Our Board

Susan Henson
Acting President

Susan currently works as an independent consultant and is an active volunteer in the community. She has an MBA

and is a computer science graduate. Susan also has an IT background.

Logan Smedley
Treasurer

Logan has a background in accounting, tax and business management.  He has a strong community involvement with the Salvation Army mentor driving programme, Radio Lollipop and Turtle Rescue.  He is currently in the process of becoming a Justice of the Peace.  Logan has been a mentor for Pillars.

Helen Leahy

Helen Leahy is the Pouārahi/Chief Executive of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu. For the past 15 years she worked with the Maori Party. She is also a member of the South Island Hauora Alliance,the Kaikoura Community Wellbeing Roopu and a trustee for Digital Wings. In 2017, Helen received the Dame Tariana Turia Award.

Sandra McCallum

Sandra was Principal of Mt Cook School in Wellington for 15 years. She has worked in leadership positions in education for 35 years.

Nova Salomen

Nova has worked in the government sector for over twenty years in a variety of roles. Most of her experience is in the child protection and youth justice space, as well as having spent a number of years working for Ara Poutama, the Department of Corrections. Nova also has experience in human resources, financial management and service design. Her current role is Head of Assessment in the newly created Independent Children’s Monitor. Nova is dedicated to supporting families and whanau to be strong and to thrive. She has previously been involved with Pillars as a volunteer from 1994-2000.

Manu Sione

Manu has over 20 years experience in senior leadership and health management roles. Currently he is National Manager – Culture for Emerge Aotearoa. Prior to this, he was Director Northern Region for Relationships Aotearoa covering from Kaitaia to Gisborne. Manu has a great deal of experience on Boards and within community groups.