Executive Leadership

Kristen Hannah

Chief Executive Officer (Interim)

Kristen Hannah is a senior executive with a successful track record in purpose based leadership, developing and implementing regulatory strategy, policy development, managing major projects, reputation management, brand management, public relations, traditional and social media management, stakeholder management, issues and crisis management, government relations and employee communication for icon branded and ASX listed organisations across the public and private (technology, finance, property, FMCG, aviation) sectors in Australia, NZ and Asia. 

For the past 15 years, Kristen has been a senior Commonwealth public servant and held leadership roles at ASIC, the ACCC, Services Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman, where she was Deputy Ombudsman (Policy and Communication)   
 

Melissa Docker

Acting Executive Manager, Policy, Development & Research

Melissa Docker is an experienced community services sector leader with a strong background in health, ageing, disability, and social services. Currently acting as Executive Manager, Policy, Development & Research, Melissa oversees strategic initiatives, advocacy, and evidence-based projects that inform policy and practice across New South Wales to improve outcomes for carers.

Melissa’s career spans roles in government and community sectors, including allied health, policy and project roles, giving her a unique perspective on the intersection of health, care and policy. She holds a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Psychology and a Diploma of Government (Policy).

Passionate about equity and wellbeing, Melissa works to ensure carers’ voices are heard and reflected in policy and service design, and that carers are empowered through the development and delivery of tailored and timely information and support.

Vanessa Szeto

Executive Manager, HR & Quality

Vanessa Szeto is the Executive Manager, HR & Quality at Carers NSW, bringing more than 10 years’ experience in human resources across various sectors including the corporate and not for profit sector. In this role, she provides strategic and operational leadership to support the organisation’s people and culture, ensuring strong governance and compliance with relevant standards, policies, and legislation.

Her experience spans workforce strategy, organisational development, and quality systems, with a strong focus on enabling leaders and employees. She holds a Bachelor of Organisational Leadership and a Diploma of Human Resources.

As someone with lived caring experience, Vanessa takes this informed perspective to shape her approach and commitment to an inclusive and supportive workplace that is focused on delivery to Carers NSW’s strategy.

Amelia McCormack

Executive Manager, Carer Gateway

Amelia McCormack is the Executive Manager, Carer Gateway at Carers NSW, with nearly two decades of experience across the community and not-for-profit sector. She provides strategic and operational leadership for Carers NSW’s delivery of Carer Gateway services.

Amelia has held senior leadership roles across disability, youth, carers, aged care, and children and family services, including within both established organisations and start-up environments. Her experience includes service design and improvement, as well as evaluation and impact, with a consistent focus on building services around the wants and needs of the people who use them.

Amelia holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability) and a Certificate in Executive Management and Development. She also has lived experience as a carer, which informs her leadership and strengthens her understanding of the realities faced by carers and the importance of well-designed support.