Mrs Nina Tassell
Executive Chair of the Board
BComm (Human Resources and Marketing, UWA), BA (Asian Studies, UWA), MAICD
Nina Tassell joined the Board in 2009 to offer her human resources expertise to the governance of the College. Nina has worked in the field of human resources, almost solely in the resources sector. She has worked for employers such as Rio Tinto, Clough, St Barbara Mines and most recently DOF Subsea, a global oil and gas services company. In the capacity of Human Resources Manager and as a member of the senior management team, Nina oversaw the human resources function for DOF Subsea’s Asia Pacific region for five years until commencing maternity leave in 2011. She is married to Adam and now a full-time carer of their four young children. Together they attend Nations Church in Myaree.
Rev Philip Bryant
Vice Chair and Convenor of the Governance and Human Resources Committee
MA, Higher DipTeaching (Secondary), Grad Theology, MAICD
Philip was a secondary school teacher for four years before pursuing theological studies. He has pastored Baptist churches since 1978 and served in denominational roles, leading church planting for the Baptist Union of Victoria and church planting, evangelism and church health for Baptist Churches WA. He attends Mount Hawthorn Baptist Church with his wife Kathleen and together they have three adult children and five grandchildren. Philip has been serving on the Board since 1996. He serves as Vice Chairman of Sports Chaplaincy Australia and as the Chaplain for the Perth Wildcats Basketball team.
Mr Luke Mason
Treasurer and Convenor of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
BComm (Accounting and Finance), CPA, GAICD
Luke is a Certified Practising Accountant and a Partner at BusiNav, a boutique accounting firm specialising in small business and non-for-profits. His professional journey includes experience working in Perth, London, Norway and Scotland. Luke has been a member of the Board since 2016. He and his wife Naomi are proud parents to three children. The family attends Oasis Church in Jandakot, where Luke serves on the worship team.
Mrs Darrilyn Dawson
Member of the Governance and Human Resources Committee
BEd, DipTeach, MAICD
Darrilyn has over 40 years’ experience in the education sector. She has taught in both government and private schools in the country and metropolitan areas. She has been a Principal and Deputy Principal in numerous primary schools, including job sharing in a large primary school. She has also served on several government school Boards. She is currently an Education Consultant, providing leadership training/mentoring and chairing selection panels. Darrilyn is married to Chris and together they attend Mount Hawthorn Baptist Church. They have two married adult children and five grandchildren.
Mr Dean Oates
Convenor of the Marketing and Information Technology Committee
BSc (Cartography Curtin), GradDip (GIS Curtin), MBA (Curtin), GAICD
Dean works for the City of Perth as Coordinator of Analytics and Insight. He has worked in a number of other management roles gaining diverse experience and multiple perspectives in large corporate organisation. He is an enthusiastic manager with leadership qualities focused on facilitating and empowering team members to achieve high standards. Dean began serving on the Board in 2013 and is married to Catherine; together they have three young children and attend Nations Church in Myaree. He completed his MBA at Curtin Business School in early 2016.
Mr Richard Di Perna
Member of the Marketing and Information Technology Committee
BEng(Hons), MBA, CPEng, MIEAust, GAICD
Richard is a Chartered Professional Engineer with more than 20 years experience within the engineering and construction industry. He has held several senior and executive level roles in Perth and Munich, Germany. He has a passion for leadership and mentoring and completed his MBA in 2013. In 2016, Richard founded iConsult Solutions, offering engineering management and strategic project advice within the built form sector. Richard joined the Board in 2018 and attends Nations Church in Myaree along with his wife Gabriela and their two young children.
Mrs Juliettie Somerville
Secretary and Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
LLM, LLB, GDLP, GAICD
Julie was admitted as Barrister and Solicitor in the Supreme Court of Western Australian in April 2013 and in the High Court of Australia in October 2013. She completed her Bachelor of Laws from Edith Cowan University in 2011 and her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the College of Law in 2012. Julie graduated with her Master of Laws from the University of Sydney in 2016, majoring in Business Law – Corporate Governance Securities and Finance. Julie is the Director of ABMS Lawyers Pty Ltd and practices mainly in Commercial and Family Law Litigation and Disputes. Julie holds other qualifications in Australia and abroad in different fields and is a member of several industry organisations in Australia. She also works as a volunteer at Law Access and Sussex Community Legal Centre. Julie is a member of Mount Hawthorn Baptist Church, where she and her family attend. She serves as part of the worship team.
Mr Rod McNeill
Member of the Governance and Human Resources Committee
BArts (History), DipEd
Rod joined the Board in 2024 after a lifetime spent both as a pastor and a teacher. After becoming a Christian in his early twenties, Rod went into ministry, going as far afield as Moscow to follow God’s calling. In 1999, Rod and his family of three children returned to Australia and, after completing a Diploma of Education, he began working as a teacher and was quickly promoted to Dean of Students at the Swan Christian College. In 2011, Rod was invited to become Principal of Mundaring Christian College and oversaw the development of the school’s secondary campus. As well as enjoying his work and engaging with the communities that make up both church and school groups, Rod loves to spend time with his family, friends, grandchildren and motorbike. Rod currently attends Mundaring Community Church. He is excited about joining the Kennedy community, bringing his experience as he follows his call to Christian education.
