Executive team

WorkVentures' executive team has a wide range of experiences and backgrounds combining the expertise necessary to manage the challenges of a social enterprise. Read more about the role of each Department in WorkVentures.

Arsenio C. Alegre
Chief Executive Officer

Joined: October 2004

Arsenio has extensive international experience in financial and business management, having worked in several countries throughout Asia and Europe as a Senior Finance Executive for American Express. While in the UK, Arsenio volunteered his time to the Prince’s Trust and came to WorkVentures through a desire to work for an organisation with a similar mission. He is a Certified Practising Accountant and his qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Master of Business Administration and various Executive Development courses. Arsenio is also a Board member of Social Ventures Australia.  

Lisa Exton
Head of Human Resources

Joined: July 2004

Lisa is currently studying Social Sciences and Psychology. She has worked in technology industries, education, welfare, hospitality and retail in supervisory, remote management and consultancy roles. Her experience in operations, development orientation, training and learning supports our staff capacity and delivery of our services.

Ralph Gatt
Head of Sydney ITec Repair Centre

Joined: 1986

Ralph came to WorkVentures in 1986 as a trainer in electronics after eleven years as a technical officer in the Navy. Ralph now leads a team of three managers who run the Sydney ITeC Centre, a commercial venture which supports WorkVentures’ social programs and creates employment. Ralph established SIRC in 1988 and the business grew rapidly by providing repair services to multinational companies. Ralph passionately supports the mission of WorkVentures because he believes in providing people with opportunities.

Luisa Hallam
Company Secretary, Executive Support and
Office Manager

Joined: September 2005

Luisa joined WorkVentures in 2005 as Administration Manager and has served as Company Secretary since October 2007. She has held administrative roles in community associations and education. She taught Italian at the University of Wollongong and has acted as an interpreter for legal, medical and welfare matters. She has a BA (Hons), a PhD in Italian Linguistics, and is a Justice of the Peace.

Jane Lowe
Head of Connect Centres

Joined: June 2008

Jane has over 15 years’ experience working in the non-profit and Government sectors leading complex projects aimed at reducing social exclusion and building the capacity of communities. Each of her projects has been developed in partnership with key agencies within and beyond the local community. Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Science, Masters in Education (Adult Education), Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and Associate Diploma in Counselling.

Lawrence Luk
Financial Controller

Joined: July 2009

Lawrence is responsible for the finance and information technology areas within WorkVentures. He has previously worked in finance roles with American Express in New York and Sydney. Prior to leaving American Express, he was Finance Director of one of the company’s large divisions. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the Bernard M. Baruch College at The City University of New York.

Virginia Piccone
Manager Social Programs

Joined: April 2009

Virginia has considerable experience in the non-for-profit sector and held a variety of positions in the sociological and research fields both in Australia and overseas. Virginia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and a Master’s Degree in Economics and Social Sciences for International Cooperation and Development.

Dianne Speakman
Marketing and Communications Manager

Joined: June 2009

Dianne began her career working in business planning roles for more than seven years. She has subsequently spent 17 years working in marketing communications and marketing in the non-profit sector. She is responsible for WorkVentures’ external and internal communications and brand profile, including promotional and corporate materials such as the annual report and website, support for WorkVentures’ programs, and public relations. Dianne has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology, a Master of Commerce in Marketing, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Relations.

Kim Wadman
Head of Recruitment and Training

Joined: April 2009

Following a successful career with Marks & Spencer, a major UK retailer, Kim joined WorkVentures in 2009 as our Head of Recruitment and Training. Kim’s extensive experience at Marks & Spencer encompassed sales, recruitment, training, products and business development, while she also spent a number of years based at the Corporate Head Office in Central London. Prior to leaving the UK, Kim was responsible for managing the recruitment process for retail staff within M&S stores throughout the UK and professional staff at Group level, while also leading the growth of their high profile e-commerce business.