About us
Our leadership team
Meet the team
CHL is recognised for its national reach and local connections, demonstrated by the diverse spread of our people, including our leadership team.
Our Executive team members are supported by our Board of Directors, who also serve as Directors across the CHL Group of Companies.
Our Executive
Danny Dracic
Chief Executive Officer
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Over nearly two decades with CHL, Danny has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s growth and direction, ensuring it remains a leader in the national community housing sector. Since joining in 2008, he has played a central role in CHL’s transformation from a provider of 850 homes to a national group with more than 12,000 properties across every state and the Northern Territory.
Danny established a dedicated CHL Project Services division, now our Homes Division, which delivered some of the most complex and high impact housing projects in the sector. Under his leadership, CHL has delivered more than 9,000 new social, affordable and market housing units through large-scale developments and innovative partnerships.
His leadership style is defined by strength, collaboration, transparency and respect. By combining expertise in property, financial modelling, risk management and housing policy, he has positioned CHL to deliver integrated community developments that balance growth with responsibility.
Appointed CEO in May 2024, Danny continues to drive CHL’s mission of creating safe, affordable homes while shaping national housing policy and practice. He is widely recognised for his vision, his ability to deliver projects at scale and his commitment to keeping people and communities at the heart of housing solutions. He is equally committed to supporting emerging leaders within CHL and across the sector, developing the next generation of talent to ensure the organisation’s long-term strength and impact.
Danny believes that housing is about more than just providing shelter, it is about creating places where people feel secure, respected and connected – places where they know they belong.
Danny established a dedicated CHL Project Services division, now our Homes Division, which delivered some of the most complex and high impact housing projects in the sector. Under his leadership, CHL has delivered more than 9,000 new social, affordable and market housing units through large-scale developments and innovative partnerships.
His leadership style is defined by strength, collaboration, transparency and respect. By combining expertise in property, financial modelling, risk management and housing policy, he has positioned CHL to deliver integrated community developments that balance growth with responsibility.
Appointed CEO in May 2024, Danny continues to drive CHL’s mission of creating safe, affordable homes while shaping national housing policy and practice. He is widely recognised for his vision, his ability to deliver projects at scale and his commitment to keeping people and communities at the heart of housing solutions. He is equally committed to supporting emerging leaders within CHL and across the sector, developing the next generation of talent to ensure the organisation’s long-term strength and impact.
Danny believes that housing is about more than just providing shelter, it is about creating places where people feel secure, respected and connected – places where they know they belong.
Karen Conrades
Chief People Officer
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She leads CHL’s People and Culture function, with responsibility for HR, safety and wellbeing, payroll, employee experience and organisational development.
With senior HR leadership experience across housing, corporate and health sectors, Karen specialises in workforce strategy, employee relations, organisational development and driving change. She is also a champion of positive workplace cultures and diversity.
She holds a Bachelor (Hons) in Hospitality Management from the University of Surrey, postgraduate and certificate-level qualifications in Human Resources Management and training in organisational psychology.
For Karen, home and belonging mean the security of family and contributing to something greater, whether through her work at CHL or volunteering as a Girl Guide Leader to support and inspire young girls.
She holds a Bachelor (Hons) in Hospitality Management from the University of Surrey, postgraduate and certificate-level qualifications in Human Resources Management and training in organisational psychology.
For Karen, home and belonging mean the security of family and contributing to something greater, whether through her work at CHL or volunteering as a Girl Guide Leader to support and inspire young girls.
Alicia Follent
Chief Systems Officer
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Alicia is driving organisational transformation that connects strategy, operations and technology to enable growth and long-term sustainability. She first joined CHL as Queensland State Manager and brings more than 18 years of experience in the community and social housing sector. Her career spans operational management, development, government policy and advocacy, strategy and business transformation.
She has held senior and director roles with CHL, Q Shelter and Churches of Christ and is currently a Director of CHIA Queensland, where she plays an active role in sector advocacy and policy reform. Alicia holds qualifications in business, justice and housing.
Alicia leads cross-functional teams and initiatives to modernise business infrastructure and position CHL to deliver an accelerated pipeline of homes into the future.
For Alicia, home and belonging is more than four walls. It is safety, stability and freedom to grow while being seen, respected and part of something bigger than ourselves. She believes everyone deserves these foundations and her values are grounded in equity, inclusion and justice: ensuring that every person has not only a place to live, but also a place to belong.
She has held senior and director roles with CHL, Q Shelter and Churches of Christ and is currently a Director of CHIA Queensland, where she plays an active role in sector advocacy and policy reform. Alicia holds qualifications in business, justice and housing.
Alicia leads cross-functional teams and initiatives to modernise business infrastructure and position CHL to deliver an accelerated pipeline of homes into the future.
For Alicia, home and belonging is more than four walls. It is safety, stability and freedom to grow while being seen, respected and part of something bigger than ourselves. She believes everyone deserves these foundations and her values are grounded in equity, inclusion and justice: ensuring that every person has not only a place to live, but also a place to belong.
Lee Monik
Chief Governance Officer (General Counsel)
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In this role, Lee leads CHL’s legal, governance, risk and compliance functions, ensuring strong regulatory foundations while contributing to the organisation’s strategic planning and risk management. His background spans advisory and management roles covering legal services, community housing, financial services, property development and not-for-profit governance, across private and community-focused organisations.
Lee holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Relations, a current Legal Practising Certificate and is admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Lee is also an Associate Member of the Governance Institute of Australia.
For Lee, a place feels like home when there is connection to community and people feel supported to thrive.
Lee holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Relations, a current Legal Practising Certificate and is admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Lee is also an Associate Member of the Governance Institute of Australia.
For Lee, a place feels like home when there is connection to community and people feel supported to thrive.
Keely Moore
Chief Operations Officer
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She oversees national housing, homelessness and asset management operations, service delivery and community engagement and development. Her role includes leading state and national managers and operational teams across Australia.
Keely has extensive experience in operational leadership and service delivery across all facets of operations. She has led large-scale programs focused on housing accessibility, service excellence and customer wellbeing.
She holds qualifications in public administration and housing policy, including a Bachelor of Business Administration from Brighton School of Business and Management and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration and Management from the University of South Australia.
For Keely, belonging means being part of a team where mutual respect, shared purpose and genuine connection drive everything forward.
Keely has extensive experience in operational leadership and service delivery across all facets of operations. She has led large-scale programs focused on housing accessibility, service excellence and customer wellbeing.
She holds qualifications in public administration and housing policy, including a Bachelor of Business Administration from Brighton School of Business and Management and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration and Management from the University of South Australia.
For Keely, belonging means being part of a team where mutual respect, shared purpose and genuine connection drive everything forward.
Gavin Potter
Chief Financial Officer
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He is responsible for the Financial, Treasury and Reporting division, having oversight and control of the financial transactions, financial reporting and implementation of an effective financial risk management framework that supports the strategic direction of the CHL Group of Companies.
Gavin has a real estate license and is appointed to the Board of Horizon Housing Realty (HHR), where he serves as a licensed Director ensuring regulatory compliance. This follows Gavin initially joining Horizon Housing Group in 2013 as CFO, which was then acquired by CHL in 2019. Gavin was appointed to the General Manager position of HHR and Australian Affordable Housing Securities Limited (AAHS), responsible for delivering affordable and market housing. Gavin is currently one of two managers responsible for an affordable housing Managed Investment Fund operated by AAHS and is also a Director of AAHS.
Gavin began his career with PwC, where he managed a diverse portfolio of clients gaining experience within the automotive, healthcare, retail, manufacture, mining, construction and not-for-profit sector. He has international experience in South Africa and the United States of America.
Gavin is a Chartered Accountant registered in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Accounting Sciences degree together with a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting.
For Gavin, ‘belonging’ means you are accepted and valued for who you are, as an important part of CHL.
Gavin began his career with PwC, where he managed a diverse portfolio of clients gaining experience within the automotive, healthcare, retail, manufacture, mining, construction and not-for-profit sector. He has international experience in South Africa and the United States of America.
Gavin is a Chartered Accountant registered in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Accounting Sciences degree together with a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting.
For Gavin, ‘belonging’ means you are accepted and valued for who you are, as an important part of CHL.
Emma Spano
Chief Homes Officer
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She oversees the housing delivery lifecycle from portfolio planning and strategy, origination, commercial structuring, funding and development, ensuring the homes we deliver provide the opportunity for people and communities to thrive. She brokers relationships with cross-sector partners to support innovation and scale our impact.
Prior to her current role, Emma was Head of Impact Lending at Bank Australia where she led the impact-focused commercial lending business providing finance to the community housing sector, specialist disability accommodation providers, ethical property developers and other for-purpose organisations. She has also previously held roles at NAB and Bank of Scotland International, where she was responsible for leading the structuring and delivery of debt solutions for large-scale real estate transactions.
Emma holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts from Deakin University and a Graduate Diploma in Urban Planning and Environment from RMIT University. She also contributes to sector-wide working groups on sustainable housing.
For Emma, ‘belonging’ is about connection, both with a place and with the people who shape it. There is a sense of safety, security and the unwavering freedom to be your true self. Differences are respected, diversity is embraced and people support one another.
Prior to her current role, Emma was Head of Impact Lending at Bank Australia where she led the impact-focused commercial lending business providing finance to the community housing sector, specialist disability accommodation providers, ethical property developers and other for-purpose organisations. She has also previously held roles at NAB and Bank of Scotland International, where she was responsible for leading the structuring and delivery of debt solutions for large-scale real estate transactions.
Emma holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts from Deakin University and a Graduate Diploma in Urban Planning and Environment from RMIT University. She also contributes to sector-wide working groups on sustainable housing.
For Emma, ‘belonging’ is about connection, both with a place and with the people who shape it. There is a sense of safety, security and the unwavering freedom to be your true self. Differences are respected, diversity is embraced and people support one another.
Our Board of Directors
John De Vries
Chair of the Board
Member of the CHL Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee; Member of the CHL Governance Committee
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John is an experienced qualified Director who has held a broad range of board and executive positions, with a focus on good governance and strategic financial management.
John is Chair of the CHL Board that provides strategic leadership to the organisation and ensures the executive team are accountable for delivering an ambitious strategic plan.
John has a strong background in finance and administration, which includes providing financial stewardship and leadership to a $100 million research organisation. John has deep experience and skills in risk, change and financial management.
John has over 20 years’ experience in the social housing sector working with both public and not-for-profit organisations, seeing first-hand how social housing can transform people’s lives.
John believes the community housing sector can play a key role in addressing Australia’s housing crisis and is leading CHL to be a champion of the sector that addresses housing poverty.
John is proud to lead an organisation that is delivering innovative results at a large-scale. He aims to lead an organisation that staff, members and most importantly, our customers, are proud to belong to.
John has over 20 years’ experience in the social housing sector working with both public and not-for-profit organisations, seeing first-hand how social housing can transform people’s lives.
John believes the community housing sector can play a key role in addressing Australia’s housing crisis and is leading CHL to be a champion of the sector that addresses housing poverty.
John is proud to lead an organisation that is delivering innovative results at a large-scale. He aims to lead an organisation that staff, members and most importantly, our customers, are proud to belong to.
Sonya Beyers
Member of the CHL Governance Committee
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Sonya is a highly regarded non-executive director, with over 15 years of independent directorship experience across multiple sectors. Sonya also leads a consultancy firm, Governance by Design, that specialises in governance advisory services. Sonya brings over 20 years of commercial experience to her work, including commencing her career as a corporate commercial solicitor before working with boards as a governance consultant.
Since transitioning to corporate governance consulting in 2009, Sonya has built a strong reputation for her collaborative, strategic approach by working with boards and executive teams to provide client-focused measurable solutions and high-quality advisory services. Sonya combines her legal and governance expertise to help directors troubleshoot constitutional and governance challenges, enabling organisations to optimise their performance.
Sonya is currently Chair of the South Australian Veterinarian Surgeons Board and Southern Cross Care Inc (TAS) and serves as a non-executive director on IES College. She is also Chair of the Queensland Law Society’s Not-For-Profit Committee, where she helps shape policy that regulates the sector and advocates for the voices of vulnerable people.
In addition to her consultancy work, Sonya is an accredited facilitator and writer for the Australian Institute of Company Directors, recognising her dedication to the ongoing education and professional development of directors. Sonya is a passionate advocate for governance as a driver of organisational performance, integrity and purpose.
Since transitioning to corporate governance consulting in 2009, Sonya has built a strong reputation for her collaborative, strategic approach by working with boards and executive teams to provide client-focused measurable solutions and high-quality advisory services. Sonya combines her legal and governance expertise to help directors troubleshoot constitutional and governance challenges, enabling organisations to optimise their performance.
Sonya is currently Chair of the South Australian Veterinarian Surgeons Board and Southern Cross Care Inc (TAS) and serves as a non-executive director on IES College. She is also Chair of the Queensland Law Society’s Not-For-Profit Committee, where she helps shape policy that regulates the sector and advocates for the voices of vulnerable people.
In addition to her consultancy work, Sonya is an accredited facilitator and writer for the Australian Institute of Company Directors, recognising her dedication to the ongoing education and professional development of directors. Sonya is a passionate advocate for governance as a driver of organisational performance, integrity and purpose.
Angela Huston
Chair of the CHL Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
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She has worked across chartered accounting, corporate, not-for-profit and community sectors, including 15 years of financial and business development for a multi-million-dollar Indigenous organisation.
Angela has a strong track record of delivering sustainable outcomes through robust financial management and governance. She is highly skilled in the development, implementation and maintenance of commercial, procedural and reporting processes to ensure contract obligations are met in a timely and accurate manner.
Angela is passionate about embedding First Nations perspectives into the housing and economic development sectors. She advocates for inclusive decision-making processes that centre First Nations voices to create place-based, innovative housing solutions and building frameworks. The aim is to empower Traditional Owners and Indigenous organisations to lead their own development agendas as well as create pathways and solutions that meet the needs of all community members.
Angela is passionate about embedding First Nations perspectives into the housing and economic development sectors. She advocates for inclusive decision-making processes that centre First Nations voices to create place-based, innovative housing solutions and building frameworks. The aim is to empower Traditional Owners and Indigenous organisations to lead their own development agendas as well as create pathways and solutions that meet the needs of all community members.
Penny Kendall
Member of the CHL Governance Committee
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Penny brings extensive experience in human services and the community sector, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality support to people with a disability.
For over 40 years, she has worked across government and not-for-profit sector, driven by a commitment to improving quality, standards and values that enhance and empower the lives of people with a disability. Throughout her career, Penny has remained a strong advocate for people with a disability committed to upholding their rights, dignity and voice.
Penny came to understand how fundamental safe and appropriate housing is after working in an institution for people with disabilities, where she witnessed first-hand how dehumanising and devaluing life can be for those already marginalised by society. In 1995 she commenced a partnership with CHL to consult, design and build homes that would not only meet people’s needs but genuinely enhanced their lives, living standards and inclusion in their community. Since then, Penny has remained deeply committed to ensuring all people have the right to access safe, secure and appropriate housing, empowering them to live full and meaningful lives.
She is committed to developing and delivering services, which are focussed on people’s individuality, ensuring their choices and rights are respected, responded and represented, in a manner that leads to positive outcomes. Penny is experienced in community-based projects that create, develop and implement various co-designed service systems, enriching people’s lives and enhancing inclusion in their community.
Penny is committed to ensuring that services are designed, implemented and improved by her ongoing contribution to a range of boards, working parties and advisory committees.
Penny came to understand how fundamental safe and appropriate housing is after working in an institution for people with disabilities, where she witnessed first-hand how dehumanising and devaluing life can be for those already marginalised by society. In 1995 she commenced a partnership with CHL to consult, design and build homes that would not only meet people’s needs but genuinely enhanced their lives, living standards and inclusion in their community. Since then, Penny has remained deeply committed to ensuring all people have the right to access safe, secure and appropriate housing, empowering them to live full and meaningful lives.
She is committed to developing and delivering services, which are focussed on people’s individuality, ensuring their choices and rights are respected, responded and represented, in a manner that leads to positive outcomes. Penny is experienced in community-based projects that create, develop and implement various co-designed service systems, enriching people’s lives and enhancing inclusion in their community.
Penny is committed to ensuring that services are designed, implemented and improved by her ongoing contribution to a range of boards, working parties and advisory committees.
Michael Lynch
Member of the CHL Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee; Chair of the CHL Investment Committee
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Michael is the Managing Director of Social Infrastructure Investment Partners, the fund manager of the Synergis Fund, which provides long-term capital to create high-quality disability housing. He started Synergis in 2019, bringing a deep commitment to inclusive housing and impact-driven investment. Prior to this, he led the Impact Investing team at Social Ventures Australia, where he helped shape the growth of Australia’s social impact investment market.
Michael brings more than 30 years of experience in banking and investment, having worked across Australia and Europe in senior roles with organisations, such as Commonwealth Bank, Merrill Lynch, UBS and Société Générale. His career has spanned a broad range of leadership and product development roles.
Michael is Chair of the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Alliance, advocating for better housing outcomes for people living with disabilities. He is passionate about social outcomes and the opportunity to use capital to deliver meaningful social change. Michael is proud to work to create a lasting impact in communities nationwide across Australia. Michael holds a Bachelor of Commerce, as well as a Master of Applied Finance.
Michael brings more than 30 years of experience in banking and investment, having worked across Australia and Europe in senior roles with organisations, such as Commonwealth Bank, Merrill Lynch, UBS and Société Générale. His career has spanned a broad range of leadership and product development roles.
Michael is Chair of the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Alliance, advocating for better housing outcomes for people living with disabilities. He is passionate about social outcomes and the opportunity to use capital to deliver meaningful social change. Michael is proud to work to create a lasting impact in communities nationwide across Australia. Michael holds a Bachelor of Commerce, as well as a Master of Applied Finance.
Maureen O’Meara
Member of the CHL Investment Committee
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Michelle Swallow
Member of the CHL Governance Committee
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With over 25 years of board and executive experience, Michelle is Director of Leadership and Change Consultants Pty Ltd, with a background in for-purpose leadership, social work (Bachelor) and governance (FAICD). Michelle works with boards and leadership teams, providing governance review and training, executive coaching and strategic advice.
Michelle is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a graduate of the Tasmanian Leaders Program and studied at the London Business School in Negotiating and Influencing.
Michelle is also a non-executive director of the Tasmanian Community Fund. She has also held several senior executive roles and served as a non-executive director across a range of not-for-profit organisations. Michelle was the Director of TasTAFE and Chair of their Audit and Risk Management Committee.
Michelle enjoys working with values-based organisations and is committed to supporting leadership, advocacy and policy development across health, VET, housing, alcohol and drug sectors, as well as capacity building in the community, government and private sectors.
Michelle is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a graduate of the Tasmanian Leaders Program and studied at the London Business School in Negotiating and Influencing.
Michelle is also a non-executive director of the Tasmanian Community Fund. She has also held several senior executive roles and served as a non-executive director across a range of not-for-profit organisations. Michelle was the Director of TasTAFE and Chair of their Audit and Risk Management Committee.
Michelle enjoys working with values-based organisations and is committed to supporting leadership, advocacy and policy development across health, VET, housing, alcohol and drug sectors, as well as capacity building in the community, government and private sectors.
John Yardley
Member of the CHL Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee; Member of the CHL Investment Committee
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He brings extensive cross-industry expertise in strategy development, implementation and governance, with a career spanning multiple sectors including health, finance, politics and property management. He offers a strong foundation in enterprise risk management, with extensive leadership experience, including as Chair of Audit and Risk, Operations Risk and Credit Risk Committees.
John has a deep and practical understanding of contemporary corporate governance, ensuring that strong frameworks support strategic outcomes and organisational integrity. His sectoral experience is diverse as he has held senior roles in contract and property management, served as Chief of Staff to the New Zealand Minister of Health and worked across management consulting and financial services.
Throughout his career, John has remained committed to working collaboratively to help organisations achieve their purpose and deliver meaningful outcomes. His work is grounded in the belief that sound governance, inclusive strategy and effective risk oversight are central to achieving a long-term impact.
John’s commitment to social good aligns with the mission and values of CHL, where he is focused on ensuring the organisation meets its goals for the betterment of all. He continues to support initiatives that contribute to inclusive, secure and affordable housing throughout Australia.
John has a deep and practical understanding of contemporary corporate governance, ensuring that strong frameworks support strategic outcomes and organisational integrity. His sectoral experience is diverse as he has held senior roles in contract and property management, served as Chief of Staff to the New Zealand Minister of Health and worked across management consulting and financial services.
Throughout his career, John has remained committed to working collaboratively to help organisations achieve their purpose and deliver meaningful outcomes. His work is grounded in the belief that sound governance, inclusive strategy and effective risk oversight are central to achieving a long-term impact.
John’s commitment to social good aligns with the mission and values of CHL, where he is focused on ensuring the organisation meets its goals for the betterment of all. He continues to support initiatives that contribute to inclusive, secure and affordable housing throughout Australia.