OUR PEOPLE

We are a team of passionate locals—volunteers, board members, and community leaders—who care deeply about the place we call home. Our strength lies in our relationships, our shared purpose, and our commitment to doing good, together.

JAMES LEIPER

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Appointed in 2024 as ACF’s first Executive Officer, James brings leadership, strategic insight, and a strong community focus to the role. A former board member, he has a background in engineering, business management, and regional development. Now based in Albany with his family, James is deeply involved in local initiatives and also serves on the Board of the Great Southern Development Commission.

 
 
 

BOARD MEMBERS OF THE ACF

Volunteers, Professionals, Community Champions.

Our Board is made up of respected local professionals who generously volunteer their time, expertise, and resources to guide the Foundation. Each member brings unique skills and a shared passion for helping others. All Board members also make annual financial contributions and donate countless hours to ensure ACF’s success.

 
 

TAE WOOD

Chairperson

Owner of GM Taxation, Tae is passionate about using his skills to address local disadvantage and give back to the community he grew up in.

 

JEREMY STEWART

Vice Chairperson

Director of Merrifield Real Estate, Jeremy is a long-time community leader involved in business, sport, and youth mentoring, proud to support those facing hardship.

 

SARAH MOIR

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

An associate at H+H Architects, Sarah leads ACF’s design elements and marketing, driven by a love for regional life and a passion for community impact.

 

JULIE DE JONG

agency engagement lead

Also a director at H+H Architects, Julie brings her commitment to sustainability and community development, as well as her local partnerships to her work with the ACF.

 

ASHLEY ISMAIL

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT + albany’s big sleep out

Ashley brings a unique skill set from her background as a psychologist for young people and her experience working in the NDIS and prisoner reintegration space.

 

LIBBY CORSON

grants committee

A retired teacher and long-time volunteer, Libby is focused on raising awareness of homelessness and supporting local efforts for change.

 

BIANCA BLAKE

grants committee

A social worker and reintegration case manager, Bianca is a strong advocate for social justice and is committed to closing support gaps in the region.

 

SHANTELL ANDERTON

SECRETARY + grants committee

An experienced administrator and active community volunteer, Shantell brings insight from real estate, education, and local sports, with a strong drive to support families in need.

 

LAURA ALEXANDER

strategic direction + impact

With a background in charity governance and tech for nonprofits, Laura combines strategic expertise with a passion for community-driven change.

 
 
 
 

OTHER KEY MEMBERS

STUART ROBERTS - ACF INDiGENOUS ADVISOR AND FORMER BOARD MEMBER

The ACF are fortunate to have the expertise of Stuart Roberts as our Indigenous Advisor. He has been involved with the ACF for a number of years, and we greatly appreciate his input.

LILY PARKER-HALSTEAD - YOUTH BOARD ADVISOR

The ACF offer an annual position of a Youth Board Advisor to provide an opportunity for community-minded young people to gain experience on a board, and contribute to board meetings and events.

PAST MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE ACF

We have also had various other board members in the past that have volunteered their time and services to the ACF with the shared goal of helping our community. Thankyou for your time and dedication. 

GRANTS SUB-COMMITTEE

Volunteers WHO assist with assessing grant applications (NON BOARD MEMBERS)

The ACF is fortunate enough to have a number of volunteers that assist in a variety of roles. From members on the Grants sub-committee, to volunteers at our fundraising events.