About Us
Our Team
Our Team of Experts
Kylie Holmes
Executive Officer
Kylie has been Executive Officer at NEX since 2016, bringing over 25 years of experience across banking, finance, and government enterprises. A qualified CPA with an MBA, she offers deep expertise in financial management, compliance, and IT, with strong ties to the rural sector. Kylie is passionate about financial wellbeing and has been instrumental in evolving the organisation into NEX Business Farming Wellness, broadening its impact across the region through strategy and collaboration. She currently serves as Treasurer for Newhaven College and Food & Fibre Gippsland.
Based on Phillip Island, Kylie enjoys life with her family and their local tourism business, staying closely connected to community and regional growth. Her leadership reflects a commitment to innovation, financial health, and sustainable outcomes.
Regan McKay
Business Development Manager
Regan is an experienced business leader with over 27 years in IT, business development, and managing his own Artificial Intelligence consulting business. Passionate about helping local businesses grow, Regan specialises in creating sustainable business strategies that drive growth and increase profitability. With a background in building and scaling successful companies, he brings expertise in strategic planning, project management, and business development to his role at NEX, supporting the team with process and growth strategies, while also thinking ‘outside the box’ with innovative approaches to client support.
Regan moved to regional Victoria in 2021 and is passionate about empowering local businesses and supporting the growth and resilience of the Gippsland region.
Marshall Scott
Counselling Coordinator
Marshall is an experienced Financial Counsellor who has supported rural communities for over 20 years in various roles of Senior Financial Counsellor, Project Manager, Team Leader and more recently, Counselling Coordinator. With a strong professional background in banking, insurance, and corporate recovery, he brings deep financial insight paired with practical agricultural knowledge. Marshall specialises in succession planning and helping clients navigate financial stress, change, and developing long-term strategies. Passionate about building rural resilience, he delivers tailored, practical advice with a calm and compassionate approach.
Marshall is dedicated to helping farming families gain clarity and direction during uncertain times, fostering hope and sustainable futures.
Kaila Britton
Finance & Operations Coordinator
With more than 15 years of experience in agriculture, Kaila brings hands-on rural knowledge and strong ties to farming communities. As Finance and Operations Coordinator at NEX, she manages business systems and processes to improve efficiency and align operations with organisational goals. Based in Bairnsdale, Kaila combines her Certificate III in Agriculture with a deep understanding of rural life to support clients and internal teams effectively. She enjoys streamlining workflows and strengthening the vital connection between agriculture and operational success. Kaila values working in a collaborative environment that champions innovation and rural wellbeing.
Allison Dodd
Community Engagement Facilitator
Allison brings over 20 years’ experience across sport, health, education, and manufacturing, with a foundation in paediatric nursing. Her unique blend of empathy, leadership, and strategic thinking supports her specialisation in business transformation and stakeholder engagement. At NEX, Allison focuses on building strong community relationships and fostering success. With deep family roots in East Gippsland farming, she understands the challenges of rural life firsthand. Allison thrives on connecting people and ideas, helping individuals and teams grow through trust, creativity, and collaboration, empowering communities to overcome challenges and thrive.
Davina Warman
Communications and Marketing Officer
With two decades of experience in marketing, branding, and digital design, Davina brings strategic and creative expertise to her role at NEX. Her background spans graphic design, advertising, social media, and web development. Davina is passionate about visual storytelling and simplifying complex ideas into clear, impactful communications. She has a strong background in design, branding, and creative strategy. Known for her problem-solving mindset and love of ideation, she brings fresh ideas and a passion for storytelling to the team. Outside work, Davina loves being outdoors with her family and embracing rural life.
Financial Capability Team
Chris Marshall
Rural Financial Counsellor & Consultant
(Bairnsdale)
Chris brings over 50 years of public service experience, including 26 years at Centrelink, where he supported rural Australians through drought, succession planning, and complex entitlements. A third-generation farmer, Chris ran a 1200-acre mixed farm in south west Victoria before joining NEX in 2019. He holds Diplomas in Financial Counselling and Journalism, plus training in mental health and negotiation. Known for his calm, practical approach, Chris helps rural communities navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Outside work, he enjoys life on a small farm, prospecting, and spending quality time with his dogs and horses.
Karen Jones
Rural Financial Counsellor & Consultant
(Bairnsdale)
Karen joined NEX during the 2020 bushfire recovery as a Rural Skills Coordinator and now works as a Rural Financial Counsellor. With over 25 years in Gippsland, her background spans community services, mental health, leadership, and conflict resolution. Karen is passionate about supporting people through change, providing practical, personalised guidance to help clients build sustainable futures. Based in Bairnsdale, she serves East Gippsland and Wellington Shire communities. Outside work, Karen enjoys gardening, family time, and the natural beauty of the Gippsland Lakes, nurturing a balance in life and work passions.
Trudi Lang
Rural Financial Counsellor & Consultant
(Maffra)
Trudi joined NEX in 2016, bringing extensive firsthand agricultural and financial experience. A former dairy farmer of 25 years, she now runs a small Angus breeding operation. Trudi has worked in banking, water industry and IT support, and holds qualifications in Agriculture, Training and Assessment, and Rural Financial Counselling. Currently completing a Certificate IV in Business Accounting, she is dedicated to lifelong learning. Based near Maffra, Trudi enjoys helping rural clients develop plans for recovery and growth, committed to community resilience and supporting sustainable futures.
Wayne Sanders
Rural Financial Counsellor & Consultant (Leongatha)
Wayne joined NEX in 2018 with over 25 years’ experience in banking and finance across rural and agribusiness sectors. As a qualified Rural Financial Counsellor, he supports clients to understand their operations and develop sustainable strategies. Though not from a farming background, Wayne lives on a small acreage and has developed a strong appreciation for rural life. He has completed extensive training in mental health, communication, and business planning. A long-time CFA volunteer, Wayne is passionate about community and enjoys renovating, motorsports, and woodworking in his spare time.
Nick Dudley
Rural Financial Consultant & Support (Leongatha)
Nick is a Rural Financial Consultant based in South Gippsland with a strong background in education, land management, and agricultural recovery. Formerly a Landcare Coordinator and horticulture lecturer, he worked with Agriculture Victoria supporting drought and bushfire recovery across Gippsland. Nick and his family run a small farm, giving him a deep connection to rural life. Passionate about supporting farming families through change, he helps clients build resilience and plan for the future. Nick joined the NEX team in 2023 and is the ‘go-to’ specialist for farm management. Nick values working closely with clients to strengthen both their businesses and wellbeing, fostering long-term sustainability.
Kylie Jacobs
Rural Financial Consultant & Support (Maffra)
Kylie joined the team in September 2024 in the role of Rural Business Support Officer and now as a consultant in the Financial Capability team. Based in Maffra, she is passionate about supporting farming families and driving meaningful conversations that lead to growth. With a background in small business, Kylie is a self-described “numbers nerd” who thrives on problem-solving and understanding her clients’ unique journeys. Currently studying a Diploma of Financial Counselling, she enjoys learning on the go—often with an audiobook in her ears while exploring the beautiful Gippsland region. Kylie’s dedication and curiosity make her a strong asset to the team.
Wellbeing Support
Amy Ivany
Wellness Support (Leongatha)
Detect & Protect Team
Amy was active in refining the Detect & Protect Wellness program when she joined the team in 2021. Amy brings to her role real-life farming experience and a passion for personal growth. A former dairy farmer and proud mother of three, Amy understands the emotional and practical challenges of rural life intimately. She is currently studying a Diploma of Counselling with a focus on mental health and is passionate about helping others prioritise wellbeing.
Amy enjoys cooking, music, and spending time with her dogs and loved ones. She believes self-care is key to resilience and living a full, balanced life, inspiring others through her dedication.
Melissa Holden
Wellness Support (Bairnsdale)
Detect & Protect Team
Melissa joined the NEX Detect & Protect Wellness support team early 2023 with a strong background in community mental health. She played a key role in bushfire recovery across East Gippsland and holds Diplomas in Health and Wellbeing and Counselling. Melissa is passionate about supporting people through trauma and helps clients rebuild confidence and self-belief. Known for her warmth and thoughtful approach, she creates safe spaces for growth and healing.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time in nature, engaging in ongoing learning, and connecting with her local community to support wellbeing and resilience.
Board of Directors
Dean Cullen
Chair
Dean joined the NEX Board in 2019, bringing over 30 years of experience in financial services, most recently as a General Manager in the insurance sector. His background spans risk management, strategy, financial analysis, and performance accountability across business, product, and people. Dean has worked closely with small business, commercial, and farming clients throughout his career. He holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Fellow of the Australian & New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance. A long-time South Gippsland resident, Dean combines professional insight with a deep local connection, supporting the region’s resilience and prosperity through his governance role at NEX.
Damian Murphy
Deputy Chair
Damian joined the NEX Board in 2021, bringing deep experience in dairy farming, policy, and advocacy. He and his family milk 270 cows at Dumbalk North and run businesses in Leongatha. Damian has held leadership roles with United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, Australian Dairy Farmers, and the Victorian Agricultural Advisory Council. A 2012 Nuffield Scholar, his study on young farmer finance continues to inform his sector contributions, including his current role as Vice Chair of Nuffield Victoria. Damian’s strong industry networks and practical insight help shape NEX’s impact and relevance to farming communities.
Clare Adams
Secretary
Clare joined the NEX Board in 2018, bringing wide-ranging experience in finance, banking, and employment services. She has held governance roles across education and aged care, with a focus on finance, audit, and accountability. Clare previously contributed to the Regional Victorian Small Business Partnership and has maintained active involvement in her local Sale community. She currently serves as a Victorian State Bail Justice. Clare’s commercial expertise, governance acumen, and grassroots knowledge enhance NEX’s support for small business and farming clients across the region.
Ken Anderson
Treasurer
Ken joined the NEX Board in 2022, bringing a lifetime of involvement in Gippsland’s agribusiness sector and a career spanning finance, education, and economic development. A qualified CPA, Ken has lectured in economics and served as a director and treasurer for multiple regional organisations, including Gippsland Grammar. As a generational farmer and advisor to rural businesses, he understands the financial, operational, and personal challenges faced by the farming community. Ken’s balanced approach and commitment to sustainable outcomes help guide NEX’s financial oversight and strategic direction.
Raelene Hanratty
Board Member
Raelene joined the NEX Board in 2019, bringing broad experience in banking, dairy farming, and regional governance. She farmed for 32 years and has held many leadership and volunteer roles across sport, health, and water management in Gippsland. Raelene currently serves as Deputy Chair of Heyfield Hospital and Southern Rural Water’s Customer Consultative Committee, and mentors through Lifeline’s Farmers’ Friend program. She has represented agriculture at state forums and inquiries. Raelene brings strength in governance, risk, strategy, and compliance, underpinned by deep regional insight and a commitment to supporting farmers and rural communities.
Heather Stacy AM
Board Member
Heather joined the NEX Board in 2019, bringing senior leadership experience across agribusiness, corporate governance, and rural development. She has held executive roles with United Dairyfarmers, Fonterra, and other major agricultural organisations in Australia and New Zealand. Her board service includes AgriFutures, WorkSafe Victoria, and West Gippsland Healthcare Group. A graduate of the AICD and Australian Rural Leadership Program, Heather also holds an MBA and qualifications in Agricultural Science. Named a Member of the Order of Australia, she brings sharp strategic insight and a deep commitment to rural resilience to her role with NEX.
Mark Humphris
Board Member (joined February 2025)
Mark joined the NEX Board in 2025, bringing broad industry knowledge and a passion for supporting farmers. A qualified vet and experienced consultant, he holds credentials in governance, negotiation, succession planning, and HR. Mark leads ‘The Milk Road’, helping producers build team culture and capability to improve welfare, productivity, and profitability. His work includes national programs on milk quality and biosecurity. With a lifelong commitment to learning and rural success, Mark brings strategic thinking, empathy, and strong networks to his governance role at NEX, helping guide the organisation’s future.
If you would like to speak with any of our team members, contact us and
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