WA Mentors

Meet some of our fantastic mentors based in WA!

ANNA GINGELL – Directory Alumni Relations John XXIII College

Anna Gingell worked in the hospitality industry including catering and event management for many years. In 2005 she was invited to commence as the inaugural Alumni Development Officer at Trinity College, East Perth. Some two years later, Anna was approached to apply for a similar position at John XXIII College, her alma mater, where she is today.

Anna is exuberant and loud, some would say boisterous. She works hard and now, 10 years on, is ready to pass information gathered to the Foundation Committee to commence fund-raising. It is often said that it takes 10 years to build a friendship base prior to making the ask. When she commenced in the role, also a newly created position, there were 700 Alumni recorded on the database, now there are over 8,500; a mix of social media, predominantly Facebook and LinkedIn; use of a dedicated Alumni web based program and a healthy association with Teaching and Non-teaching staff and Year 11 and 12 students.

David Williams – Executive Director (Alumni) Guildford Grammar School

David has enjoyed working in alumni management for 16 years and is the Executive Director of The Old Guildfordians Association at Guildford Grammar School. The office did not exist prior to David working at the School, and it has been a great experience taking control of what was a basic database and rudimentary list of events, and then developing the Association’s operations into something more substantial. In addition to what is now a database driven website with an array of interactive features for members, the Association’s program of events has been expanded to include regular reunions overseas, interstate and in regional Western Australia. The Association has also improved its support of the School with offerings like the Careers Expo, using former students as mentors, and The Old Guildfordian in Residence program. To help give back to the industry that he loves so much, David is heavily involved with Educate Plus as the current President of the Western Australian Chapter and as a director on the organisation’s board.

Janet Linn – Deputy Principal and Alumni Manager, University Hall, UWA

Judy Greaney – Alumni Manager Old Haleians Association

Judy began her working life as a graphic artist at TVW Chanel 7 in Perth. This might seem a long way from Alumni Relations – but there is not a day goes past when those past design skills do not come in handy for things such as reunion invites and flyers, website design, publications etc etc.

She is now an experienced development and alumni relations professional having transferred into this sector in 1995. That part-time graphics/admin job at Wesley College very quickly became well and truly full time and all encompassing.

In 2007, Judy moved into a Development role at Hale School, assisting with preparations leading into the School’s 150th anniversary year and with the associated and very successful fundraising appeal to build a new library and classroom block. In 2009 she took over the role of Alumni Manager and is now the principal liaison link between past students, the School and the Old Haleians Association.

Deborah Hill – Alumni Co-ordinator at Christ Church Grammar School

Deborah’s project management background combined with a strong people focus has been fundamental to her career in community development, event management, fundraising and communications. Deborah has worked for small business, local government, the not for profit sector and education, building positive stakeholder engagement.

Deborah has worked extensively with volunteer committees, donors, corporate clients, sponsors, event suppliers, the media and community groups in the delivery of festivals, public and trade exhibitions, special events and alumni relations.

Jenn Parsons – Alumni Engagement Manager UWA

Capacity building – senior-level experience in strategic planning, board development, public relations, marketing, revenue generation, needs assessments, gap analysis and stakeholder relations.

Course design and facilitation – successful education program development in areas of: outreach (life-skills), event planning and community engagement. Facilitation of senior-level students, staff and/or volunteers in meaningful, results-orientated group discussion.

Sponsorship and community partnership – proven ability to build events and programs through strategic corporate and community partner relations.