Governance
How we operate, and our Board members
Board
John Laird (Chair)
John is a Detective Senior Sergeant on secondment from Victoria Police to The Police Association Victoria where he performs the full time role of President. He is also on the Board of Victoria Police Legacy.
Jen Banks
Jen is an experienced investigator in both government and corporate sectors, and is currently the Fraud and Integrity Manager for WISE Workplace. She is a veteran of Victoria Police, resigning as a Detective Senior Constable. A passionate supporter of PVV and an active peer support officer.
Mark Azzopardi (Treasurer)
Mark is the Managing Partner of Tax Advisory at Findex, across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to joining Findex, Mark was a leader and partner at both Deloitte and Grant Thornton. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Deakin University). Mark joined the Board in 2020 and Chairs the Finance & Risk Committee.
Michelle Birkic
Michelle is an accredited Mental Health social worker working in private practice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (RMIT University) Bachelor of Social Work (Melbourne University) and Master of Social Science; Human Services Counselling (Swinburne University) and previously worked as Clinical Advisor and Program Coordinator with PVV from its inception. Michelle has extensive experience in PTSD and a particular interest in police mental health.
Tony Currie
Tony is an entrepreneur, successful business owner and a veteran of the Victoria Police. Tony is an originating member of the Board, a passionate supporter of veteran mental health issues and an active VPSO.
Martin Ford
Martin is a Partner in PwC’s Business Restructuring Services team, with 20 years’ experience helping advise financiers, companies and key stakeholders dealing with underperforming businesses across a range of industries.
John Felton
John is a Superintendent with Victoria Police and performs an ex-officio role as the Chief Commissioner’s representative on our Board.
Ken Kour
Ken is Corporate Counsel at Vocus Group. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Melbourne University) and a Juris Doctor Law from Melbourne Law School. Ken was an originating member of the Board.
Dr Jon-Paul Cacioli
Jon-Paul is the Group Manager Wellbeing Services for Victoria Police and is responsible for managing wellbeing and psychological support services to the 22,000 Victoria Police employees, as well as their family members and Veterans. He is responsible for Police Psychology, Welfare, Peer Support, Case-management, Internal Witness Support and Chaplaincy. He holds a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) from Deakin University, postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, Bachelor of Cognitive Science, Bachelor of Computer Science and a Graduate Certificate in Research Commercialisation. He has AHPRA endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist and has previously lectured in psychology at Monash, Charles Darwin and Flinders University.
David McGowan
David is the Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary. He has extensive experience in policing and the corporate sector having held senior management positions in risk and compliance across the Banking sector. David is also a police veteran with >21 years service.
