Our Board & CEO
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland is overseen by an active Board whose members represent different areas within the non-profit and corporate sectors.
Our CEO leads a dynamic team of advocacy, policy and specialised service delivery staff dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of older people in Queensland.
Jean McRuvie Chair
FAIM, MICD
Jean has held senior leadership CEO, General Manager or Managing Director roles for the past twenty years across a range of organisations representing health and welfare services, regional development and corporate management. Jean was an elected Local Government Councillor for three years and CEO of a member-based organisation in the agricultural sector. She has sat on Advisory Boards in the TAFE and University sectors and provided advice to government departments on program design. She currently holds a number of Non-Executive Director positions on not for profit or for purpose organisations in the housing, disability, aged care and child care sectors in Queensland.
Stuart Anderson Non-Executive Director,
Chair Finance & Risk Committee
Chair Finance & Risk Committee
BCom, BEcon, GradDipCA
Stuart is currently employed as the Chief Financial Officer of RCPA, Australia’s leading supplier of concrete pipes and drainage systems. Stuart has held a variety of senior finance roles over his career, across a variety of industries including racing, manufacturing, media, telecoms, superannuation, and construction materials. Stuart is a qualified accountant (CA) and possesses a dual degree in Commerce and Economics from the University of Queensland. He joined the COTA Queensland Board in November 2019, and is the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Steve Kanowski Non-Executive Director
B.Bus (Econ), GradDipAgEcon, PGDip Mment, PMESA, FCILT, GAICD
Steve is an economist and for most of his 35 years plus career he has worked in consulting – mostly in Australia – also based in London (7 years) and Dublin (4 years). He spent 4 years in senior roles in the Queensland Public Service: 2013-15 – Chief Economist & Executive Director (Infrastructure Policy & Planning) with the Department of State Development and 2015-17 as Chief Economist & General Manager – Strategic Policy at Transport & Main Roads. Since 2017, he has been a Partner with Deloitte and is Brisbane office leader at Deloitte Access Economics. Steve’s qualifications are in business and economics. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Ken Moores Non-Executive Director
BBus, BEcon, MSocSc, PhD, DBus, FCPA, FCA, FAICD
Ken’s extensive experience includes senior level leadership as company chairman, director, CEO, and academic. This experience, coupled with training in accounting, finance, economics and family business has developed skills that extend from corporate governance through strategic planning to financial management. Ken has applied these skills in numerous governance roles in education, training, hospitality, tourism, and wine industries and across all stages of business life cycle development including establishment, expansion, growth, consolidation, diversification, and crisis management. Following his retirement from a highly successful period as Bond University’s Vice-Chancellor and President Ken has over the past 20 years also given back as a non-executive director to many member based not-for-profit organisations.
Sandra Nugent Non-Executive Director
B. Comm (Hons), M. Bus (Philanthropy & Np St), GAICD
Sandra Nugent has over 25 years executive and senior management experience in not-for-profit enterprises including social impact investment, agribusiness, philanthropy and health. She has extensive experience in developing business opportunities and partnerships to facilitate growth and sustainability. Sandra holds an honours undergraduate degree in commerce and a Master of Business specialising in Philanthropy & Non-profit Studies. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Robyn Robinson Non-Executive Director
B.Sc. Dip.C.Sc., MSc., GAICD.
Robyn worked in executive and senior management roles within the electricity industry in Queensland for over 20 years. She has an extensive background in IT management, business performance improvement and managing organisational change. Currently Robyn works as an independent consultant advising energy industry bodies on energy consumer policy issues and stakeholder engagement. Robyn has qualifications in science and IT, and holds a Master of Science Degree in Operations Research. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In addition to her role on the Board of COTA Queensland, Robyn is President of the Redland District Committee on the Ageing and Chair of the Redland Seniors Network.
Gloria Sherlock Non-Executive Director
Bachelor of Electronic Commerce (Valedictorian), GAICD, Certificate in Governance & Risk
Gloria has over 25 years of business and finance management experience, including Accountant, Business Analyst, e-Risk Consultant and Regional Administration Management. She has extensive experience and training at an executive level and has developed business skills including Project Management, System Implementations, Auditing and Governance, Policies and Procedures, Change Management, Accounting, Budgeting/Forecasting, Human Resources, Training and Administration. Gloria is genuinely interested in helping/supporting others and the Community. She works in collaboration with others in a respectful and positive/friendly manner. Gloria is a ‘Children’s Rights Queensland’ Community Ambassador for Brisbane. Gloria is also a Director for Playgroup Australia Ltd.
Supported By
Darren Young Chief Executive Officer
M Public M/ment, DipGov(PM), BSW, CertA&WT, GAICD
Darren Young, Chief Executive of COTA Queensland, appointed in July 2022. Darren brings over 30 years’ experience as a not-for-profit professional. His recent experience includes being the Executive Advisor for Australian Red Cross in Queensland, and he was formerly the State Director for Mission Australia across both Queensland and the Northern Territory. Darren has extensive experience in leading services within communities and has held executive level roles within local government, state government and ‘for purpose’ organisations. His portfolios have been diverse and include residential and community aged care, children, youth and family services, homelessness, employment programs, mental health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and early learning services. He has also held board roles in aged care, child protection and housing and homelessness in Queensland.
Tamara Fowler Entity Secretary
GCBus, DipBus, DipM
Tamara has over 30 years of business, finance and program support and management experience roles across Social Services, Construction/Infrastructure and Oil & Gas Industries. She has developed business skills including Finance, Budgeting/Forecasting, Project Management, System Implementations, Quality, Secretariat Duties, Change Management, Human Resources, Safety, Training and Administration. Tamara has held the Company Secretary position since 2022.
Our Accreditation
Our internationally recognised ISO 9001 quality management standard accreditation status, helps us continually improve efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and exceed the expectations of our funders, supporters and partners.
This accreditation streamlines our operations, maximises resources and strengthens our credibility for securing government contracts and partnerships allowing us to expand our reach.
By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, proactively managing risks and engaging our team and suppliers, we ensure reliable, high-quality services that truly benefit Queensland seniors.
Our Charitable Status
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland proudly displays the Australian Charities and Not-for Profits Commission (ACNC) tick symbolising trust and accountability.
This recognition assures our supporters that we meet high standards of governance, transparency and financial management.
As a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) charity, endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), donations to Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland are tax deductible.
This status helps us direct more funds towards advocating for the rights and wellbeing of older Australians.
Thank you for your generosity and trust in the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland.
