Leadership Team

Simon Bennett

Chief Executive Officer

Simon has over 20 years’ experience across a broad range of community services. He has held positions with oversight of services across the ACT and NSW, including disability and NDIS, aged care, early childhood education and care, community housing, homelessness, domestic violence, and youth, family and health services.

In addition, Simon has held a number of leadership positions, including co-chair of the Children First Alliance from January 2022 to December 2024; co-chair, alongside the Senior Director of the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate, of the Executive Steering Committee; and co-chair of the Communities of Practice Committee for the Community Assistance and Temporary Supports (CATS) program.

Prior to joining CS#1, Simon held senior executive positions with Anglicare for 15 years.

Karen Pollard

Head of Operations

Karen has over 20 years’ experience in the Early Education and Care sector holding leadership roles including Executive Director of Children’s Services, Area Manager, Centre Manager, coach and mentor. She has been involved across ACT and NSW in all areas of Early Education and Care.

Karen holds a diploma in Early Education and Care and a Diploma in Training and Assessment. She says the most satisfying part of her role is being able to coach and mentor people across the different teams she manages.

Zelma Boggis

Head of Corporate Services & CFO

A qualified CPA with experience across a range of industry areas in the not-for profit, private and government sectors. Zelma offers a portfolio of skills, which combine to enable strategic integration across the financial and operational areas, whilst complying with best practice governance and risk management frameworks.

Zelma’s collaborative style can influence, motivate and communicate across levels and stakeholder groups – thus bringing the team on the journey of organisational growth and development.

Nish Mohan

Head of People and Culture and Quality

An experienced executive with a strong background in people leadership, organisational transformation, and operational excellence. Nish is passionate about building purposeful teams and leveraging data to drive better decisions, culture, and outcomes.

Nish has held several senior roles across People & Culture and operational leadership within community sector organisations. A Certified Human Resources Practitioner (CPHR) and active member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Nish also holds tertiary qualifications in Management, Human Resources, and Business.