Our Board

Meet the incredible individuals who make up the Challenge Board

Tom Gleisner

Arguably one of Australia’s finest writers and directors, Tom became involved with Challenge while working with radio station Triple M as part of the legendary D Generation. Since 1991, he has played a pivotal role in the development of Challenge.

Tom has held a number of roles on the Committee but his most significant contribution has been as Chairman. He oversaw the transition of Challenge from the Red Cross to its independency and has guided the organisation since then.

His gift to Challenge has been his holistic approach across all management streams, giving the organisation direction and stability.

A writer, producer and occasional performer, Tom is happy to use his talents to promote Challenge either in a hosting capacity or with his literacy skills.

Angela established the independent change and communication consultancy SenateSHJ in 2002 and is joint Managing Partner for Australia and Head of Change.

Having lost her mother and sister to cancer, Angela is a strong advocate for Challenge’s mission to improve the quality of the lives of children and their families living with cancer. Angela has been on the Challenge Board since 2005 and serves as Vice-Chair.

Angela established the Scaffidi Foundation annual scholarship to help support the educational needs of children living with cancer.

Angela is also chair of the Missing Persons Advocacy Network (MPAN); a member of the Broadmeadows Schools Network Advisory Board; and a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Australia.

Angela provides advice and support to Challenge on staffing and communication matters.

Drew is a Chartered Accountant, specialising in tax and small/medium size businesses. He is well regarded for his expertise in the entertainment and sporting industries and has represented some of Australia’s greatest athletes and entertainers.

Drew has served as a Director on several high-profile boards and was the first person outside of the golfing fraternity to be appointed to the board of PGA Australia. He spent seven years as Finance Director of the Royal Women’s Hospital Foundation and currently sits on the VMEC finance committee. Drew is an integral member of the Challenge Committee and brings an invaluable financial and strategic mindset to Challenge.

George has an extensive background in finance, working for various media networks over a 25-year period. He was an inaugural board member of Challenge in 1995 taking up the responsibility of Honorary Treasurer. He is held in high regard by his peers and has been instrumental in establishing several successful businesses. George is currently practising as a Financial Consultant and is the Managing Director and owner of Astra Apartments, a national serviced apartment operation. George’s budgetary expertise has assisted Challenge greatly in growing the organisation.

Craig and his family became involved with Challenge in 2003 when their seven-year-old son, Tom, was undergoing treatment for cancer. He is an extremely passionate man and wanted to make a difference to the lives of other families travelling the cancer journey. With 25 years of experience in the commercial construction industry, Craig played a pivotal role in the renovation of the Challenge Family Centre.

He joined the Board in 2012 and now monitors and ensures that all Challenge facilities are compliant with relevant building regulations. Craig’s interest in motorbikes also led him to be involved in both the Challenge Motorbike Camp and what is now Australia’s biggest dirt bike charity event, the annual Challenge Ride4Kids event.