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.

 

Bernadette Nugent

Bernadette Nugent

Chief Executive Officer

Bernadette has had more than 30 years’ experience working with families in a variety of settings with a focus on grief and trauma. Bernadette is passionate about not-for-profit organisations and about offering quality programs and services that are relevant, accessible and responsive to the needs of the community they serve. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role of CEO.

Bernadette joined Amber Community in 2012.

Renee Brauer

Renee Brauer

Manager, Counselling and Support Services

Renee has more than 25 years of 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. She is passionate about promoting and guiding the growth and wellbeing of others. Renee 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 more than 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 the field of 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 where resources and ideas are pooled to provide sustainable and accessible services for all.

Dedicated to purposeful and meaningful change, Chris is committed to ensuring that her efforts contribute to a safer and more supportive community for everyone. Through her work, she seeks to inspire a shared commitment to the wellbeing 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 Relationship Coordinator

Rita has over 20 year’s of experience in marketing, fundraising and events. Her most recent six years have been dedicated to the not-for-profit sector, with a specialised focus on independent 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 enhance our fundraising program further, focussing on a community-driven approach.

Rita joined Amber Community in 2023.