting and research expertise, provide a solid foundation for her leadership and organisational culture development work. Her approach to enhancing leadership capability and organisational performance is underpinned by a sophisticated knowledge of leadership, organisation development and group dynamic theories. Anne also draws on her highly developed diagnostic and facilitation skills to support clients deal effectively with complex adaptive organisational challenges as well as interpersonal challenges.
Anne is a published author on leadership. Her published works include The Character of Leadership (2006) and articles in Leadership & Organization Development Journal and the Monash Business Review.