Executive Leadership Team

Meet our executive leadership team with decades of collective expertise. Our leaders steer the company’s strategic direction, foster a culture of collaboration, and empower our staff and volunteers.

Xander Alpherts

Xander Alpherts

CEO

Xander has over 30 years’ experience running businesses, most recently as a partner at Deloitte, where he was responsible for the practice delivering advice on mergers, acquisitions and divestments for businesses in Victoria, and for healthcare clients nationally.

In this role, he was responsible for strategy, team management, client delivery, and overall financial performance. In parallel, Xander served on the Amber Community board for eight years, seven of which as Chair.

After 15 years at Deloitte, Xander took a sabbatical to live in Italy with his family for 18 months.  Upon return, he was honoured to accept the role as CEO of Amber Community. He is passionate about the work we do to reduce the incidence and impact of road trauma.

Xander joined Amber Community in 2025.

Renee Brauer

Renee Brauer

Manager, Counselling & Support Services

Renee has more than 25 years’ experience supporting, training and leading others across several sectors, including, for the last 10 years, mental health. Renee is a qualified and experienced counsellor, supervisor and coach.

Renee believes in early health intervention and meaningful connection and is passionate about promoting and guiding the growth and wellbeing of others. She is dedicated to her team, Amber Community and the services it provides.

Renee joined Amber Community in 2022.

Virginia Cummings

Virginia Cummings

Office Manager

Virginia has over ten years’ experience in the retail and corporate sector, including management roles.

Virginia volunteered with us before accepting the role of office manager. She is passionate about customer service, supporting people impacted by road trauma and raising awareness about road safety.

Virginia aims to provide continued support and guidance to the Amber Community team in her role as office manager.

Virginia joined Amber Community in 2017.

Chris Harrison

Chris Harrison

Manager, Education Services

Chris is a compassionate professional with over 35 years of experience as a dedicated counsellor and educator, specialising in areas such as substance use, youth, and offending behaviours. Since 2006, Chris has been a driving force in road safety, currently serving as the Manager of Education Services. Her passion lies in fostering a positive cultural shift, aiming to reshape perspectives for safer roads.

Chris is a true advocate for collaboration, championing the idea that individuals and organisations, spanning not-for-profit, government, philanthropic, and business sectors, can create a collective impact. With a focus on inclusivity, she envisions a future in which resources and ideas are pooled to provide sustainable, accessible services for all.

Dedicated to purposeful and meaningful change, Chris is committed to ensuring her efforts contribute to a safer, more supportive community for everyone. Through her work, she seeks to inspire a shared commitment to the well-being of all, creating a positive ripple effect for safer roads and a more connected community.

Chris joined Amber Community in 2006.

Rita Hughes

Rita Hughes

Campaign & Donor Relationships

Rita has over 20 years of experience in marketing, fundraising and events. Since 2018, Rita has been dedicated to the not-for-profit sector, with a specialised focus on grassroots charities and the healthcare space. Rita is deeply committed to collaborating with community-based organisations, providing services that create tangible and meaningful impact on the community.

Rita has joined the team to further enhance our fundraising program, focusing on a community-driven approach.

Rita joined Amber Community in 2023.

Bronwyn Saville

Bronwyn Saville

Marketing & Communications Manager

Bronwyn brings over 20 years of marketing experience to Amber Community, leading our digital marketing, communications, branding, and media efforts.

Before joining Amber Community, Bronwyn worked across healthcare and not-for-profit sectors, honing her expertise in marketing strategy and communications. She holds a Master of Business (Marketing) and a Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design). She drives our marketing and communications efforts with a blend of expertise and a genuine passion for road safety and supporting people impacted by road trauma.

Bronwyn joined Amber Community in 2013.