Board member profiles

Jennifer Wyborn

BA (Hons), LLB, LLM

Jennifer Wyborn is a leading employment and industrial relations lawyer and Partner at Landers & Rogers. Widely regarded as an outstanding practitioner in her field, she is sought out for her strategic expertise in resolving complex workplace matters and for providing tailored, practical advice to boards, executives and senior leaders.

With more than 20 years’ experience, Jennifer advises public and private sector clients across the full spectrum of employment, industrial relations and work health and safety law. An Accredited Specialist in Employment Law, she has particular expertise in workplace investigations, complex litigation, enterprise bargaining, industrial strategy and senior executive advisory work. Her extensive experience with government agencies and statutory authorities has given her a deep understanding of public sector governance and regulatory frameworks.

A Grammarian (Class of 1997), Jennifer is committed to strong governance and risk oversight. She joined the School’s Risk Committee in August 2025 and was appointed as a Director of the School Board in September 2025. Jennifer was appointed as Chair of the Board on 1 March 2026.

Sachi Wimmer

BSc (Hons), MEL, EMPA, GAICD

Sachi joined the Board in November 2022 having been the independent Chair of the Board’s Risk Management Committee from December 2019. She has been a senior executive in the Commonwealth public service for over 20 years holding policy, governance and regulatory roles in a number of agencies as well as leading high-profile taskforces. Her association with the school began when she joined the school as a Year 9 student, becoming Co-Chair of the School Council in Year 12.

Jennifer Lynch

BComm, BEc, CA, GAICD

Jenny joined the Board in August 2023 after having been a member of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee since 2016. She is a Chartered Accountant and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors with 20 years’ experience in complex finance, commercial and strategic roles across the public and private sectors. Jenny is currently the Chief Financial Officer at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). Jenny joined the school community as a Kindergarten student in 1986 and her daughter is a current student at the Junior School.

Dr Kerrie Wilde

PhD, MBA, MSc (Psychology), B.Ed. (Hons 1), BSc (Chemistry)

Kerrie joined the Board in May 2022. She has extensive experience in the Education sector having worked in universities and schools, with this wealth of knowledge an asset to the CGGS Board. Kerrie is currently a Senior Manager with the ANU Centre for Learning and Teaching.

Kerrie enjoys travel, having cycled solo in 2019 from Basel and across France to the coast. In 2022, starting again from Basel, Kerrie cycled east across Switzerland, Germany and Austria before finishing in Budapest. Her daughter, a senior student at CGGS, was fortunate enough to accompany her on the ride from Passau to Vienna as a post-COVID adventure.

Justice Verity McWilliam

BA (Hons), LLB, LLM

Justice Verity McWilliam is a distinguished alumna of Canberra Girls Grammar School's Class of 1994 and has made significant contributions to the Australian legal community. After completing her secondary education, she pursued higher studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Honours I) and a Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University, followed by a Master of International Law from the University of Sydney. Admitted as a solicitor in 2002 and called to the New South Wales Bar in 2006, Justice McWilliam's legal career encompasses a broad range of practice areas.

She has also served as an associate to esteemed judges in the Family Court and the Federal Court of Australia. In academia, she lectured in public law, federal constitutional law, and litigation at the University of New South Wales and in public law at the University of Sydney. Her Honour was appointed as an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory on 26 June 2017 and elevated to Resident Judge on 2 May 2023.

In April 2024, Justice McWilliam joined the Canberra Girls Grammar School Board, bringing her extensive legal expertise and commitment to education to the school's governance. Her appointment underscores the school's dedication to fostering strong connections with its alumni and benefiting from their diverse experiences. Additionally, she delivered an inspiring keynote address on justice and inclusion during the Senior School's end-of-year celebrations, marking the inaugural event of the Distinguished Speaker Series. In her presentation, Justice McWilliam emphasized the importance of social justice and encouraged students to engage with various community organisations to make a positive impact.

James Carter GAICD

BA, LLB, GAICD

James Carter is a board director in the not-for profit sector and former senior executive. He has more than 30 years experience in public administration and criminal law in the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, including with national responsibility for federal prosecutions.

James brings extensive expertise in strategic leadership, governance, risk management and regulatory frameworks. A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he has significant executive, board and committee experience, including as a member of the CDPP Executive Leadership Group, as Council and Board member of Burgmann College at the Australian National University and Chair of Deacons for the Canberra Baptist Church. James holds degrees in Arts and Laws and is a qualified mediator.

James and his wife Fran have a long history with the school—both of their daughters were students of the School for their entire school life. James has been a member of the Canberra Girls Grammar School Development and Building Committee since February 2017 and joined the School Board in August 2025.

James is committed to the school strongly supporting and developing the capabilities of each student throughout their school journey, enabling all to be confident and courageous contributors to a hope-filled future.

Dion Cannell FCA

BComm, FCA

Dion Cannell is a Fellow Chartered Accountant with more than 25 years’ experience in public practice in the Canberra region. As Co-Founder and Director of Bonsella, he has grown the firm from a start-up to a multi-partner practice recognised as a six-time BRW Top 100 Firm. Dion provides clear, strategic advice across taxation, business structuring, asset protection, succession planning and business valuation.

He brings extensive governance and financial oversight experience, having served as Director and Treasurer across a range of community and sporting organisations, including Menslink and Capital Football. Dion joined the School’s Finance and Audit Committee in April 2024 and was appointed to the School Board in November 2025.

Dion has two daughters who both attended the School from ELC to Senior School. He has a strong commitment to supporting the School’s long-term financial sustainability and strategic direction.

Vanessa Bennett

MA(Theol), BscDipEd, BMin

Vanessa Bennett is the Assistant Bishop and Vicar General in the Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn, with extensive experience across parish ministry, diocesan governance and leadership development. Ordained as a priest in 2010 and consecrated as Assistant Bishop in 2024, she has previously served as Archdeacon of Essendon and Vicar of St Thomas’ Moonee Ponds, where she led significant parish renewal and growth.

Vanessa was appointed to the School Board in August 2025 and brings strong governance experience and a commitment to the School’s strategic direction.

Originally trained as a teacher, she holds a Bachelor of Science with a Diploma of Education, a Bachelor of Ministry and a Master of Arts (Theology), graduating top of her year. She is known for her thoughtful, people-centred approach and passion for supporting individuals and communities to flourish.

David Thé

MCom (Econ), GradDipHealthEconPol, BCom (ActSt), BSc (Computing), AMusA

David Thé is a senior policy, economics and governance professional with more than 20 years’ experience across the Commonwealth Government, the Reserve Bank of Australia and the private sector. He is currently Director of Policy at Australian Pathology, where he leads national policy development, advocacy and stakeholder engagement on key health and regulatory issues.

David’s expertise spans strategy, governance, economic analysis and regulatory reform and he is recognised for his ability to translate complex challenges into practical solutions.

A strong advocate for lifelong learning and evidence-based decision-making, David is passionate about supporting educational environments where young people are encouraged to achieve their potential, lead with integrity and contribute positively to their communities. His commitment to service, excellence and responsible leadership aligns closely with the values of CGGS.