Board and life members

Jason Ryan / Chairman

Jason was elected Chairman in April 2015 and is helping to lead a new strategic plan for Transplant Australia. He has a background in volunteering his time to raise funds for worthy organisations including the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Red Cross and Lifesaving Victoria.

Chris Thomas / CEO

Chris Thomas is the CEO of Transplant Australia, a role he has held for more than 16 years. A former journalist, Chris has held senior management roles with the Australian Medical Association (NSW), the National Heart Foundation and the Advertising Federation of Australia. He is a former member of the Advisory Council to the Organ & Tissue Authority. He recently concluded an eight-year presidency with the World Transplant Games Federation.

Professor Richard Allen / Director

Professor Richard Allen is the Director of Transplantation Services at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. As a transplant surgeon and one of the architects of the paired kidney exchange program Professor Allen is passionate about making transplantation more accessible to all Australians. He is also committed to demonstrating the long-term outcomes of transplantation through activities like the Australian Transplant Games.

Dr Rohit D’Costa / Director

Dr Rohit D’Costa is a Melbourne-based intensivist and the Medical Director of DonateLife Victoria.

Lisa Gavin / Director and Company Secretary

Lisa is a Chartered Accountant who has been in the financial services industry for over 25 years. She is currently Head of Tax and Accounting Services at BT Financial Group.

Lisa joined the Board of Transplant Australia in March 2018 as she has a desire to utilise her skills and experience to make a difference to people’s lives.

Colin Liebmann

Colin Liebmann is an experienced business professional and director. His passion for donation arises from the living gift given by his wife to their son. Colin has also volunteered his time to the Living Kidney Donor Group which is now incorporated under Transplant Australia’s work.

Holly Tyrrell /Director

Holly is the National Participation Manager at Water Polo Australia and has held roles with Surf Life Saving and Equestrian Australia. With her sports management background Holly is passionate about growing the role of sport and physical activity in specific communities, in particular the transplant community. Holly has received two corneal transplants and talks passionately about the transformation and positive impact of her life thanks to such generous donations.