Rebecca brings a wealth of high-level governance expertise and leadership to the Community Connections Board.

A professional director based on the West Coast, she holds a degree in Medical Science, as well as advanced management and leadership diplomas.

Her extensive governance track record includes recent terms as Chair of Fire and Emergency NZ, Tai Poutini Polytechnic, and numerous regional development boards.

Recognised for her transformational leadership, Rebecca was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2017 for services to business, and in 2018 was awarded the Rural Westpac Woman of Influence award.

In her spare time, Rebecca manages an inclusive performing arts studio in Westport with 140 students learning a wide range of genres She also enjoys cycling and swimming with her husband and children, and is involved in the NZ Brass band sector.

Jo is a lawyer with more than 30 years of experience across national law firms, NZX-listed companies, and the public sector.

She offers deep expertise in commercial strategy and risk management, underpinned by a strong commitment to ethical leadership.

As someone living with a spinal cord injury, Jo is also a passionate advocate for dismantling barriers and building environments where disabled people can live self-directed, discrimination-free lives.

Beth Noble is a service user with Community Connections and brings lived experience as an autistic person to her role on the Board.

Holding postgraduate degrees in Building Science and Architecture, she works part-time as an accessibility consultant, advising organizations on universal design across commercial, public, and community spaces.

Beth is passionate about ensuring both built environments and organizational decisions reflect what genuinely supports disabled people in our day‑to‑day lives.

Jane Presto is a registered nurse and an accredited mediator. She has held roles across the health and disability sector within private, community based organizations and in public hospitals.

The last few years has seen her focus on service reviews and development, often with a clinical or educational focus. Jane currently is working as a contractor within the health and disability sector.

Ryan is legally blind; his wife is profoundly deaf, as is his eldest son. His youngest son has severe ADHD and moderate autism.

An experienced public servant, Ryan has worked across the public sector for some 25 years, including as part of the establishment team for Whaikaha.

Ryan is active elsewhere in the disabled community, including as a director of Workbridge Holdings Ltd, the commercial arm of the Workbridge Foundation, and chair of the Foundations Investment Committee.

Paul is a Chartered Accountant and senior finance systems leader with nearly 20 years of experience across New Zealand’s health sector. He has worked in both the public and private sector.

His career has focused on strengthening financial stewardship, modernising reporting and budgeting systems, and supporting operational performance in complex, service‑driven environments.

He brings deep insight into the pressures faced by health providers, including regulatory expectations, funding constraints, and the need for transparent, accountable processes.

Paul is known for connecting strategy, people and technology to deliver practical improvements that support sustainable service delivery.