About CoAct: Our leadership

Simon is a seasoned senior executive with over two decades of strategy, planning, board engagement, governance, risk management and leadership experience, across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. He possesses a strong track record of delivering results and an extensive background in strategic and operational management. Simon has a proven ability to navigate complex operating environments and is known for his values-based leadership, commercial acumen, and governance experience. He has a keen focus on growth, business improvement, and new business implementation.

Simon was appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer in August 2022 after 7 years with CoAct, moving from General Manager in 2015 to Chief Operating Officer in 2018. Prior to this, his 20-year senior executive and leadership career was built on instrumental roles in strategy, operations management, business growth and improvement, and new business implementation.

With notable experience in the sector Simon is skilled at managing customer-focused services, particularly those where relationship building with internal and external stakeholder relationships is key to the success of the endeavour. During his time at CoAct Simon has led the entire network through exceptional improvements in the quality and value of the support systems and processes offered to CoAct service partners.

In his role as Chief Executive Officer at CoAct, Simon is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership, including service delivery, strategic partnerships, and corporate functions. He has played a vital role in achieving the organisation’s financial results, securing new partners and fostering beneficial outcomes for CoAct.

In his own words, “I am passionate about helping disadvantaged Australians to secure meaningful employment, a mission that includes advocating for change at policy level.”

Devina Balendran serves as the Executive General Manager, Finance at CoAct, bringing a wealth of experience and sharp acumen in financial management and strategic oversight. In her role, Devina leads CoAct’s financial strategy and planning, ensuring the organisation remains financially strong, sustainable, and well positioned to support its mission-driven initiatives. Her expertise in financial governance and oversight is integral to maintaining CoAct’s fiscal health and enabling long-term growth.

Devina’s approach to leadership in finance is marked by a strong focus on efficiency, transparency, and continuous improvement. She is dedicated to developing robust financial frameworks and controls that enhance organisational performance, accountability, and decision-making. Under her guidance, CoAct has strengthened its financial foundations, reinforcing trust with partners and stakeholders and supporting sustainable, impactful service delivery.

In her own words, “I am motivated by the challenge of strengthening financial foundations to support CoAct’s growth and enhance our impact in the community.”

As the Executive General Manager of Customer & Brand at CoAct, Sarah Emms is a key figure in shaping the organization’s brand and customer engagement strategies. Her role involves a deep dive into market trends and customer needs, enabling her to develop brand initiatives that connect meaningfully with various audiences. Sarah’s expertise in integrating customer insights into CoAct’s marketing and communications is pivotal in enhancing the brand’s resonance and alignment with the organization’s strategic goals. Her leadership in brand management is characterized by authenticity and effectiveness, ensuring CoAct’s message is clear, consistent, and reflective of its core values and mission.

Under her guidance, the Customer & Brand division at CoAct excels in creativity and collaboration, ensuring that both existing and potential clients receive exceptional experiences. Sarah’s strategic focus on customer-centric approaches has significantly contributed to CoAct’s market presence and customer loyalty. Her innovative strategies are crucial in driving the organization’s growth, maintaining CoAct’s reputation as a leader in its field.

In her own words, “I’m passionate about combining marketing, innovation and working with different partners to really help Australia’s most in need jobseekers find sustainable employment.”

Michael Willett is the Executive General Manager – Corporate Services at CoAct, providing strategic leadership across IT & Infrastructure, People & Culture, and enterprise risk and security. In this role, Michael strengthens CoAct’s organisational foundations by managing risk, improving resilience, and ensuring the operating environment enables and supports CoAct’s purpose and growth.

Michael leads the strategic direction and delivery of CoAct’s technology and infrastructure capabilities, ensuring systems are secure, reliable, and scalable. He is accountable for enterprise risk management and information security, driving strong risk practices. This includes maintaining CoAct’s Right Fit for Risk Accreditation and ISO 27001 certification. Michael also champions IT-led innovation, enabling teams to modernise platforms, improve digital ways of working, and deliver technology enhancements that create better experiences for customers and employees—while ensuring change is introduced safely through appropriate risk assessment, control design, and security-by-design.

With oversight of People & Culture, Michael supports a high-performing, values-led workforce and a positive and engaging employee experience. His approach is strategic and pragmatic, balancing risk and compliance expectations with innovation and continuous improvement. Under Michael’s stewardship, CoAct has strengthened its corporate services foundations, improving operational resilience, organisational confidence, and service delivery. His contributions help ensure CoAct remains a trusted organisation with dependable systems and strong risk outcomes.

In his own words, “I’m motivated by opportunities to push for excellence and create great customer experiences.”

Nyssa deWaard, the Executive General Manager of Employment and Training at CoAct, is dedicated to empowering individuals through employment opportunities and skill development. Her role involves a deep commitment to supporting unemployed individuals, guiding them toward meaningful and sustainable employment. Nyssa’s strategic vision and practical execution in workforce development are vital in bridging the gap between potential and actual workforce capabilities.

Nyssa’s leadership at CoAct is defined by her dedication to creating inclusive and effective training programs tailored to diverse needs. Her efforts contribute significantly to CoAct’s mission, fostering sustainable employment and strengthening communities. Her belief in the transformative power of employment drives her to create opportunities that lead to lasting employment, enriching lives and enhancing societal well-being.

In her own words, “I am motivated by the transformative power of employment, striving to create pathways that lead individuals to fulfilling and sustainable jobs.”