Howard Choo

Chair

Howard is an experienced leader with a focus on policy reform, advocacy and social change, and a background in strategy, governance and law. He is passionate about education and the rights of children and young people, and currently leads policy development and advocacy across Australia at leading child rights organisation Save the Children and 54 reasons. He previously held senior roles in the Victorian Government Department of Education and Training and Department of Premier and Cabinet. Howard is kept busy by three young children and is always trying to fit more writing, art and running into his life.

Giselle Pinto

Giselle is Programs and Content Director at Philanthropy Australia, the peak body for philanthropy (or put more simply, giving). She has significant communications, events, fundraising, marketing and project management experience and is passionate about driving positive change – both big and small. Giselle believes students need be front and centre of education design and should have more of a say in what they need and want. She's excited to support this through her involvement with VicSRC. When she's not working, Giselle enjoys knitting, sewing, dancing, yoga, weightlifting, learning Portuguese and winning bets with her husband to secure the right to adopt a new puppy.

Tom Frick

Tom is a lecturer at the University of Melbourne where he teaches introductory accounting, and is engaged in research around financial reporting, disability support funding, and Australian not-for-profits. He has experience as a consultant working with private and government organisations, in a range of financial advisory and policy roles. He is passionate about youth education and advocacy, and has worked extensively with high school students and young people. He is excited by the opportunity to work with Victorian students and have an impact on their educational journey through VicSRC. Outside of work, Tom enjoys playing and watching sports. He plays tennis at a competitive level and is a qualified table tennis coach.

Brad Bowden

Brad is an emerging leader with experience in strategy, policy and communications across the public and non-profit sectors. He currently works at the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, helping to build a more inclusive and equitable Victoria. Brad is passionate about helping to change the way that government works with communities, by giving more power and agency to communities to help design the policies and services that impact them. A challenge seeker driven by curiosity, outside of work Brad can be found writing endless lists of new culinary, cultural and creative experiences.

Grace McCoy

Grace is a policy nerd who is passionate about amplifying student voice to transform big messy systems. Grace has experience leading policy development within Commonwealth and Victorian Government agencies, with a particular focus on mental health and education. She currently works for the Victorian Department of Health, focussed on reforming Victoria's mental health system. Grace also holds experience in the not-for-profit sector, she was previously Head of Policy and Advocacy at national mental health charity SANE Australia. In her spare time, Grace enjoys hiking, yoga and live music (not at the same time).