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Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation Board members

The Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation (VERRF) is responsible for the ongoing management of public donations in response to disasters of state significance in Victoria.

The VERRF Board

Our Board members are diverse and highly skilled across their respective professions and bring together the right blend of experience, knowledge and empathy required to oversee the important role.

They will work closely with impacted communities to assess where and how donated funds are distributed to ensure that it reaches those most impacted and provides the greatest benefit following an event.

Mr Roger Chao (Chair)

Roger Chao

Roger has chaired numerous boards and Audit and Risk Committees, setting a clear tone of integrity and ensuring decisions are evidence-based, fair and transparently recorded. He has served in high-integrity assurance roles, including on Victoria Police Audit and Risk Committee.

Roger is also a statutory decision-maker, and has also served on independent statutory bodies that require rigorous fairness, confidentiality, and integrity in decision-making.

Roger has held senior executive roles in the Victorian public service, leading functions including regional policy, economics, and place-based delivery, working closely with local government, communities and industry across rural and regional Victoria to strengthen resilience, enable investment and improve community infrastructure.

He also brings first-hand disaster recovery governance experience, having chaired the Hazelwood Mine Fire Community Recovery Committee.

A Fellow of AICD and the Governance Institute, Roger writes curriculum for and teaches the AICD Company Directors Course.

Ms Karen Davies

Karen Davies

Karen is an accomplished senior leader, strategist, communicator and advisor to local governments, state governments and industry. She brings with her a rich blend of skills in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, infrastructure, and emergency management expertise management in high pressure environments.

With a background in local government, civil infrastructure and disaster response, Karen has dedicated her career to serving the community and has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the seamless coordination of resources and support during emergency situations. Karen’s extensive experience includes leading interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with governmental bodies, and advising on policy initiatives to enhance emergency preparedness and response.

Karen also has experience in leading large delivery teams to achieve multi-million-dollar capital infrastructure spend and sustainable delivery programs. Her visionary leadership and dedication to community welfare align seamlessly with VERRF’s mission to manage and distribute public donations effectively in the aftermath of emergencies.

Ms Michele Clark

Michele Clark

Michele is an experienced public sector executive with expertise in gender equality, emergency management and national security. She is a purpose-driven leader, possessing a breadth of experience in policy development, program delivery, and public administration.

With 20+ years’ experience working across the Victorian Public Service, Commonwealth Public Service and United Kingdom Civil Service, she has spearheaded the development and implementation of significant reforms and supported Government following major disaster events, including the 2011 floods.

Michele leads through a value-based approach, resulting in the development of quality policy positions, strategic stakeholder relationships and improved government performance.

Mr Andrew Coghlan

Andrew Coghlan

Andrew brings extensive experience in the emergency management sector, including an extensive period as Head of the Emergency Services Program within Australian Red Cross.

Prior to joining Red Cross, Andrew was the National Recovery Consultant with Emergency Management Australia, providing advice to both State and Federal governments following a range of emergencies.

Andrew played a key role in coordinating recovery assistance to Australians impacted by events such as the Boxing Day 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Andrew has also contributed to the establishment and management of public appeals in the aftermath of multiple disasters, including:

Safety & emergencies

Updated 15 January 2026

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