Our Team
Our team
Liz Pennington
CEO and Lived Experience Lead Facilitator
Tumuaki Mataamua/Tumuaki Whiriwhakaaro
A highly respected health and well-being professional, Liz has held executive-level positions across mental health and women’s advocacy organisations. Liz is passionate about the patient experience, working with women to ensure the ovarian cancer community has a strong, united voice.
Madison Walker
Fundraising and Partnerships Manager
Kaiwhakahaere Kaikohi, Kaitakawaenga hoki
Madison is a fundraising and partnerships leader with experience across both governance and executive roles in the not-for-profit sector. She is passionate about growing sustainable income through corporate partnerships, individual giving, events, and digital campaigns, combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
Holly Townsend
Engagement and Support Coordinator
Kaiwhakahaere Hononga, Tautoko hoki
Holly has a background in marketing, having worked in advertising agencies and public sector marketing teams. She supports within all areas of OCFNZ, and is responsible for the day-to-day marketing and awareness raising activities and the administration of our support services.
Kim Marsh
Service Delivery and Finance Administrator
Kaiwhakahaere ngā mahi tautoko me ngā pūtea hoki
With several years’ experience in business, finance and management, along with an extensive background in the not-for-profit sector, Kim is excited to add her expertise to the OCFNZ team. Supporting those in need, creating awareness and making a difference in people’s lives are things she is incredibly passionate about.
Esther Keown
Lived Experience Support Administrator
Kaiwhakarite Tautoko Wāhine kua Tūroro
Esther has a background in sport, women’s health and community support and a passion for supporting women in their health and wellbeing journeys. After her own ovarian cancer experience, she is passionate about advocating for women and improving support for those navigating the disease.
Lisa Almand
Support Facilitator
Kaiwhakarite ngā Rōpū Tautoko
Lisa is a qualified nurse and trained therapist who facilitates our online peer-support groups and funded counselling programme. With a warm, empathetic approach, you will be heard and cared for. Lisa creates a warm and welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and feel supported by others.
Alison Black
Grants Officer
Kaiwhakahaere Kohinga
An experienced grants writer and administrator, Alison has worked with a wide variety of community organisations in New Zealand, with a focus on health and physical well-being related charities. Alison is excited to embark on the journey to secure funding that will enable OCFNZ to continue to make a significant impact for women living with ovarian cancer.
Kelly Conway
Policy Advisor
Kaiwhakarite Tikanga Whakaaro
Kelly has an extensive background as a policy professional, with 25 years of wide ranging experience across both the government and not-for-profit sectors. Kelly is a passionate advocate for women’s health and is strongly committed to advocating for improved ovarian cancer care and research for a cure.
Our Patron
Our Founder
Ele Ludemann
Patron
Tō mātou Kaiwhakarangatira
Appointed 2025
An original Trustee, Ele has passionately supported OCFNZ since it was founded.
Ele is committed to raising the visibility of ovarian cancer in Aotearoa, supporting better care for women across New Zealand, and and improving survival for women with ovarian cancer.
Jane Ludemann
Founder
Tō mātou Kaiwhakapoupoua
BSc BOptom(hons)
Elected 2018
Since Jane’s low-grade serous ovarian cancer diagnosis, she has dedicated her life to improving outcomes for women with ovarian cancer. Prior to her diagnosis, Jane was a practising optometrist, working in private practice and public hospitals in New Zealand and Canada.
Board of Trustees
Alana Allan
Chairperson
Tiamana Poari
BBus PGDipAppPsych
Elected 2021
An operations leader in business transformation and strategy, Alana has experience across change management, technology, strategy, organisational performance and financial services. Alana is passionate about womens’ health in New Zealand and contributing to the community, and has a special interest in not-for-profit governance.
Linda Leonard
Deputy Chairperson
Tiamana Tuarua ā te Poari
Elected 2025
Linda has over 20 years’ leadership experience in New Zealand and the UK, including roles as CEO and Managing Director where she led organisations through growth and transformation. Her own ovarian health journey has inspired her passion to raise awareness and improve outcomes for women and families affected by ovarian cancer in Aotearoa.
Dr Alicia Didsbury
Trustee
Kaitiaki
PhD (Cancer Immunology)
Elected 2021
Alicia leads the Translational Cell Therapy team at the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Science. Alicia is dedicated to supporting research infrastructure and is passionate about advocating for women with ovarian cancer.
Malcolm MacLeod
Treasurer
Kaitiaki Pūtea-ā-Poari
Elected 2025
With over 35 years of management experience, mainly in the travel and tourism sector, Malcolm was motivated to join the team following his wife Sara’s ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2021. This experience made them aware of the disease’s low visibility and the necessity for increased support for those affected. Malcolm is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors with over 25 years of governance experience.
Amanda Southcombe
Trustee
Kaitiaki
Elected 2026
Amanda Southcombe has 25 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, including roles in New Zealand and globally. She brings deep expertise in medicines access, regulatory environments, and healthcare systems. Amanda understands the challenges women face when navigating funded and unfunded treatment options in Aotearoa and is committed to improving access to ovarian cancer treatments.
Kristeen Johnston
Trustee
Kaitiaki
Elected 2026
Kristeen holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies and has an award-winning background in medical sales, training, and business development. She has held local and national volunteer leadership roles with Soroptimist International and Dress for Success Wellington, where she is a Life Member. In 2023, she was named Wellingtonian of the Year for Community Service. Since 2021, she has supported Soroptimist International’s National Project to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and support women affected by the disease.
Dr Rachel Jordan
Trustee
Kaitiaki
MBChB, MPH, PGDipOMG, ClinDipPallMed
Elected 2026
Rachel has a background in public health medicine, women’s health, quality improvement, and health systems awareness. She is committed to supporting systems change to achieve equitable health outcomes. Her experiences working as a junior doctor in gynaecology and palliative care motivated her to join the OCFNZ Board to support ovarian cancer care in Aotearoa. Rachel is passionate about uplifting women’s health, improving women’s journeys through the health system, and prevention.