Governance
The people leading VESPIIA
VESPIIA is governed by a skills-based Board providing strategic direction, financial oversight and governance accountability. Directors bring experience across Defence, emergency services, police, academia, government and industry.
Governance
Board responsibilities
Strategy and direction
Setting priorities and overseeing delivery against VESPIIA's purpose.
Governance and compliance
Ensuring accountable decision-making and regulatory compliance.
Financial stewardship
Oversight of budgets, risk management and responsible resource use.
Sector stewardship
Supporting structured national representation across the sector.
Leadership
Chair and Chief Executive Officer
Greg Whitehouse
Chair · Veteran
Greg is a veteran of the Australian Defence Force with over 20 years' service and extensive experience across defence industry and leadership roles. He brings a practical understanding of the operational and structural challenges facing veteran, emergency services and police communities.
As Chair, Greg provides strategic oversight and governance leadership, ensuring VESPIIA maintains clear direction, accountability and sector relevance.
As Chair, Greg provides strategic oversight and governance leadership, ensuring VESPIIA maintains clear direction, accountability and sector relevance.
Shannon Hennessy
Founder, CEO & Secretary · Defence Spouse
Shannon has worked across ex-service organisations, defence industry, Western Australian Government and Parliament since 2017. Her work focuses on strengthening professional capability, structured representation and cross-sector coordination for veterans and first responders.
Shannon has been recognised through nominations including the King's Trust Australia Rising Star Award 2025 and the Prime Minister's Veteran Employment Award — Partner Employee of the Year.
Shannon has been recognised through nominations including the King's Trust Australia Rising Star Award 2025 and the Prime Minister's Veteran Employment Award — Partner Employee of the Year.
Officers
Treasurer and Cadre Lead
Adele Bobic
Treasurer · CPA
Adele is a CPA-accredited finance professional with over a decade of experience in the defence industry. She provides oversight of VESPIIA's financial governance and compliance.
Eva Galfi
Director · Cadre of Padres Lead
Eva is a volunteer Chaplain with NSW Ambulance and an experienced governance and compliance specialist within defence industry environments. She leads VESPIIA's Cadre of Padres initiative.
Directors
Board Directors
Dane Williams
Director · Veteran
Dane works as Search and Rescue aircrew and previously served in the Royal Australian Navy. His background spans public education and the Australian Public Service, bringing a service-informed perspective grounded in operational, defence and government experience.
Hannah Laws
Director · Spouse, Veteran Child
Hannah is the spouse of a veteran and the child of two United Kingdom Royal Navy veterans, bringing lived experience across service families. She has worked with Legacy WA and Invictus Australia and contributes practical insight into veteran welfare and community engagement.
Ruben Proud
Director
Ruben is an admitted lawyer and procurement specialist advising Australian government clients on complex defence and public sector contracts.
Lara Chambers
Director
Lara has experience working alongside first responder communities and in policy and advocacy environments, supporting structured sector representation.
Prof. Gia Parish
Director
Professor Parish is Director of the Defence & Security Institute at UWA and brings expertise in defence research and national capability environments.
Governance documents
Accountability and standards
Code of Professional Conduct
The standards that guide behaviour, decision-making and professional integrity across VESPIIA.
View policy
Complaints and Concerns
Information on how concerns can be raised and how matters are managed in accordance with governance processes.
Learn more
Strategy and Reports
Access strategic plans, annual reporting and formal governance documentation.
View documents
Want to get involved?
VESPIIA is built by people who care about the sector. Find out how you can contribute.