Governance

Group CEO, Company Secretary and Director – Poul Bottern

Poul Bottern (MBA Hons, GAICD) joined IntoWork Australia as Group CEO in 2012 having over 30 years’ experience in management and executive level roles across community, training and employment related services.

Poul has worked with the Board and Management Team in building IntoWork Australia into a large progressive employment, training, education and support provider with over 200 locations across Australia. He is actively involved in various forums and peak bodies, including his role as the President of the National Australian Apprenticeship Association, and attendance at the 2022 National Jobs and Skills Forum.

Chair – Elizabeth Board

Elizabeth Board holds a BA, an M.Ed  and a Grad Dip in Business Admin, as well as teaching degrees, and has studied in the USA and UK. She has taught at the primary, secondary and tertiary level and maintains a keen interest in, and commitment to, education in all its forms.

She has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, including universities, aged care, regional hospitals, apprenticeships and training, and community groups, focussing on governance and strategy. She has owned and run two small businesses and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Institute of Community Directors Australia and a Fellow of Educate Plus.

Deputy Chair – Dale Archer

Dale Archer joined the IntoWork Board in 2022 as a Director before being appointed Deputy Chair in 2025.

With over 45 years of experience in Commercial Banking and Finance, Dale brings a wide range of business skills and invaluable knowledge of the business landscape to the Board.

Dale joined the Board of Work & Training in 2015 and served as Deputy Chair, concluding his tenure in 2024. During his time on the board, his experience and connections with the Tasmanian business community were crucial to the organisation’s capabilities and growth.

Dale is passionate about the positive social impact that IntoWork has on participants, their families, friends and the wider community. He is a great advocate for our apprentices and trainees and the mentors, trainers and support staff who guide them through the challenges on their pathway to meaningful employment.

Director – Julie-Anne Busch

Director – Kevin Breen

Kevin is a well-regarded company director with more than 25 years of board experience. 

He has acted as a director on the IntoWork board since 2000 and chairs a major subsidiary within the IntoWork Group.

In his substantive career, Kevin was a senior executive in local government whose responsibilities encompassed corporate governance, corporate planning, regional economic development, community services, land use planning, major projects and intergovernmental relations. 

Kevin also acted as a sessional panel member on Planning Panels Victoria, a State Government body providing independent advice on major local and State-wide land use planning matters.

He holds a Bachelor of Economics and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Director – Roger Gower

Director – Bridie Gildea

Director – Jamie Harris

Patron of IntoWork – Hon. Alan Brown AM

The Hon. Alan Brown AM was appointed inaugural Patron by the Board of IntoWork in July 2019. Alan has dedicated many years of committed service to the community, through his role as a State Government Minister, in the establishment of Community Foundations, and as Chair of the Board of IntoWork from 2001 until the end of 2018. Over his tenure, IntoWork grew from 21 staff, 391 apprentices and trainees, to 701 staff, 1,894 apprentices, trainees and labour hire.

Alan has also actively participated on CTC, AGA, MAS National, and Work & Training Boards, assisting them all in their development. He was also central in the establishment of the Inner North Community Foundation in 2007.

As Patron, Alan is invited to attend our functions across the country, speaking at events and continuing to contribute to the development of the Group through his insights and wisdom.

Former Chair – IntoWork

Former Deputy Chair – MAS National

Former Chair – AGA

Former Chair – Work & Training

Hon. Alan Brown is a former Victorian Government Minister and experienced Director in the not-for-profit, public and private sectors. A member of the Victorian State Parliament from 1979 to 1995 and a former Transport Minister and State Opposition Leader, Alan later served as Agent General in London. Alan also has extensive experience in Local Government and has helped establish and support a number of local community foundations and small businesses.

Group CEO, Company Secretary and Director – Poul Bottern

Poul Bottern (MBA Hons, GAICD) joined IntoWork Australia as Group CEO in 2012 having over 30 years’ experience in management and executive level roles across community, training and employment related services.

Poul has worked with the Board and Management Team in building IntoWork Australia into a large progressive employment, training, education and support provider with over 200 locations across Australia. He is actively involved in various forums and peak bodies, including his role as the President of the National Australian Apprenticeship Association, and attendance at the 2022 National Jobs and Skills Forum.

Group Chief Development Officer – Nicolas West

Group Chief Commercial Officer – Christine Zechowski

Group Chief Information and Technology Officer – Estelle Vorster

Group Chief Financial Officer – Cameron Taylor