Board of Directors

Nina Headshot

NINA SCHRINNER

Lady Mayoress and Chair

Nina is a mother of four, a lawyer and former special advisor to the Federal Attorney General.

She was born in Queensland and has spent most of her life living in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs. Nina has a real passion for people and loves the opportunity to provide encouragement and support for the fantastic work being done by charities across Brisbane. Like her husband Adrian, she believes that the sign of a strong, healthy city is a city with a big heart.

As the Chair of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, Nina is devoted to ensuring the Trust not only continues supporting grassroots charities that are having such a big impact in our community, but also to enhance Brisbane’s reputation as a friendly and compassionate city that will host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Adam Allan

COUNCILLOR ADAM ALLAN

Civic Cabinet Chair – City Planning and Surburban Renewal and Councillor for Northgate Ward, Brisbane City Council

Councillor Adam Allan was elected to Council at the 2016 Brisbane City Council elections. Councillor Allan has a strong interest in local community and sporting groups and has a particular interest in social finance and bringing communities together. He is in regular contact with local community groups, sporting clubs, community service providers and special interest groups.

He previously had a successful career in banking and consulting having worked in Australia and a number of overseas locations. This has given him the opportunity to work with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds. His experience overseas has also given him valuable insights into how other cities have grown and developed.

Councillor Allan holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a number of other professional qualifications. Councillor Allan is married with three children and lives in Wavell Heights.

Allan Pidgeon

ALLAN PIDGEON AM

Director, F A Pidgeon & Son Pty Ltd

After completing degrees in Commerce and Law, Allan gained experience as a tax accountant and stock-broker. He is now a Director of the family property business F A Pidgeon & Son Pty Ltd.

Among other community involvements, Allan is president of the Australian National Flag Association, and is also a Director of Queensland Ballet.

Marty Rowen

MARTY ROWEN

Director, Clients and Markets, Gadens

Marty Rowen is a hard working, strategic thinking commercial operator who has 34 years of high level work experience.

Marty has been a Police Officer, and has worked for Nestle, Smith Kline Beecham, the Brisbane Broncos and as the Executive Officer to the former Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Graham Quirk.

Marty is a solutions provider and outcome focused professional who has an extensive network of friends and contacts. Marty loves Brisbane and everything it stands for – he is married to Karen and has three children – Georgia, Jessica and Matthew.

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PATRICE SHERRIE FCA, GAICD, B Bus

Patrice is an experienced executive and director, with a background in chartered accounting and commerce. She has diverse industry experience including infrastructure, property development, financing property investment, professional services, franchising and the arts.

Patrice has served as a non-executive director on a number of private company, government entity and ASX listed boards since 2015 including chairing audit and risk committees.

Patrice is currently a Director of QBANK, Trilogy Funds Management Ltd, City of Brisbane Investment Corporation Pty Ltd, Tonkin Consulting Pty Ltd and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust.

Fiona Sperou CURRENT WHITE BACKGROUND

FIONA SPEROU

Chief Operating Officer and Director of Training and Development, Rowland

Fiona Sperou is a communication specialist with more than 23 years’ experience in reputation management, stakeholder engagement, issues and crisis management, and change communication.

Fiona is also a specialist facilitator and communication trainer.

As Chief Operating Officer of Rowland (a communication, digital and creative agency), Fiona has provided advice and support to a broad cross-section of local, national and international organisations across a broad range of sectors, including not-for-profit, health, education, mining and resources, government, professional services, agribusiness, ports, transport, and infrastructure.

DANIELLE HARRIS

Director, Blaq Marketing

Brisbane-born Danielle Harris started her own Marketing and Events company 28 years ago after returning home to marry.

In the decade prior, Danielle had worked as an international fashion buyer for David Jones in Sydney.

Danielle brings to the table a wealth of marketing savvy and 28 years experience in the not-for-profit sector. She has sat on numerous committees, chaired committees, and was a board member for Variety for five years whilst chairing their annual Ball and Garden Party.

Over the years, Danielle has championed many important causes close to her heart. In addition to her role with LMCT, she has also been actively involved with the following charities: Queensland Cord Blood Bank at the Mater Hospital; Cystic Fibrosis Ball Committee; Leukaemia Foundation; Queensland Eye Institute; Variety, the Children’s Charity; Same Sky; Butterfly Foundation (Domestic Violence); Beat The Blues (Depression); and the Australian Himalayan Foundation, Common Ground and Traction.

Dr John Cowie

DR JOHN COWIE

General Manager, Investment Attraction, Brisbane Economic Development Agency

John and his team work to attract investment to Brisbane and grow local businesses.

John’s career spans nearly 25 years in both the public and private sector with over 20 years in Council. John has had a long association with the Trust and is an advocate for those in need.John is outcome focused, dedicated to continuous improvement and passionate about making our city better each and every day. He holds a PhD in Economic Development, a Bachelor of Business Management and is a Centenary Medal recipient.