James Purcell brings over 20 years of specialized experience in insurance, banking, financial services, and legal practice to his role as Board Chairperson. His professional background includes providing complex advisory services to individuals and organisation's in contract law, personal injury litigation, estate planning, and disability insurance claims.

James holds qualifications in Business and Law and joined the CODA board in 2018, motivated by his commitment to protecting and advocating for people with disabilities. He is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to choice, dignity, and respect in all aspects of their lives.

Currently working as a motor vehicle claims specialist in the general insurance industry, James applies his expertise to help people affected by motor vehicle accidents navigate complex claims processes. His approach emphasizes building genuine connections with clients, demonstrating empathy and understanding while advocating for fair outcomes. This client-centred philosophy aligns closely with CODA’s mission to support people with disabilities.

James’s legal background, combined with his hands-on experience in personal insurance, provides valuable insight into the regulatory and advocacy challenges facing the disability services sector. As a community-minded individual who volunteers as a lifeguard, he brings both professional expertise and personal commitment to his governance role at CODA.

Brendan Hawes is a dynamic and purpose-driven executive leader with extensive experience driving growth and transformation across Australian businesses and international ventures, including in the United States, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. With a diverse career spanning corporate, profit-for-purpose, and small business sectors—from manufacturing and construction to media, pharmacy, and finance—Brendan brings strategic insight and operational excellence to every role he undertakes.

Since joining the CODA Board in 2014, Brendan has held multiple leadership positions, contributing significantly to the organisation’s evolution and impact. He is a passionate advocate for positive change, with a strong belief in the potential of innovation and technology to improve lives, empower teams, and build sustainable systems that serve both purpose and performance.

Brendan’s leadership is defined by a clear focus on strategic outcomes, integration, and accountability, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to the safety, well-being, and dignity of people and communities. His collaborative approach and deep respect for person-centred support make him a valued contributor to CODA’s mission of enabling people with disabilities to live their best lives.

At the heart of Brendan’s contribution is a belief that profit and purpose can—and must—coexist to drive meaningful and lasting social change. Brendan joined the CODA board in 2014, and he is a Commissioner for Declarations Qld.

Derrin Pomare is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience spanning emergency, surgical, and community nursing. She is deeply passionate about shaping the future health workforce and has spent the past seven years contributing to the vocational education sector. Has been a Board member since 2024.

In her current role as State-wide Manager of Student Placement for a Queensland-based Hospital and Health Service, Derrin leads a dedicated team that facilitates and supports clinical placements for students across both regional and metropolitan areas. Her leadership ensures students receive meaningful, well-supported experiences that prepare them for the realities of frontline care.

Beyond her clinical and educational leadership, Derrin is actively engaged in governance within the health sector, championing inclusive practices and strategic oversight to enhance service delivery and community outcomes.

Paula Johnson is a highly experienced paediatric audiologist with over 20 years of clinical and leadership expertise supporting children with hearing loss and their families across the United States and Australia. She currently serves as an Audiologist and Group Program Coordinator at Hear and Say, where she leads the development and facilitation of resilience and well-being programs for older school-aged children and young adults with hearing loss.

Prior to her current role, Paula led the Queensland paediatric team at Hearing Australia, where she was recognized for her client-centred care and contributed to international conferences through presentations and papers. She holds a Doctorate of Audiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 2006, and began her career in a large university hospital before relocating to Brisbane in 2011.

Paula brings a unique and valuable perspective to the CODA Board, which she joined in January 2018. In addition to her professional expertise, she lives with Multiple Sclerosis, diagnosed in 2016. Her personal experience navigating the challenges of chronic illness and the NDIS system informs her advocacy for greater choice within the disability sector and improved education and training

Brian Algeo along with his wife of over 30 years, are Carer’s to Brian’s older brother who has a disability; they are parents to 5 children and currently Grandparents to 5. Brian has owned a small business for over 20 years and is involved in other not-for-profit community groups in which over the years he has performed in various roles that include Committee person, Treasurer, President, Secretary and Registrar. Brian has watched CODA grow almost from day one and was an active member for over 20 years on CODA Management Committee. Brian brings his financial and business management expertise to this organisation as well as personal experience of supporting his brother with a disability. Brian’s humour, passion and dedication to this organisation and industry as a whole is refreshing and inspiring.

Brian resigned from CODA board in 2013 and was awarded Honorary Lifetime membership for his dedication and commitment to CODA, spanning two decades.

CODA Disability Support honours the memory of Ben Lawson, who was apart of the CODA Community as a a service user of CODA supports, and a member of the CODA Management Committee in 2003-04 and from 2008 to 2016.

Ben held degrees in natural resource management and worked in the State Government on the development and implementation of natural resource management policies. In 2008-09, Ben served as the community representative in a Business CEO forum providing advice to the Federal Government on ways to improve the employment of people with disabilities.

Ben was awarded Honorary Lifetime membership in 2016 in acknowledgement of his significant contribution to the operations and growth of CODA during his 9+ years on the CODA Board of Management.  We will be forever thankful for the role Ben played in our organisation.