MANAGEMENT TEAM
Ryan Salzke
(Chief Executive Officer)
Ryan rejoins Vanguard from Orange Sky, a charity that runs the world's first free mobile laundry and shower services for the homeless, where he focused on sustainable business growth and volunteer management as Chief Operating Officer. He spent several years at Churches of Christ as Campus Manager of a large integrated community and commercial facility and previously managed Vanguard’s social impact program when the laundry first opened. Before moving into the for-purpose sector, Ryan worked at Heritage Bank in customer service and training and development whilst attaining a Bachelor of Commerce and MBA.
Kate Taylor
(General Manager)
Since 2020 Kate has held multiple leadership roles at Vanguard across production, sales, people and culture. In that time she has supported more than 20 people to transition into external careers, and had interactions with all of our customers, suppliers and partners. She has a strong drive for collaboration and operational and service excellence. As the General Manager, Kate has oversight of both our social impact and commercial operations. Prior to Vanguard, Kate was a Manager in Banking. She is also the Regional Activator for Darling Downs and South West QLD chapter of the Queensland Social Enterprise Council.
Najwa Samman
(Employment Pathways Coordinator)
Najwa has extensive knowledge and experience in the employment sector as well as a lived experience as a migrant facing barriers to securing employment. With a shared passion for helping others secure and maintain employment, she oversees our transitional employment program, ensuring a seamless journey from onboarding through work skills development to transitioning into suitable and fulfilling careers.
Jason Koina
(Production Manager)
Bringing over 40 years of expertise in the electrical maintenance field and 25+ years in management, Jason efficiently oversees a team of 55+ staff members. Together, they deliver premium commercial linen services to a diverse clientele of over 90 customers in the accommodation and health industries. Additionally, Jason plays a vital role in supporting Vanguard by conducting regular routine maintenance, ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted flow of operations. With their dedication and experience, we uphold the highest standards and provide exceptional service to our valued customers.
Lauren McKay
(Account Manager)
Lauren joined Vanguard in 2018, excelling from a Laundry Production Worker to Dispatch Manager within 12 months. After a brief hiatus in early 2023, she returned as the dedicated new Account Manager, showcasing commitment, adaptability, and leadership. Her journey reflects Vanguard's spirit of excellence. Lauren’s experience across the production and dispatch processes coupled with her dedication to customer satisfaction fuels Vanguard's service excellence.
OUR BOARD
The senior management team are supported by a governing board of experienced professionals.
Michael Rose-Miller
(Non-Executive Director)
Michael has 40+ years in senior financial management, and also 15 years as a director on the board of Momentum Health (Formerly the Toowoomba Clubhouse).
Sue Bruce
(Non-Executive Director)
Sue has a 25+ year career in Human Resources, with a depth of experience and skills developed from working in senior leader roles across mining and construction, in government , small business and multi-national private enterprise. Sue strongly advocates for individuals, groups and initiatives to bring about sustainable change. More recently Sue has provided support to First Nations organisations and joined the board of Osborn Consulting Engineers as an independent non-executive director.
Kate Venables
(Non-Executive Director)
Kate is the Executive Director of CatholicCare SW QLD and has spent the last 20 years working in the social services sector in Queensland. With a real passion for rural, regional and remote Australia, she is aware of the many vulnerabilities and complexities of our varied communities.
Kate holds a number of Board and Committee roles, including as a member of the Jobs Queensland Board and Chair of the QLD Care Consortium and Council member for the Duchesne Residential College in UQ.
Ronan Fenton
(Chair & Non-Executive Director)
Ronan is currently a director of corporate advisory firm Intrinsic Partners, with 10+ years’ experience in investment banking and corporate finance. Ronan has executed numerous advisory and capital raising transactions for a range of clients. Prior to Intrinsic, Ronan worked at Macquarie Capital & KPMG, where he provided financial guidance across numerous projects. Ronan has been pivotal in helping to reshape the strategic approach of Vanguard.
Hanna Ebeling
(Non-Executive Director)
Hanna is CEO at Sefa (Social Enterprise Finance Australia). From traditional banking with HSBC to venture philanthropy in the Philippines, Hanna brings a global practice lens to her impact investing work in Australia. She is also on the board of disability service provider Woodville Alliance. Hanna holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, is a CFA charter holder, and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
