Mark Williams was raised on a 50,000-acre cattle station on the Burnett/Dawson watershed and was educated by correspondence and School of the Air until he was sent away to boarding school in Toowoomba at the age of 12.

At the end of grade 12, Rotary changed Mark’s life forever by giving him the opportunity to spend a year in Germany on the Youth Exchange Programme. It was in this year that Mark learned that he had interests in culture, history, and languages.

On return to Australia, Mark attended The University of Queensland where he studied a dual degree in Electrical Engineering and Honours Computer Science. From there it was a move of about 100m to the Computer Centre of the University where Mark worked for the next 12 years, interrupted by a year as a research associate at the University of Stuttgart in Germany. During his time at The University Computer Centre, Mark worked on data communications, and as the new guy on the block he was given the new technologies like the Internet. At about 3am one morning in 1989, Mark completed the first connection to the global Internet in Queensland.

While working as an engineer, Mark pursued his passion for languages and gained a BA (Hons) in Chinese. In 1998, to take the language to the next step, he resigned from his role of Chief Engineer at the Computer Centre to start a new career in Product Marketing for network equipment vendors, based in Beijing, where he stayed for 17 years. During that time, he undertook a number of roles in Product Marketing, pre-sales solutions architecture, business development and channel management.

Returning in 2015, Mark finally got around to joining Rotary with the Rotary Club of Brisbane. He has served as Secretary and President of the Rotary club of Brisbane, and at district level, Mark has spent 3 years as District Webmaster.

Maggie is originally from Macau, she migrated to Australia in 1996 and lived in Sydney and then Hobart. She relocated to Brisbane in 2012 and studied at the Griffith University for her Bachelor and Master degrees. She now works at the University of Queensland as Talent Acquisition Advisor. Maggie is a driven individual who is passionate about people and aiding their development strategies that will best further them towards their short and long-term career goals. She is passionate about building leadership capability at all levels to deliver exceptional employee experience, grow engagement and align individuals with business objectives. She believes that people are the most important aspect of any organisation’s success and advancement.

Maggie, along with her husband Chris, are members of the Rotary Club of Sunnybank. Maggie jointed the Rotary Club of Sunnybank in 2022, and is now Director of Membership. She enjoys meeting different people from different Rotary Clubs and learning from their experience and expertise.  Maggie can speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin, she enjoys travelling, painting, dancing and social interaction with her friends.

Ian joined Rotary Club Glasshouse Mountains in 2012, where he has served a term as president and is currently serving his third term as secretary.

At district level he has been District Administrator, then Assistant Governor during three years for the Hinterland Cluster.

Since 1983 Ian has been a member of the Rotary Clubs of Ross River, followed by Cairns West in 1985 and Mackay (President 2002/03) in 1986. Prior to 1983, Ian was in Rotaract for 10 years (District Rotaract Representative Representative (District 9550; 1982-83) and Interact for two years.

Born in Mackay, Ian began his working life as a teacher of the hearing impaired, teaching in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns. In 1986, he managed the family fish tackle and ships chandlery business for 7 years. Ian later joined the Department of Communities, as the Regional Business Manager, based in Mackay, until his retirement in 2012. Ian currently volunteers two days a week at Morris House Neighbourhood Centre in Landsborough, co-ordinating a NILS program.

Ian enjoys travelling, sailing and gardening. He is married to Margaret and they have two daughters.

Finance Director Michelle Wright

E-Club of Australia Nomads

Michelle is a retired accountant with a passion for helping women and children fleeing domestic violent environments. Her passion for helping those in need saw Michelle appointed as a director of DV Connect Ltd for over 4 years. Michelle became Chairperson after only 12 months on the Board and served in this role until a stroke forced Michelle to resign and concentrate on her health and recovery.

DVConnect Ltd is a not for profit entity designed to provide help for women, men, children, and pets affected by domestic and family violence across Queensland. During her time with DVConnect, Michelle facilitated a rewrite of the Constitution and assisted the development of a Strategic Plan. Michelle was also involved in applications for State Government grants as the need for services continued to rise. Whilst no longer on the Board, Michelle continues to stay abreast of developments in the industry.

Michelle’s passion for community involvement has seen Michelle actively involved in various other community committees over the years, including Red Rose Foundation, Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast Inc, CPA Australia, Businesswomen Incorporated, and many school Parents and Friends Associations. Whilst in these roles, Michelle has successfully steered projects such as establishing a community not-for-profit kindergarten and restructuring a school canteen into a profitable business for a local private school on the Gold Coast.

After accompanying her husband PDG Chris to many Rotary events, Changeovers and meetings, Michelle decided to join Rotary in 2017 as a member of Rotary E-club of Australia Nomads. Since then, she and Chris have participated in many musters in their caravan and “Helping Hands Across the Land”. Michelle has served on three District Conference Committees, each as Conference Secretary.

Michelle ran her own successful Accounting Practice prior to her stroke and brings over 30 years’ experience as an accountant and financial planner to her new role as Finance Director of District 9620

Emerging Services Director Phoebe Thomas

Rotary Club of South Brisbane

Phoebe is originally from Roma, but grew up in Toowoomba. After school, she relocated to Brisbane to study interior design. She is now an experienced Interior Designer who works for a commercial architectural practice. Phoebe loves mentoring and nurturing talent within her team, sharing knowledge and providing opportunities for growth and new experiences. Phoebe endeavours to foster a collaborative environment where people can all learn from each other.

 

Phoebe is a member of the Rotary Club of South Brisbane. Phoebe was previously a member of the Rotaract Club of South Brisbane and a RYLA leader and coordinator. Phoebe has been the chairperson for RYTS 9630 for the last two years and is currently a committee member for RYTS 9620. She also enjoys being involved with Interact. Phoebe’s passions lie with leadership development and strengthening volunteering in younger generations.