MS - ACT/NSW/VIC
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Multiple Sclerosis Limited (MSL) Executive Management Team

MSL’s Executive Management Team have a broad mix of skills and experience with over 180 years collective management experience.

Executive Team members

Bill Younger
Andrew Long
Carley Blixt
Judy Gregurke
Gail Everard
Ken Sharpe
Paul Towers
Michael Beilby


Bill Younger, B. Sc. (Mechanical Engineering)

Bill was appointed Chief Executive Officer in June, 2006, commissioned with leading the merge of the largest 2 state MS Societies (NSW & VIC) and implementing significant change management within the new organisation, followed by the merger with MS ACT in 2008 resulting in the formation of MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC.

He brings to the organisation over 30 years experience working at senior management and CEO level for multinational corporations in a diverse range of industries. Qualified as a Mechanical Engineer, following a long and successful career in the commercial sector, Bill sought to work in the third sector to “give something back” to the broader community.

As CEO, he is responsible for delivering MSL’s vision and mission through the development and implementation of the Board approved intent and strategy, its annual operating plans, budgets and policy. Our organisational priorities over the next 5 years encompass defining, development and delivery of consistent services which positively support and promote optimal quality of life for people living with MS; creating a sustainable future through responsible operational, fiscal and risk management practices and development of relationships with Government, the corporate sector, stakeholders and decision-makers; increase awareness of MS; working collaboratively with other national MS Societies and MS Australia to develop a National strategy, policies and programs for implementation, along with integrated Advocacy on behalf of people living with multiple sclerosis to Local, State and Federal governments, the corporate sector and other community groups to influence policy, funding and provision of benefits.

Having formed many friendships with people living with multiple sclerosis, Bill passionately embraces his charter as CEO and our mission to “minimise the impact of multiple sclerosis on individuals, their families and the community while working to improve treatments of the disease and accelerating research to ultimately develop a cure”.

Andrew Long, B. Comm. (Accounting and Law), IIA (member), FCSA, FAICD, CPA Member

Andrew Long joined MS Australia in June 2007 and was appointed Company Secretary for Multiple Sclerosis Limited (MS Australia - ACT/NSW/VIC), Multiple Sclerosis Australia, Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia and Australian Home Care Services.

Andrew has over 25 years experience, primarily in the accounting, banking, trustee and finance sectors, in senior management roles including Company Secretary for Bendigo Bank Group. His areas of expertise include corporate governance, capital raising, risk based reporting and compliance structures.

As Company Secretary he is responsible for convening Directors’ meetings, preparing agendas & coordination of supporting documentation, recording minutes of such meetings and advising Directors on legislation and other developments affecting their responsibilities. As Secretary, he is responsible for ensuring that the register of members is properly and efficiently maintained, coordinating member activities including arrangements for members’ meetings, proxy preparation, member communications and distribution of reports to members.

He is also Company Secretary for the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal (FRRR) and independent audit committee member for the International Fiber Centre.

Through past personal experience, Andrew has had involvement in a wide range of initiatives including the development and management of philanthropic trusts and foundations. Andrew’s passion is to work with organisations such as MS Australia who make a difference and to encourage others to support these causes with the outcomes of building stronger Australian communities.

Carley Blixt, B. Ph., PMP, PRINCEII Practitioner

Carley joined MSL in May 2008, initially as Manager, Program Office and was subsequently appointed as Head of Office of the Executive/Program Office.

Carley commenced her working career in Pharmacy in the United States, and has more than 20 years as a project management professional and executive.

She began in the emerging Long Term Care and HMO Pharmaceutical Benefits sectors, developing fully automated robotic systems to fulfill 25,000 prescriptions per day and develop software for the growing aged care industry. Following a return to Australia, she worked as a private consultant in new product development for companies such as ResMed, Orica, and Melbourne University Private before moving to take up a role within the then Department of Human Services guiding public hospital governance reform in Victoria.

Having both friends with MS, and family members with other progressive neurological diseases, Carley had a strong desire to apply her skills to assist charitable organisations become more efficient and effective. Her role as Head of Executive and Program Offices gives her the scope and ability to apply the rigor of project management, development and strategy to the achievement of better client outcomes.

Judy Gregurke, Dip. App. Sc. (Speech Pathology), MHA (Master Health Administration)

Judy Gregurke commenced with MSL in February 2009 as State Manager for Service Delivery – Victoria and in March 2010 was appointed as Regional General Manager – South.

In this newly created role, Judy is responsible for the delivery of all client related and funding and fundraising services within the South Region of MSL. This role is one of the key factors in the implementation of the ONE MSL model and Judy is committed to its success.

Judy has previously worked extensively in health and community services, with 20 years of leadership and management experience, the majority of which has been in executive roles.

In addition to her employment history, Judy brings considerable leadership experience in volunteering roles, varying from formal governance as Chair of a multi-million dollar not for profit organisation to a range of development and support positions within community based organisations.

With a sound clinical background in Speech Pathology, Judy has a comprehensive understanding of the neurological aspects of MS and the issues facing people living with MS. Her previous contributions to primary health initiatives, including clinical governance in community health and chronic disease self management, ensure she is well equipped and committed to pursuing and achieving MSL’s Vision and Mission.

Gail Everard, B. Sc. (Psychology), Dip. (Social Science)

Gail joined MSL in August 2008 as the Regional Manager for the ACT & SE NSW.

In her role, she is responsible for the delivery of all client related and funding and fundraising services within the ACT & South Eastern NSW Region of MSL.

Gail has over 20 years management experience, including multi-disciplinary teams in the areas of disability, disaster recovery, child protection, children, youth and family support at the federal, government and community level. She has proven skills in managing people and programs in the human services, along with a demonstrated ability to transfer skills from policy and management into an operational context. She also has experience managing large scale national projects, research and evaluations.

Gail is encouraged by the new opportunities presented to people living with multiple sclerosis, generated through the merging of the MS Societies of NSW/VIC & ACT and the implementation of ONE MSL. She is committed to working towards achieving MSL’s organisational objectives.

Ken Sharpe

Ken was appointed Head of Corporate Services in November 2008 and was charged with the responsibility of initially leading the development of the ONE MSL organisational change program. As part of that program he was responsible for developing the Corporate Services Portfolio.

He brings to the organisation over 30 years experience working at senior management level in both large and mid size corporations and has a strong background in the full range of corporate activities. Over the last 15 years Ken has been predominantly engaged in organisational redesign, aimed at improving both capability and business performance.

Corporate Services provides vital support and direction for other MSL business units and covers a broad range of functions including Finance, Human resources, IT, Media and Communications, Information Services and Enterprises Business which includes the MS Shops.

Following Ken’s last corporate appointment, he seized the opportunity to apply his skills in the not-for-profit sector and assist in transforming MSL to its next stage of evolution which will position it to support and minimise the impact of multiple sclerosis on people with MS, their family and carers, and most importantly continue to seek a cure.

Paul Towers

Paul Towers commenced his role as Head of Funding and Fundraising with MSL in November 2009. He is commissioned with ensuring that MSL has a single point of accountability for its governmental and fundraising income.

He brings with him over 17 years experience at senior management level throughout the commercial financial sector. Formerly the General Manager of a globally recognised Fortune 500, S&P rated financier, he has worked with a suite of multinational organisations providing solutions and advice in relation to organisational sustainability.

As Head of Funding and Funding, Paul is responsible for creating a sustainable funding model for MSL which aligns with the organisational strategic plan, ensuring that both its current and future funding streams deliver the financial sustainability required to achieve our strategic objectives.

Following a lengthy commercial career, Paul joined MSL seeking to apply his expertise to a not-for-profit organisation whose imperative is to demonstrably benefit individuals, and is not driven by profits alone.

Michael Beilby, FAIM

Michael was appointed as Regional General Manager – North in April, 2010. In his role, he is responsible for leadership and management in the delivery of services to people with MS in the Northern region. These services include direct client services, together with funding and fundraising programs and opportunities.

He has over 20 years experience working at senior management level in a wide range of organisations, including GM in an environmental consulting firm, CEO in a Law firm, GM of a Sydney Council and RGM in a multinational IT company.

Michael has had a continuing interest in issues affecting people with multiple sclerosis, since meeting a person with MS many years ago. More recently he has experienced some of the challenges faced by people with MS through the experiences of a close friend.