Our People

Liz Vinning

Liz has served as Board Chair of Sophia since 2021. She is a member of the Finance, Safeguarding, and Governance-Nominations committees.

She has over 35 years’ experience in education and more than 25 years in governance across private and university sectors, including 7 years as Board Chair at Sacré Cœur in Melbourne.

Reflecting her enduring commitment to the Society’s mission and values, Liz has served 9 years as Director of Sacred Heart Education Ministry, 2 years as Province Mission Coordinator, and has served on the RSCJ Province Leadership Team.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSc(Ed)), (BSc(Hons)), a Graduate Certificate of Corporate Management (GCCM), is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), is a Graduate of the Company Directors Course (GAICD) and is a Fellow of the Institute (FAICD).

Helen Sinclair

Helen has served as a Director of Sophia since 2021. She also holds the position of Deputy Chair of the Board, Chair of the Mission and Formation Committee and serves as a member of the Relationship Committee.

Helen has an educational career spanning more than 40 years, serving as a teacher, Deputy Principal and twice as Principal of two Catholic Independent Schools. She has also served twice as the Queensland Chair of the Australian Heads of Independent Schools Association (AHISA), as Chair of the MSA Regional Council for 11 years, and as Chair of the Duchesne College Council within the University of Queensland for six years

She served as Principal of Stuartholme from October 2004 to December 2015. Her deep commitment to the mission of the Sophia, together with her diverse experiences and strong advocacy for girls’ education, has been a driving force behind her sustained engagement in educational governance.

Helen holds a Master of Education with Merit (MEd (Merit)), a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Diploma of Secondary Teaching (Dip Sec. Teaching), and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).

Julie Ingram

Julie has served as a Director of Sophia since 2024. She is Chair of the Relationship Committee and is a member of the Governance and Nominations Committee.

Julie’s professional experience is in strategic planning, marketing, and communications, working across government, industry organisations and the private sector, including schools.

Julie has been closely involved with the RSCJs and Kincoppal-Rose Bay School community for more than forty years as an alumna, past parent, and Committee member. Julie is committed to fostering strong relationships within the Sacred Heart family.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Master of Commerce (MCom) and has attended the AICD Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors.

Diane Neve

Diane has served as a Director of Sophia since 2024. She is Chair of the Governance-Nominations Committee and a member of the Mission and Formation Committee.

Diane is a psychologist with more than 30 years’ experience. Her career has focused on transforming organisations through strategic planning, leadership mentoring, conflict resolution, and cultural design. She also serves as an Ambassador for the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, supporting the marginalised and disadvantaged. She has been an Ambassador for 15 years & continues this commitment into the future.

She has experience as a Director on the Stuartholme School Board, as well as on three business boards. As an alumna and parent of Stuartholme, Diane has deep connections with the Society of the Sacred Heart, which have led her to accept leadership roles within the Sacre Coeur Association at both school and national levels.

Diane holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA (Hons)) and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education and Training.

Mark O’Hare

Mark joined the Sophia Board as a Director in 2025. He also serves as a member of the Finance Committee.

Mark has worked as a chartered accountant and financial adviser for over 45 years, including with many prestigious firms. Throughout his career, he has provided trusted financial and strategic advice across a wide range of sectors, bringing a depth of knowledge, sound judgment, and extensive experience to his roles.

Mark has served on the Stuartholme Board for 11 years, including two years as Chair, and demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission and vision of the Sacred Heart community.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (FCA) and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).

Michael McDonald OAM

Michael joined the Sophia Board to serve as a Director in 2025.

Michael brings extensive professional experience as an industrial officer and legal practitioner, with a strong focus on not-for-profit and Catholic organisations. He served for 12 years as Executive Director of the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations and has held numerous and diverse roles as Board Chair and Director.

Alongside his strong commitment to the Catholic Church, Michael brings to Sophia significant expertise informed by his role as Executive Officer for Catholic Religious Institutes and Public Juridic Person School Authorities in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.