Our People

John Salvaris BEc CA CPA

Chairman Snowdome Foundation
Partner KPMG

“I have personally been impacted by blood cancer. Through Snowdome and The Wilson Centre I can contribute to saving lives and taking blood cancer treatment to the next level”

John Salvaris is a Partner with KPMG specialising in corporate tax matters for financial services organisations.

He has over 29 years of experience advising large corporate groups on domestic and international tax matters and is a key tax adviser on some of Australia’s largest organisations.

John has been associated with Snowdome since November 2015 when he joined Snowdome’s Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

Prof Richard Boyd BSc (Hons) PhD

Chief Scientific Advisor, Cartherics Pty. Ltd

“My scientific life has focused on the importance of developing immune-based therapies against cancer. The Snowdome Foundation is an inspiring group, providing an extraordinary opportunity to help fund the research essential to improving the lives of blood cancer patients.”

Professor Richard Boyd is an international leader in the field of thymus-based T cell immunology which has important applications in attacking cancers and overcoming immunodeficiencies caused by chemotherapy but also natural ageing.

After more than three decades of immune system research in academia, including being Director of the department of Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories, where he also headed the Stem Cells and Immune Regeneration laboratory, he was the founding Chief Scientific Officer of Cartherics Pty Ltd. This is a new Melbourne based immunotherapy biotechnology company which combines NK cells, T cells, genetic engineering and stem cells to “supercharge” the immune system to attack cancer. They are developing low cost, highly accessible “off-the-shelf” cancer killing cells from induced pluripotential stem cells.

Richard was a member of the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Faculty and has also developed extensive international collaborations. He was founding Director of the Australian node of the Sino-Australian Centre for Excellence in Stem Cells. He remains an Honorary Fellow of the Hudson Institute for Medical Research.

Richard has published over 300 scientific papers and has had a major role in the education of undergraduate and over 100 postgraduate students at Monash University. In 2003 he was awarded an Australian Federal Government Centenary Medal for International Research and Teaching and in 2004 the Australian Federal Government Business/Higher Education Round Table Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research and Development, Education and Training. In 2015, he was awarded the Burnet Oration Award, Australasian Society of Immunology, Canberra, Australia.

Helen Buckingham OAM BA DiP Ed Grad Dip Careers AICD Dip

Retired MP
Blood cancer patient advocate

“As a blood cancer patient, I am personally committed to supporting blood cancer research and treatment.”

Helen has always taken an active role in her community. She has served on the Board of Box Hill Hospital, and in 1997 was elected as a Councillor in the City of Whitehorse. Helen also served as Mayor in 1998 and continued to serve as a Councillor until 2002.

Helen was a member of the Legislative Council of the Victorian Parliament from 2002-2006.

Helen has been a member of both Deakin University Council and Box Hill TAFE Board. She spends her time serving on NFP Boards and lobbying on behalf of those with blood cancers.

Helen was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2004.

Helen Gandel PhC

Philanthropist

“I have a personal connection to blood cancer and am passionate that Australian blood cancer patients should gain access to the latest treatments as fast as possible.”

There is no doubt that family and philanthropy are two of Helen’s strongest passions. She has proudly raised four children and has instilled in them strong family values and the importance of giving back to the community.

Helen qualified as a Pharmacist and is currently a director of Gandel Invest. She is actively involved in operating businesses as well as subdivisions and apartment developments. Together with her husband Tony, she supports many different philanthropic organisations both financially and actively.

Helen’s strong philanthropic ethic led her to Snowdome. Joining Snowdome as an Ambassador in 2013, Helen became an integral part of several fundraising committees including the Great Shake Up, the Bloody Good Dinner and Snowball events.

Helen joined the Snowdome Development Committee and became a member of the Snowdome Foundation Board of Directors in 2016.

Mark Inston

Partner, Banking and Finance, Hall & Wilcox

“Snowdome truly inspires me. I’m motivated by the dedication and focus of the board and executive team in advancing the Snowdome mission. I’m also inspired by the generosity of Snowdome’s supporters and by the courage of those Snowdome supports in their fight against blood cancer.”

Mark has over 28 years of experience advising banks and corporate borrowers, working at UK, German and Australian law firms. Before studying law, Mark had a career in the British Diplomatic Service, serving in the UK, Nigeria and Belgium.

Mark is the Chair of the Snowdome Lymphoma Governance Committee for Snowdome Foundation and a member of Snowdome’s Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, both positions he has held since 2019.

Mark joined the Board in October 2024.

Amanda Jones B App Sc, Grad Dip IP Law FIPTA

IP Professional

“The clinical trials and research supported by Snowdome will translate to improved outcomes for Australian blood cancer patients, one of whom is my sister. ”

Amanda started her professional life as a medical scientist working in haematology in both diagnostic and research laboratories in Australia and the UK. She later qualified as a Patent and Trade Marks Attorney and her patent practice focussed on pharmaceutical chemistry, biotechnology, vaccine technology, nutraceuticals and medical diagnostics. Amanda has a strong interest in innovation and the application of biotechnology in the health sector and she has worked at the intersection of technology, law and business for over 25 years.

Amanda was motivated to support Snowdome and its mission to accelerate new treatments for blood cancer patients after her sister was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2011. Amanda has been awarded a Fulbright Future Scholarship for 2021 and has spent time in the USA with LLS USA and the University of Pennsylvania to learn more about the philanthropic funding of CAR T-cell therapy and strategies that can be adopted by Snowdome and others to make this immunotherapy accessible to more blood cancer patients in Australia.

Amanda joined the Board in December 2014.

John Nevins BEcon GDipPubPol MAICD

“When receiving chemotherapy in 2013 before a stem cell transplant in 2014, the knowledge that medical research and the treatments for leukaemia had advanced to the point that I could be successfully treated and then resume a normal life gave myself and my family hope. This hope was the light on the horizon in my treatment journey.

Being on the Board of Snowdome for me is a highly valued opportunity to support blood cancer research and clinical trials to give even more hope to other blood cancer patients and their families.”

John, now semi-retired, has worked in Local Government, Public Transport and the Victorian Public Service. His previous roles include being a long term Chief Executive Officer, General Manager Corporate Services, Internal Auditor and Economist. In addition to his involvement with Snowdome, John is also a member of the Prahran Market Board and Chair of the Symphony 3 Pty Ltd Board.

John joined the Snowdome Board of Directors in 2023 and is Chair of Snowdome’s Finance Audit & Risk Committee.

Dr Andrew Pascoe MBBS

Executive Chairman, Asia Pacific eHealth Group

“I have been involved in many organisations, but Snowdome is a standout. Funds donated are efficiently employed to enable Australian patients to benefit from world leading treatments to manage blood cancers. I feel honoured to be involved.”

Andrew is executive chairman of the Asia Pacific eHealth Group (APeHG), which is involved in bringing innovative cloud based electronic health record solutions, Telemedicine and decision support to health professionals, patients and health insurers and throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Andrew completed his medical training at Monash University and is an active medical practitioner of over 30 years.

Andrew was co-founder of Medical One. Medical One is one of Australia’s largest privately owned health businesses and consists of a large number of multi-disciplinary Primary Care centres, an executive health division Zedmed (a provider medical software to Australian doctors), and MRE, managing health records for the insurance industry.

He is a passionate supporter of the Swans in the AFL and sits on the Sydney Swans foundation board.
Andrew has actively managed many patients with blood cancers in General Practice and is delighted to be able to help with Snowdome’s fantastic work.

Professor H Miles Prince AM MBBS (Hons) MD FRACP FRCPA AFRCMA MACD FAHMS

Blood cancer specialist and researcher
Co-founder, Snowdome Foundation

“I’ve spent my life trying to get new treatments to patients, faster. The Snowdome Foundation will accelerate the cause beyond belief.”

Miles is a Professor of Medicine at both Melbourne and Monash Universities and Professor/Director of Molecular Oncology and Cancer Immunology at Epworth Healthcare and Haematologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne. He trained in Melbourne, Sydney and Toronto. He holds Fellowships in the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators, Australasian College of Dermatologists and is a Fellow of the Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

He has a very active research program involving clinical research and laboratory research – the latter involving stem cell research, epigenetics, cell engineering and cancer immunology. He has been involved in dozens of clinical trials of new therapies for blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma and holds prestigious grants including being a chief investigator for a series of Program Grants from the NHMRC in cancer immunology, and large translational research grants from the USA and Europe. He is the recent Chairman of the medical scientific advisory group to the Myeloma Foundation of Australia. Miles is also on the board of the MFA, is Chairman of the Australian T-cell Lymphoma Network and on the Board of the International Society of Cutaneous Lymphoma. He has published over 520 peer-reviewed manuscripts, is a reviewer for numerous scientific journals and a medical advisor to a variety of government and pharmaceutical bodies.

Grant Rutherford BA Graphic Design

Creative & Brand Consultant
Co-Founder, Snowdome Foundation, Co-Founder East of Everything

“From co-founding Snowdome after my daughter Chloe’s passing from Leukaemia, to the cutting edge treatments and cures that have now helped save her grandmother from her own blood cancer, our Foundation’s success for me is easy to measure.”

Grant graduated from Swinburne Institute of Technology in 1989 with a Degree in Graphic Design.

His advertising career has seen him rise from Junior Art Director to Chief Creative Officer across many creative Australian agencies including George Patterson Y&R, Clemenger BBDO, DDB Group Melbourne, Publicis and the Monkeys (Melbourne and Sydney).

Grant’s work has been acknowledged personally with over 450 National and International awards, including Cannes Lions, One Show, New York Festivals, AWARD and D&AD. At one point, he was recognised in the top 5 creatives / art directors in the world.

Over the years Grant has been acknowledged as ‘Creative Leader of the Year’ title at the Melbourne Advertising and Design Club for creative contribution to the industry and his work has been included in the permanent collection at the MoMA in New York and the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, namely Carlton Draught’s ‘Big Ad’.

He has also served on a number of marketing bodies, notably, The Communications Council (Australasia’s peak body representing agencies in the marketing communications industry to media, government and the public), the Australasian Writers and Art Directors Club (AWARD) and President of the Melbourne Advertising and Design Club (MADC).

But to Grant, awards and titles don’t amount to much, unless you can use your position and creativity for good. In 2010, after the death of his precious daughter Chloe to Leukaemia, Grant co-founded The Snowdome Foundation.

In 2019 Grant co-founded East of Everything, a strategic / creative consultancy that helps brands identify their vision and purpose.

Rob Tandy BSc MPC

Co-founder, Snowdome Foundation

“I want my children to grow up remembering their grandfather, who was diagnosed with Myeloma just one month after our first child was born.”

Rob has always had an active role in charitable organisations. He led the Cancer Council Victoria’s Young People’s Committee, supported the Lighthouse Foundation, Melbourne City Mission and was a committee member of the Property Council Australia, Victorian Charity Ball.

When Rob’s father was diagnosed with Myeloma in 2009, Rob was determined to do all he could to ensure his newborn son got to know his grandfather. With a diverse background but values entrenched in giving, Rob was motivated to cofound the Snowdome Foundation.

Rob’s background is diverse. He has a science degree in genetics, has project managed multi-million dollar property projects and more recently was responsible for the management of a large tourism business. As CEO of Captain’s Choice, he helped enrich people’s lives through life changing travel journeys.

Rob is an active board member and is passionate about the importance of philanthropy in driving clinical research to find a cure for blood cancers.

Anna Whitlam BBus (HR & Marketing)

CEO, WhitlamCo. Executive Search & Advisory

Anna brings over 25 years of international experience in enhancing corporate reputations through strategic people advisory. As a leader in the Asia-Pacific region, she specialises in designing C-Suite functions and securing top executives to lead them.

In November 2023, Anna founded WhitlamCo., an APAC executive search and advisory firm specialising in the functions that build reputation, trust and stakeholder value.

Until July 2023, Anna led the APAC People Advisory practice for Teneo, a US headquartered CEO advisory firm. A serial entrepreneur, Anna founded and sold her business, AWPeople, to Teneo in 2021, and earlier in her career, founded, Market U, which she later sold in 2008 to global management consulting firm WDScott.

On a personal note, Anna was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014 but achieved remission in 2017 with the care of Prof. Miles Prince. She’s deeply grateful for Snowdome’s commitment to accelerating next-generation treatments to help Australians diagnosed with blood cancer live longer, better lives.

Her credentials include a Bachelor of Business and Directors’ accreditation from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Anna is also a Harvard Business School and INSEAD alumna, and a proud member of Chief Executive Women (CEW), advocating for diversity at both board and c-suite levels.

Kirstee Macbeth

Chief Executive

“Understanding the acute loss of a beloved family member from multiple myeloma and the enormity of the projected impact of blood cancers by 2035 are what motivates me to do whatever I can to assist Snowdome in achieving its mission.”

Kirstee is Chief Executive of the Snowdome Foundation and serves on its Board of Directors as Company Secretary. Kirstee has a strong track record in building, growing and transforming public, private and charitable organisations throughout Australia, the UK and Europe. Prior to joining Snowdome in October 2020, Kirstee ran her own strategy consultancy and advisory business in Scotland, helping grow successful businesses in sectors including fine arts, culture, tourism, retail, finance and government, alongside a three-year tenure as Vice President of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

Tanya Jörgensen

Head of Operations

“My loved ones who were touched by blood cancer drive me to support research efforts that will improve outcomes for others. Every step forward in blood cancer research is a victory.”

Tanya is a skilled quality and risk professional with over 20 years’ experience gained in the market research industry. Having successfully delivered projects during her time at Sweeney Research and EY, Tanya brings a wealth of knowledge to Snowdome. As an accomplished collaborator, she is committed to the effective governance and administration of Snowdome’s grants portfolio working closely with stakeholders.

Tanya is thrilled to support Snowdome in achieving their mission and making a real difference to Australian blood cancer patients.

Margaret Dandis

ALA Administration Manager

“Everyone involved at Snowdome is committed to ‘making hope real’ for the many Australians touched by blood cancer, including my family. The energy here is amazing!”

Margaret has a background in the finance sector in Banking, Marketing, Communications and Event Management. She held a range of positions at the Commonwealth Bank before moving to a Sales & Marketing position with National Mortgage Brokers. Margaret has since decided to focus her energy on Event Management and Marketing, as well as supporting great causes within the not for profit sector.

Joining Snowdome has provided Margaret with the opportunity to use the skills and experience gained in the corporate sector within an organisation that is making a difference to people’s lives.

Elian de la Rosa Gomez

Engagement Manager (Events)

“I believe in second chances, and the power of people working together to make hope real. I wish for someday a person diagnosed with blood cancer will not see it as such a scary thing, I hope one day everyone will have access to the best possible treatments and to get the best outcome.”

Elian joins the Snowdome Foundation with a background in event management and sales. Elian graduated University with a double bachelor’s degree in business administration and hospitality management. Following her degree Elian completed a diploma in wedding and event planning, styling and design.

Elian has experience from some well-known companies such as; Marriott Hotels, MCEC, The Atlantic Group, The Fat Duck Group (Heston Blumenthal), Blakes Feast and Curtis Stone Events.

Elian’s warmth and love of connecting with people shines through immediately. She is very proud to be a part of a team determined to make every day count in the pursuit of finding better treatments for blood cancer patients.

Jess Bucci

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

I am passionate about making a meaningful impact, and working at the Snowdome Foundation allows me to do so by contributing to the achievement of our vision, to give every Australian blood cancer patient the best opportunity for a cure.

Jess joins the Snowdome Foundation with a background in the not-for-profit sector. She is nearing the completion of a Bachelor of Business (Marketing Major), having previously completed a Diploma of Event Management. She is highly motivated and enthusiastic about making a difference.

Marlena Assenza

Executive Assistant

“In everything I do, I am driven by a deep sense of purpose and compassion for others. I understand the importance of my role in supporting the foundation’s mission, and I am dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, families, and communities impacted by these diseases.”

Marlena has a diverse healthcare background, with over 10 years’ experience in administration, sales, support work and clinical screening. Together with the rest of the Foundation’s team, she is committed to advancing research, providing hope and support, and ultimately, finding cures for blood cancers. As an executive assistant for Snowdome, her role is multifaceted, dynamic, and vital to the organisation’s success in fighting against blood cancers. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to support the foundation’s mission of advancing research, providing support to patients and families, and raising awareness about blood cancers.