CEO & Board

Frances Mirabelli, Interim CEO

Frances joined Lort Smith as the Interim CEO in September 2024.

She has a wealth of experience leading several not-for-profit (NFP) organisations in the veterinary and health sectors. Before joining Lort Smith, she was the Interim CEO of the Veterinary Practitioners Board of Victoria. She has also held the position of CEO at the Australian Psychological Society, AMA Victoria, and Mayflower Group.  Frances has strong skills in strategy development, communication and stakeholder management.

She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science,  Masters from Monash University in Business Administration and is a graduate of the AICD.

Frances has two beloved rescue dogs, Alfie and Charlie.

Members of our Board include:

Alastair Stott, President

Alastair joined the Board in May 2020.

After starting his career as a veterinary surgeon in practices in the UK and Australia, Alastair ventured into the corporate world with roles with Bevington Consulting, Lonely Planet and Racing Victoria. He started his own mobile technology business before switching to the for-purpose sector with leadership roles with Carers Victoria and Guide Dogs Victoria.

In addition to his veterinary qualifications, Alastair has an MBA from the Melbourne Business School and is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course and the Centre for Ethical Leadership Ethical Leadership program. He has previously been a Director of Melbourne IVF and his family business Stott’s Correspondence College.

Alastair also served as Chief Services Officer at Beyond Blue supporting the Australian community to achieve their best possible mental health.

“In my roles as a veterinary surgeon and at Guide Dogs Victoria, I have seen the positive impact animals can have on mental health and wellbeing. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to support Lort Smith deliver world-class, affordable animal health care.”

Nicolas Crowhurst, Company Secretary

Nicolas commenced his role in July 2024.

Having trained as a barrister in the UK, Nick is an experienced Chartered Secretary, Director, and dispute-resolution expert who has worked with not-for-profit organisations for 20 years. In addition to legal and management science qualifications, Nick is a graduate of the AICD Company Director’s Course and holds a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance.

His extensive experience covers dispute resolution, financial services, philanthropic organisations, sporting associations, and education. Nick is currently an Ombudsman with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and a facilitator and lecturer with the Governance Institute of Australia. He also sits on several Boards.

“I’m passionate about ethics and good corporate governance. The mission of Lort Smith and the values of togetherness, responsibility, encouragement, and respect resonate with my drive to enhance standards of corporate ethics and good governance across every organisation I work with.”

Andre Carvalho, Director

Andre joined the Board in July 2024.

With over 25 years of senior executive experience in the UK and Australian not-for-profit sector, Andre is the CEO of a leading national health organisation. Throughout his career, Andre has been dedicated to addressing complex challenges and driving impactful change, and this has seen him serve many causes, including mental health, bereavement, disability, and health and wellbeing.

Andre holds a Bachelor of Arts from London South Bank University and he is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course.

“I am inspired by Lort Smith’s dedication to animal welfare and its impactful community work. As an animal lover, I look forward to contributing my experience and passion to support Lort Smith’s mission and help enhance the lives of the animals and people it serves.”

Tony De Domenico, Director

Tony joined the Board in July 2024.

Currently serving as the Chair of Bertocchi Food Group, Chair of Plastic Oceans Australasia, and Director of Common Equity Housing, Tony has had a varied career, including Chair/Directorships in Government Housing and Research Boards, Abalone Victoria Chair, Councillor and Deputy Chancellor of Latrobe University.

He was a Trade Diplomat in Milan (Italy), President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce, and Deputy Chief Minister of the ACT. Tony is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders and has completed several courses at AICD. In 2018, he was awarded a Medal in The Order of Australia (OAM) for contributing to planning, research, and development in Victoria.

Tony acknowledges the great work of Lort Smith in animal welfare and in improving people’s lives through their involvement with animals. His wife Judy and he enjoy the company of their two cats, Bingo and Rue, both rescued.

Kirstin Fox, Director

Kirstin joined the Board in December 2022.

Kirstin is a General Manager and Executive in Health Care and a Registered Nurse with experience in community, rehabilitation and residential care settings. She is committed to the development and delivery of care models that provide holistic and personalised care that enhances individual and community resilience and sustainability.

Kirstin holds a Bachelor of Nursing from UTS Sydney and a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration from AIM and has completed the Company Directors Course of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

“For many people, animals are an integral part of their personal health and wellbeing, which I have seen many times through my nursing. It is a privilege to be a part of the Lort Smith Board and use my expertise in clinical governance to enhance the mission of the hospital.”

Dr Angus Henderson, Director

Angus joined the Board in October 2020.

Angus has an accomplished track record in strategic management and business planning, with a main focus on healthcare and medical technologies. Prior to his current role as Director of Enterprise Strategy at Monash Health, Angus has held various senior public and private sector positions and has led initiatives to promote business partnering as a way to drive innovation and growth.

“Having always had pets and enjoyed the devoted companionship of several dogs, I am thrilled to be a part of the Lort Smith Board and for the opportunity to help the organisation grow and continue the wonderful services it provides to support animal health and wellbeing.”

Kate Hitchins, Director

Kate joined the Board in July 2024.

Kate brings experience as a senior People & Culture executive in the private, not-for-profit, and tertiary sectors. She also has experience in the veterinary industry and understands the unique bond between veterinary staff and their patients.

Kate graduated from the AICD Company Directors Course and holds qualifications in management, Human Resources, and business.

“The health and wellbeing of my beautiful staffy and two cats is as important as that of my children. I am excited to be part of the Lort Smith Board in continuing to provide and expand invaluable service to pets and their owners.”

Everard Hunder, Director

Everard joined the Board in December 2022.

Everard brings extensive expertise in marketing and reputation management. Over his career, Everard has held marketing leadership roles with Healthscope, Monash IVF, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Spotless Group, Genetic Technologies and CSIRO. He brings strong commercial acumen together with expertise in brand strategy and digital transformation.

Everard has also been recognised as one of the top 50 Marketers in Australia as judged by CMO Magazine Australia (IDG) and has a Master of Marketing from Monash, and a BA in Journalism from RMIT.

“My home is filled with animals; with rescue dog (Opey), two chickens, a lizard, and a parrot. I’m passionate about the wellbeing that comes from pet ownership and helping Lort Smith make that reality for more future pet owners.”

Selin Lanzafame, Director

Selin joined the Board in May 2020.

Selin is Group Head of Strategy CUB at Asahi Beverages, and was previously a Design Director at McKinsey & Company, she has built her career solving growth and sustainability challenges at large incumbent organisations. She combines commerciality and human centricity to help devise out of the box solutions for entrenched problems. Selin holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Economics from La Trobe University and a Masters of Accounting from RMIT University.

“Lort Smith has a long standing commitment to delivering efficient and effective animal health care and wellbeing, a vision which resonates deeply with me as an avid animal lover. Individuals today are increasingly influenced by their experiences with digital disruptors, I’d like to bring this perspective and help Lort Smith as it embarks on its next exciting phase of growth.”

Elaine Ko, Director

Elaine joined the Board in December 2022.

A general management executive in the Public and FMCG sectors, Elaine has a track record of delivering commercial growth through business transformations and outstanding customer-centric commercial outcomes.

Elaine is a Graduate of AICD and has an Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School, and a Bachelor of Science (Physics)/Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from The University of Melbourne. She has been the Chief Executive of a State statutory authority, brand owner of the world’s largest biscuits brand in one of the biggest markets, best practice international Supply Chain and Strategic Sourcing management across the APCA regions in the FMCG and the public sectors.

“I have always admired Lort Smith’s work and am a firm believer in its impact not only on animal welfare but on our community’s mental health and wellbeing. As the sector becomes increasingly commercialised, I would like to support LS to continue to grow in a commercially sustainable way, to further increase our impact in the community.”

Emma Moore, Director

Emma joined the Board in July 2024.

Emma brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, philanthropy, and strategic development to her role, with a strong background in Australia and the UK.

Emma currently serves as the Senior Development Manager at Monash University, where she leads philanthropic STEM initiatives to foster growth and innovation. She has previously held leadership roles at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Peninsula Health, and The Winnicott Foundation.

Her experience is complemented by her involvement with Alex Makes Meals Group as a Non-Executive Director, which demonstrates her commitment to community service. Emma’s credentials include an Executive MBA from Swinburne University and an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate. She is also trained in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Dare to Lead principles.

“I have a labradoodle, Charlie, a much loved and spoilt family member. I know firsthand the important role our pets play in our lives and wellbeing and feel passionate about Lort Smith’s work in and for our community.”

Rick Moscati, Director

Rick joined the Board in July 2024.

With over 30 years of experience as a financial services executive, Rick brings a deep knowledge from his work in Treasury, Finance, M&A, Risk Management, Relationship Management, and Commercial and Institutional Banking. He currently manages his own Treasury consulting company.

Rick has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics) and a Master of Applied Finance (Macquarie University) and is an AICD Graduate.

“Like many Australians, my life has been enriched by pets. Pets have brought joy to my childhood; today, they are a cherished part of our family and contribute significantly to our mental and physical wellbeing. My purpose is to contribute to Lort Smith’s sustainability and ensure they can continue to deliver exceptional care to animals and their families while putting people and their pets before profits.”