Our Board Members

Vanessa is an experienced strategist, program manager and academic. She is motivated by the imperative for impact and transformative change towards a resilient, just and prosperous future. Formally trained in urban geography, urban design and project management, and well-versed in landscape architecture, Vanessa fuses her trans-disciplinary knowledge for civic impact.

Working for over 20 years at the intersection of strategy, governance and advocacy, she is renowned for bringing together diverse and dynamic people, with curiosity and empathy. Vanessa has worked across the public, private and for-purpose sectors – leading civic infrastructure projects, delivering public space activations, teaching as a sessional academic and mentoring emerging leaders.

Peri is a highly motivated property specialist experienced in leading and managing multi-discipline teams for the development, asset and investment management of retail properties on a ‘pure-play’ basis as well as within high quality major mixed-use developments. Most recently he was the Executive General Manager of Retail at Frasers Property Australia where he led the team responsible for the Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, the first retail development in the world to attempt Living Building Certification.

Dan is a Business Development Director at the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Prior to joining ARENA in 2013, Dan worked in corporate finance in Australia and New York with Macquarie and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Dan has more than 14 years experience in the clean energy sector and completed the Centre of Sustainability Leadership course in 2009 and the AICD Company Directors course in 2017.

Kate has over 17 years’ experience working at Lendlease in property development across Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

Specialising in large scale mixed use urban regeneration projects with comprehensive sustainability, innovation and placemaking deliverables.

Kate has previously held roles in finance and sustainability and in her role as Development Director at Lendlease enjoys collaborating with and leading teams of diverse experience and expertise, utilising and promoting a values-based approach to leadership.

As a Director and leader of Sydney’s Sustainability team, Katie provides a unique approach to sustainability by thoroughly analysing the options available for each project she works on resulting in innovative design solutions and the best outcome within feasible budget and time constraints.

Katie is passionate about implementing leading environmental design in new and renovated developments drawing on an educational background in environmental science, sustainable design, and professional experience in environmental health and sustainability consulting.

Her previous experience in Local Government also gives her valuable expertise in planning regulations, legislative requirements, relevant Standards, Codes and Guidelines to sustainable design.

Katie’s extensive experience in sustainable design has gives her a thorough understanding of the various options available for passive design and resource efficiency from an individual dwelling to precinct scale applications.

Her exposure to high-density, mixed-use precincts include the next generation of development in Sydney, namely Central Park, Discovery Point, Ivanhoe, and Edmondson Park. These developments posed significant challenges, and Katie worked tirelessly and successfully to deliver on the multiple voluntary and regulatory requirements (e.g. Green Star, Section J of the NCC and SEPP/DCP requirements), precinct infrastructure solutions (e.g. precinct-wide central energy and recycled water treatment plant solutions) and client aspirations in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Trish ia a sustainability consultant with 30+ years’ experience in mechanical services, regenerative design and Zero Energy/Carbon solutions. In addition to directing TLC, she performs audits for the Living Future Institute, and lectures at Unitec. She enjoys hovering at the 30,000 foot level and swooping in with an engineering mindset when required.

Scott Matyus-Flynn is a member of the LFIA Board and co-founder of start-up Site Cycle, which aims to create circular solutions for construction waste that saves on costs and brings transparency to recycling. He has worked in sustainability for over 15 years and has extensive experience developing and embedding sustainability strategies into businesses across Australia, including leading real estate companies. Passionate about inspiring businesses and people to embrace a sustainable future, he believes the built environment plays an important role in showcasing what’s possible. Scott is a strategic thinker and highly skilled at making sense of complexity and communicating social and environmental issues simply and effectively to different stakeholders.

Uma has over 25 years of industry experience at leading property groups Cbus Property, Mirvac and Lendlease. She has proven expertise, in her current role as Executive General Manager Development for Cbus Property, in strategic leadership, project management, financial analysis and stakeholder management. Uma has a proven track record in strategic leadership, project management, financial analysis, and stakeholder management. Her expertise spans large-scale urban renewal projects and the development of premium commercial and residential properties. Uma's extensive experience also encompasses design, construction, and sustainability management.