Dr Caitlin Barr
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Barr is an international leader, researcher and advocate for putting people with hearing conditions at the centre of systemic and societal change. As CEO of Soundfair Australia Ltd – a member organisation focused on empowering hearing equality – and as an honorary senior clinical researcher at the University of Melbourne, Caitlin brings together consumer voice of people living with hearing conditions with clinical and research perspectives for a common cause of catalysing change. Ultimately, Caitlin is driven to see a society where having a hearing condition poses no barrier to living connected and healthy.
Mayada Dib
Chairperson
Mayada is a barrister and has worked as a lawyer in private practice and in corporate settings. Mayada has extensive experience in the areas of health and medical law and bioethics. She is currently a Member of the Victorian Bar, is a Legal Member of the Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee, is a Non Executive Director with cohealth and has previously served on a number of Boards and Committees. Mayada lives with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and shares in Soundfair’s vision and mission.
Dianne Semmens
Deputy Chairperson
After enjoying working with the program so much previously, Dianne Semmens decided to start up her own company to sell and support Attaché software. Dianne commenced operations of Acacia Consulting Services in 1989 and has welcomed many new clients since that time. Her extensive accounting background is invaluable when assisting clients to review their business processes to achieve ‘best business practice’. Dianne has now built a successful company and is committed to providing excellent customer service with her knowledgeable team of staff.
Soeren Iversen
Board Director
Soeren joined the Soundfair Board in November 2022. He is currently an Executive Director and Board Member at Smartline Medical. Soeren brings over 20 years of experience in Business Management and Strategy, with a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector.
Soeren’s strengths lie within strategy, leadership, innovation and improvement.
Jason LaBresh
Board Director
Jason LaBresh joined the Soundfair Board in March 2023. He was Senior Partner and Managing Director at BCG with over 20 years consulting experience supporting senior executives in leading organisations around the world, with a particular focus on public sector clients but significant experience in the private sector. He has extensive experience working in social services, health and disability sectors (including extensive work with the NDIS). Jason was the leader of BCG’s public sector and health care practice in Australia from 2014-2017, and led the public practice across the Asia Pacific region from 2017-2021. Prior to his career in consulting Jason was a qualified attorney in the US (specialising in complex commercial transactions).
Christa Bayer
Board Director
Christa Bayer is a senior leader in fundraising and philanthropy with over 15 years’ experience working in the not-for-profit sector in Australia. She has particular expertise in NFP strategy, management, fundraising and philanthropy.
Christa is currently General Manager, Development at Lung Foundation Australia and has previously held senior roles with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), Allergy and Immunology Foundation of Australasia and Perpetual Private’s Community and Social Investments as well as numerous roles across the commercial sector in both Australia and Canada.
Christa holds a Master of Arts in Communication, is a member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia and a Graduate of the AICD.
Mark Flynn
Board Director
With over 20 years of experience in audiology and hearing science innovation, Mark is the Chief Audiology Officer and Global Commercialisation Lead at Sound Scouts, a company that develops game-based hearing tests for children and adults. He has a PhD in Otolaryngology from the University of Melbourne and an MBA from Georgetown University and ESADE Business School, with concentrations in entrepreneurship and social innovation.
Marks mission is to envision and create a future where hearing health is accessible, affordable, and effective for everyone. He translates the latest implantable and acoustic technologies into commercial products and services, applying his expertise in clinical strategy, patient experience, and global product development.
Gemma Cooper
Board Director
With over 17 years of experience across various industries in Australia and overseas, Gemma excels in values-led leadership, driving innovative change, and fostering collaboration. Passionate about enhancing employee and customer experiences, she is committed to shaping inclusive, future-proof organisational solutions. She and her team were recognised with the Governor’s Multicultural Award for diversity and inclusion in 2024. Gemma was also a member of the 2021 Adelaide Governor’s Leadership Foundation cohort and serves on the boards of Soundfair and Technology and Disability SA, contributing to community wellbeing.
