Board of Governance

Paul is a highly experienced accounting, taxation and business adviser, and a Business Advisory Partner of Byrons – Sydney. As an active Board Member of Byrons, Paul is a highly experienced accounting, taxation, and business advisor. Paul focuses on business improvement and renewal for both his team and clients. Paul is the Chair of Australian College of Christian Studies, a church leader and elder at West Pennant Hills Community Church.

Katie is General Manager, Enterprise Risk Management at Bupa. Katie has 26 years’ experience in accounting, finance and assurance. Her role involves establishing consistent non-financial risk guidance and processes, facilitating Enterprise Risk Committee and Board Risk Committee reporting and supporting the effective management of Bupa’s non-financial Risk Profile. Katie’s past experience includes financial crime compliance and fraud risk and control, working in the Institutional Banking & Markets, Business & Private Banking, Finance Services and Risk Management, as well as external audit in Australia and Canada. Katie is the Chair of the College’s Risk and Audit Committee

With his family from India and being born and raised in Canada, Ben has always appreciated the integration of cultures and ideas and was blessed to be involved in several ministries in his home, church, and community. With degrees in Counselling, Psychology, and Theology, Ben also enjoys the integration and collaboration of various academic disciplines.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Emmaus University and continued his graduate work at Dallas Theological Seminary, earning an MA in Counselling and a PhD in Psychology from the JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences at National University. Ben worked in the Dallas area for several years in private practice and at the nationally known Minirth Clinic, specializing in adolescent rehab and treatment of mental health issues. For the past two decades, Ben has been involved in higher education, helping to develop students and others to think critically and holistically about their faith, profession, and care for others.

Ben is a Board-Certified Counsellor (NCC) and, with over 20 years of experience in higher education and clinical counselling, currently serves as a Professor of Counsellor Education in the School of Counselling (MA & PhD) at Columbia International University (ciu.edu). He also maintains a small counselling practice as a Licensed Professional Counsellor and Supervisor in South Carolina, where he lives with his wife, Jenna, and their four children.

Jose is a born-again believer, currently in fellowship with Cartwright Gospel Chapel in Sydney, Australia. Born into a 4th-generation Brethren family from Kerala, India, with a rich spiritual heritage, his faith journey began when he accepted Christ at the tender age of 9. This marked the beginning of his commitment to studying the Word of God and serving the Lord.

With a strong passion for ministry, Jose has been actively involved in proclamation, teaching, training, equipping, and counselling. As a Licensed Marriage Celebrant, he has had the privilege of officiating the weddings of many young Christian couples in Australia, rejoicing with them as they begin their new life together.

In addition to his theological pursuits, Jose is a man of intellect and innovation. He holds a double Master’s degree in Systematic Theology and in Software Engineering and is currently pursuing his doctorate. With a distinguished career in the IT industry, he has cultivated expertise in pioneering technologies, currently spearheading innovation and research initiatives that harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. By leveraging AI’s cutting-edge advancements, he drives strategic growth, optimises excellence, and fosters technological breakthroughs that redefine industry landscapes.

As a husband and father of three, Jose cherishes his family and is grateful for the blessings they bring to his life. With 16 wonderful years of marriage, he continues to navigate the joys and challenges of family life with faith, love, and dedication. Through his journey, Jose seeks to integrate his faith and profession, using his skills and knowledge to serve the Lord and impact the world around him.

Merilyn Anne Mary Smith is an experienced educator, educational leader and Christian ministry worker with more than four decades of experience in primary education, educational administration and tertiary teaching. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Policy and Planning from the University of Wollongong, a Bachelor of Education (Primary), a Diploma of Teaching (Primary), and a Graduate Certificate in Arts from Sydney College of Divinity.

Mrs Smith served as a primary school teacher and principal with the NSW Department of Education before becoming Head of the Junior School at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, where she provided educational leadership and administration. From 2016 to 2020, she contributed to tertiary education through teaching in areas including Critical Thinking and Writing, Human Life Span and Development, and Self-Care. Her academic leadership roles included Dean of Students, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning, Academic Board member, Chair of the Learning and Teaching Committee, and Coordinator of Student Support Services. She also contributed to the development of Master of Teaching and Bachelor of Education courses.

Mrs Smith served as a Director of Christian Community Ministries (CCCAust Christian Schools) from 2014 to 2020 and has been actively involved in Christian fellowship and ministry through several CCCAust church communities.

James is a pastor, teacher, and network leader committed to equipping the Church through biblically grounded theological formation. He currently serves as Pastor/Elder at Morphett Vale Christian Community Church in Adelaide and as Network Coordinator for Christian Community Churches of South Australia (CCCSA).

With experience in pastoral ministry, leadership development, governance, and inter-church collaboration, he is passionate about equipping leaders for faithful and resilient ministry. He has contributed to church governance at both local and network levels, including serving as Chairperson of the Committee of Management at MVCCC and as the inaugural Secretary of CCCSA, helping establish its governance and organisational framework.

He holds a Bachelor of Theology from the Australian College of Christian Studies and is committed to developing leaders whose ministry flows from a deep trust in the truth of God’s Word and loyalty to King Jesus.

David is the Director for the International Training Project of ACCS. David has a strong business and accounting background coupled with 16 years of Higher Education experience as the Perth Bible College Principal. David is a church leader at Duncraig Community Church, Western Australia. He was a past Chair of the Christian Community Church Australia and is current board member. He is also a board member of Australian College of Christian Studies, Hands and Feet, and Australians in Mission Together. David is a member of the College’s Audit and Risk Committee.

Jeff combines a ministry and business background. Following a career as an engineering consultant with various companies, Jeff was Senior Pastor of Craigmore Christian Church, South Australia for over twenty years, where he also served as Chair of Hope Christian College. With a strong background with the Navigators in evangelism and discipleship, Jeff lectured in those areas for 12 years at the Adelaide College of Ministries, where he also served on the Board. Jeff was a founding board member of the Christian Community Churches of Australia, of which he served as Chair from 2017-2022. He is also a past board member of Christian Community Ministries where he served until 2023. He was Chair of Australian College of Christian Studies from 2017-2023 and is currently a member of the College’s Risk and Audit Committee. In 2022 Jeff returned to his home church CityReach-Oakden, where he preaches regularly and serves as an Authorised Celebrant with CCCAust.