NINA SCHRINNER
Lady Mayoress and Chair
Nina is a mother of four, a lawyer and former special advisor to the Federal Attorney General.
She was born in Queensland and has spent most of her life living in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs. Nina has a real passion for people and loves the opportunity to provide encouragement and support for the fantastic work being done by charities across Brisbane. Like her husband Adrian, she believes that the sign of a strong, healthy city is a city with a big heart.
As the Chair of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, Nina is devoted to ensuring the Trust not only continues supporting grassroots charities that are having such a big impact in our community, but also to enhance Brisbane’s reputation as a friendly and compassionate city that will host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
ALLAN PIDGEON AM
Director, F A Pidgeon & Son Pty Ltd
After completing degrees in Commerce and Law, Allan gained experience as a tax accountant and stock-broker. He is now a Director of the family property business F A Pidgeon & Son Pty Ltd.
Among other community involvements, Allan is president of the Australian National Flag Association, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce (QLD), and is also a Director of the MacArthur Museum.
MARTY ROWEN
Director, Blue Hibiscus Advisory
Marty Rowen is a hard working, strategic thinking commercial operator – he has many years of high level work experience, across many different market sectors.
Marty is a ‘solutions provider’ and is an ‘outcome focused professional’ who possesses an extensive network of friends and contacts.
Marty runs and operates ‘Blue Hibiscus Advisory’, a strategic consultancy business that is primarily responsible for delivering growth, creating value and delivering ‘improvement centric outcomes’ for clients.
Marty loves Brisbane and everything it stands for – he is married to Karen and has three (3) adult children (Georgia, Jessica and Matthew).
PATRICE SHERRIE FCA, GAICD, B Bus
Patrice is an experienced executive and director, with a background in chartered accounting and commerce. She has diverse industry experience including infrastructure, property development, financing property investment, professional services, franchising and the arts.
Patrice has served as a non-executive director on a number of private company, government entity and ASX listed boards since 2015 including chairing audit and risk committees.
Patrice is currently a Director of QBANK, Trilogy Funds Management Ltd, City of Brisbane Investment Corporation Pty Ltd, Tonkin Consulting Pty Ltd and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust.
FIONA SPEROU
Director of Training and Development, Rowland
Building on more than 25 years’ experience as a consultant and executive, Fiona has worked with leaders of local, national and international organisations to help them communicate with greater influence and impact, build resilience, navigate change and thrive in an ever-evolving business environment.
As a business strategist and strategic communicator Fiona’s areas of expertise include corporate training, executive coaching, stakeholder engagement, issues and crisis management, and reputation management. Her industry experience encompasses education, infrastructure, government, media, transport, health, professional services, and non-profit.
DR JOHN COWIE
General Manager, Investment Attraction, Brisbane Economic Development Agency
John and his team work to attract investment to Brisbane and grow local businesses.
John’s career spans nearly 25 years in both the public and private sector with over 20 years in Council. John has had a long association with the Trust and is an advocate for those in need. John is outcome focused, dedicated to continuous improvement and passionate about making our city better each and every day. He holds a PhD in Economic Development, a Bachelor of Business Management and is a Centenary Medal recipient.
Shannon Brandon
Director – Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust
CRIS ANSTEY
Director – Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust
Cris served as Chief of Staff to successive Lord Mayors of Brisbane from 2006 to 2024, providing strategic leadership across city governance, policy development, and crisis response. He was instrumental in guiding Brisbane through major challenges, including the 2011 and 2022 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the successful bid for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. His legacy is deeply woven into Brisbane’s civic fabric.
Following his retirement, Cris returned in a temporary capacity to support Brisbane’s emergency response and recovery efforts during Cyclone Alfred in 2025. The decision underscored his unwavering commitment to public service and his enduring connection to Brisbane.
Before entering local government, Cris held the rank of Brigadier in the Australian Army, where he was recognised with the Conspicuous Service Cross and the United States Legion of Merit for distinguished operational leadership.
COUNCILLOR VICKI HOWARD
Councillor for Central Ward and Civic Cabinet Chair of Community and the Arts Committee
Vicki has served as the Councillor for Brisbane’s Central Ward since 2012 and is a senior member of the Lord Mayor’s Civic Cabinet, currently Chair of the Community and the Arts Committee. She brings extensive experience in governance, stakeholder engagement and strategic leadership within Australia’s third-largest city.
Vicki works closely with government, business and community organisations and is a strong advocate for inclusive communities, sustainable growth and effective service delivery. Her leadership experience and commitment to collaboration underpin her contribution at board and executive level.
LISA SMITH
Director – International, Multicultural & Community Affairs, YFG Shopping Centres
Lisa is an experienced marketing professional, with over 30 years in Shopping Centre Management, working for Retail First and YFG Shopping Centres since early 2000.
Alongside her shopping centre marketing role, Lisa coordinates YFG Shopping Centre’s philanthropic and community activity, networking with key organisations throughout South-East Queensland, particularly with entities across Brisbane’s Health, Arts, Education and Community sectors.
Lisa has been involved with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust as an Ambassador since 2019. The values of the LMCT align perfectly with her desire to make a positive contribution to the broader Brisbane community, and work with like-minded people to support the initiatives helping those who need it most.