Our Board
Dr. Andy Marks - Chair
As Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Andy drives Western Sydney University’s strategic collaborations with government, industry and the community. He is co-founder of the ‘LaunchPad’ startup incubator, founder of the CatalystWest forum, Chair of Western Sydney Community Forum, and Chair of the Committee for Sydney’s Western City Taskforce.
Andy writes regular columns for the Sydney Morning Herald, the Daily Telegraph, the Financial Review, and the Saturday Paper on politics and social issues. He features on ABC radio’s political forum, and is an occasional panelist on The Drum.
Prior to his current role, Andy was a researcher in the social services sector and professional musician with ARIA nominated band Crow.
Ben Jackson - Treasurer
Ben spent a decade working in the corporate sector and after project managing direct sales of charity products, he entered the not for profit sector. Since that time, he has held senior management positions in health, disability and community services. Ben is an active voice in the community sector and is the CEO of Hills Community Aid. He holds a number of leadership representative positions including for the NSW Local Community Services Association. Ben joined the Board in 2014 and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and post graduate qualifications in Public Relations.
Pam Batkin - Member
Pam has extensive experience in leadership and senior management in the community sector and in local government. She is the Chair of WSCF and has also been the President of the Council of Social Services of NSW (NCOSS). These state and regional leadership roles reflect Pam’s strong professional commitment to social justice and to work at all levels for a fairer society. Pam joined the Board in 2011 and is the CEO of Woodville Alliance. She holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Social Studies, a professional Social Work degree.
Keith Hamilton - Member
Keith has a passion for social justice, and a drive to include people whom society often excludes. He has been a minster of the Uniting Church in Australia for 27 years, and involved in the church and community of Western Sydney for the past 17. Keith holds a Bachelor of Theology and three Masters’ degrees in Theology, Communications and Cultural Studies, and Community Management. Keith is the Senior Minister / Group CEO of Parramatta Mission, deputy chair of the Uniting Church in Western Sydney, a Board member of the Community Migrant Resource Centre, and joined the Board in 2015.
Melissa Monterio - Member
Melissa Monteiro is the Executive Director of the Community Migrant Resource Centre. Melissa joined the CMRC in early 2000 and has over twenty five years’ experience in the community sector. Melissa has been employed in a number of not for profits include the Blacktown City Community Services Network, Missionaries of Charity and the College of Social Work winning the University of Western Sydney Community Services Award (2013). During this time, she worked closely with community leaders in Western Sydney with an interest in creating greater social impact through a stronger social sector and cross-sectorial collaboration.