Meet the people who lead RSPCA South Australia
RSPCA South Australia is governed by a Board of elected directors who volunteer their time to preside over the organisation. The Board meets regularly to establish our long-term strategic direction, approve and monitor organisational performance against budgets, plans and policies, and ensure RSPCA South Australia acts lawfully and responsibly.
Paul Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer
Arriving at RSPCA South Australia in early 2017, Paul brings years of senior executive experience. He previously held leadership positions at Mitsubishi Motors Australia, Phoenix Society and the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics. Paul’s lifelong passion for animal welfare began as a child, when he became a junior RSPCA member. In 2017 he adopted two “incredibly spoiled” kittens named Persia and Midnight.
Rob DiMonte, President
FCA, BA(Acct), MAICD, WPO
Rob has been a chartered accountant and professional company director for more than 35 years. Having held many board roles, Rob is currently a director of The Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia, The Australian Centre for Social Innovation, and the Chartered Accountants Benevolent Foundation, among others. In 2017, Rob was appointed NDIS Industry Development and Market Coordinator General for SA. He is passionate about improving the social and economic wellbeing of South Australians.
Mary Barton, Board Member
AO, BVSc, PhD, Dip Bact, MBA, FANZCVS, FASM, DVSc (hc).
Mary is a veterinarian by training and has a lifetime of animal welfare experience across numerous government and academic positions. Now retired, she is actively involved in teaching, research and promotion of animal welfare. Mary previously served as Australian Veterinary Association national president and RSPCA South Australia president, and is a current FSANZ board member. She is particularly interested in the welfare of farm and laboratory animals. At home, Mary’s cat rules the roost, sharing with Mary’s dog, chickens, cockatiels and fish.
Maria Armstrong, Board Member
A former journalist and public relations consultant, Maria has worked for a range of media including ABC News, the Sunday Mail and the Sydney Morning Herald. More recently, she has focused on producing educational videos, which aim to engender greater empathy for all animals. An RSPCA board member since 2009, Maria says her world is constantly enriched by two of her best friends – Zigzag the cat and Murphy the dog.
Jill Bottrall, Board Member
A former journalist turned political communications and policy adviser, Jill spent 23 years in politics in Victoria and South Australia. While working for former SA premier Mike Rann, animal welfare was a major focus for Jill. Since 2015, she has been NBN Local manager for SA and NT, and is also our state representative on the RSPCA Australia Board. Jill has an elderly cat named Saffie and two free-range rescue bunnies, Nigel and Dolce.
Marcus Gehrig, Board Member
Marcus’s broad-ranging business career includes expertise in fundraising, business development, strategic planning, marketing and brand development. He has spent more than a decade in executive roles across the private, corporate and not-for-profit sectors. In 2007 he joined Guide Dogs SA.NT and helped grow fundraising profitability by over 600 per cent. In 2013, he joined Minda – one of the largest non-government disability support organisations in South Australia – as an executive manager.
Dr Andrew Carter, Board Member
Andrew is a veterinarian who operates a referral dermatology clinic in Norwood. He has a keen interest in animal welfare, serving on an Animal Welfare Committee for an SA university, and is a strong advocate for education and prevention. Andrew joined our board in 2015 and serves on several committees and advisory groups.
Leanna Read, Board Member
Leanna brings extensive research, executive and investment experience, particularly in biotechnology. She is CEO and Chair of the Cooperative Research Centre for Cell Therapy Manufacturing, and the immediate past Chief Scientist for South Australia. Animal welfare in the agricultural sector and broader community is a major priority for Leanna. She is also the proud owner of RSPCA graduate, Ahmani.
Kerry Dollman, Board Member
Kerry is a former secondary high school principal and currently an education director. She has previous experience on boards, relating to vocational education, training and employment. Her passion is making a difference in children and young people’s lives. At home is Ellie, her 12-year-old rescue cat, and Darcy, the always-energetic Border Collie.
Martine Welfare, Board Member
Martine is a partner at Grope Hamilton Lawyers. She practices predominately in commercial matters (advising and litigation) and administrative law, but also covers a range of other areas including wills and employment. Martine has previously served in a variety of senior roles, including working as Flinders University’s in-house legal services manager and as the Commonwealth Government’s deputy general counsel.
Paul Hutchinson, Board Member
Paul’s career has spanned more than 30 years in the financial services sector in Australia, New Zealand and the broader international marketplace. He is currently the University of Adelaide’s Faculty of the Professions executive director and most recently served as managing director and chief executive officer of Rural Bank.