JAMES MUNRO FORD
Chief Executive Officer
James is a seasoned strategic leader with a wealth of experience driving transformative change, operational excellence and business performance. His prior leadership roles included Executive Director of Procurement Reform within NSW Health, and leading operational businesses as Director of Patient Support Services at HealthShare NSW.
This experience brings a fresh perspective to Alliance Australia, along with a wealth of insights from the health sector targeted at delivering operational enhancements and equipping the organisation to successfully grow into the future.
HUGH FRAMES
Chief Commercial Officer
Hugh is a seasoned global executive with extensive experience across multiple sectors, including automotive, electronics, hospitality, payments, mining and media. Renowned for driving organisational growth, strategic leadership, and financial excellence, he collaborates effectively with CEOs and Boards to deliver exceptional results.
Hugh excels in building high-performing teams, fostering innovation, and leveraging his expertise in finance, corporate services, and business development to achieve outstanding success in diverse and dynamic business environments.
AMANDA WOOD
Head of Marketing - Commercial
Amanda is a senior marketing and communications professional with over 20 years’ experience across tourism, financial services, education, health and business services. She has played a pivotal role in developing Australia’s leading youth careers platform, Skillsroad, and led the 2018 Skillsroad Youth Census—the largest youth research project of its kind. Amanda also repositioned Apprenticeship Careers Australia, winning Marketing Campaign of the Year at the 2018 RCSA Awards.
More recently, she has led the brand development of Alliance Australia, Alliance Nursing and Alliance Community, guiding the successful rebranding of our business portfolio to establish a unified national presence in the market.
CAROLINE SMITH
General Manager - Apprenticeship Careers Australia
Caroline heads Apprenticeship Careers Australia (ACA), our group training organisation (GTO) that connects apprentices and trainees with employers in a variety of industries. She is a passionate leader with a proven track record in finance, education and business, and brings over 15 years’ experience in accounting, financial planning, and business partnering to her role.
Prior to this she held leadership positions at Brambles, Mission Australia, and St Vincent's Health Australia. Caroline leverages her strong business acumen and people skills to optimise processes, drive growth and foster a positive culture in the wider business.
PAUL CHISWICK
General Manager - Alliance Nursing, Alliance Rural & Remote Health, Alliance Extra Staff
With an MBA from UNSW and over 25 years of global leadership experience, Paul has built deep expertise in talent acquisition, contingent workforce management, and HR outsourcing. Since 2011, he has played a key role in the growth and development of national nursing, home care programs, and industrial agency services. He brings strengths in contract and account management, client service delivery, candidate care, and Workplace Health and Safety (WH&S).
His proven ability to drive innovation and deliver strategic insights plays a key role in helping our organisation navigate complex resourcing challenges and stay ahead in a competitive labour market.
MICHELLE LAWSON
Executive General Manager – Alliance Community and Ability Plus
Michelle brings over two decades in executive leadership in the health and disability sector. Her style is transformation-focused, and she excels in leading complex change that delivers enduring value. With deep expertise in organisational performance, innovation, and operational excellence, she empowers teams to unlock potential, enhance decision-making, and build accountable cultures. Michelle has led enterprise-wide improvement programs, scaled innovation, and shaped compelling value propositions that boost customer loyalty and market strength.
Focused on culture, value creation, and continuous improvement, Michelle plays a pivotal role in advancing excellence and ensuring we remain competitive and adaptive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Lauren Manning
General Manager - Quality and Clinical Governance
Lauren is a passionate people leader with a strong improvement mindset, dedicated to enhancing care and service delivery. With a background in aged care, disability and perioperative nursing, and elective surgery management, she brings deep clinical and operational expertise to her role. Lauren has successfully led major improvement initiatives, redesigned care processes, and strengthened clinical governance. Her collaborative leadership style builds strong relationships and empowers teams to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
Lauren is instrumental in strengthening our commitment to excellence, with her focus on continuous improvement and staff capability driving better outcomes for both participants and staff across the organisation.
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