OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DAVID BRENNAN – CHAIRPERSON
David Brennan joined the Skillinvest Board in 2014 and is based in Horsham. He currently serves as the Chair of the Board and has been a member of the Longerenong Advisory Committee since 2006. David brings extensive experience across multiple industries, including water management, grains, government, and hospitality. His leadership and strategic insights have been instrumental in guiding the board’s decisions and initiatives. David’s commitment to community development and his expertise in industry-specific challenges make him a valuable asset to the Skillinvest Board.
JEFF ALLAN – VICE CHAIRPERSON
Jeff Allan has been a dedicated member of our board since 1993, making him our longest-serving board member. Recently retired from his successful retail business, Jeff brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors. He currently serves as the Deputy Chair of the Skillinvest Board and is the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
KERRIE BEITZEL
Kerrie based in Melbourne, has been a valued member of the Skillinvest Board of Directors since 2008. With a qualification in Marketing, she has successfully managed her own advertising and retail businesses in Melbourne for many years. Currently, Kerrie works in the NDIS industry and is an active member of the Remunerations and Nominations Committee.
DONALD CARTER
Donald Carter has been a member of the Skillinvest Board of Directors since 2002. He served as Chairman from 2004 to 2014 and was a previous member of the Longerenong Advisory Committee. Now retired in Adelaide, Donald spent his career running his own business in the grains and fertilizer industry in the Wimmera region. He has also chaired numerous regional boards and a national fertiliser industry board for four years.
JOANNA DOWNES
Originally from the Donald region, Joanna Downes resides in Melbourne and serves as Senior Lawyer at Gilbert + Tobin.
Joanna holds degrees in Law and Commerce, along with graduate diplomas in Legal Practice and Chartered Accounting. She joined the Skillinvest Board of Directors in 2012 and is also a member of the Remunerations and Nominations Committee.
PENELOPE MANSERRA
Penelope Manserra is a Certified Financial Planner and Partner at Planrite Advice Group, based in Horsham, Victoria. She joined the Skillinvest Board of Directors in 2016 and contributes her expertise as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. Penelope brings extensive experience from her involvement with various boards and foundations, enhancing her commitment to community development and financial stewardship.
MICHELLE GIBSON
Michelle Gibson joined the Skillinvest Board in 2017. Based in Melbourne, she is the Head of Global Learning at a leading global resources company. Michelle brings extensive experience in the natural resources, training, vocational education and development industries. She also serves as the Chair of the Remunerations and Nominations Committee.
PENNY PENFOLD
Penny Penfold joined the Skillinvest Board in February 2021. She has recently taken on the role of Chairperson of the Longerenong Advisory Committee. Based in Horsham, Penny works in the Thoroughbred Horse Racing industry. Born and raised in the Wimmera, she holds qualifications in the Business Tourism sector.
DAVID JOCHINKE
David Jochinke (“DJ”) joined the board in 2026. A third‑generation dryland mixed farmer from the Wimmera, Victoria, DJ is a highly respected agricultural leader with extensive experience in farmer advocacy, including most recently as President of the National Farmers’ Federation. He is the immediate past President of the Victorian Farmers Federation, a board member of the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, and the current independent Chair of Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism. DJ also contributes to numerous regional and industry committees across agriculture, emergency services and rural development.