Our Executive Team

The CEHL executive team …

Our executive team contributes a diverse range of skills and experiences. They are committed to supporting the growth of rental co-operative housing in Victoria.

Liz Thomas

BA GAICD

Managing Director

Liz has over 25 years of leadership experience in finance and housing, specialising in organisational transformation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic growth.

At CEHL, Liz leads the organisation’s long-term strategy and sector advocacy, working to strengthen co-operative housing as a vital part of the Australian housing system.

She is also Chair of the Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance (ACHA), Deputy Chair of Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) Vic and a Director on the Board of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM).

Liz is driven by a passion for innovative, affordable housing solutions and the potential of co-ops to empower people and communities.

Thomas King

CA GAICD
Executive Director, Finance & Investment
 
Tom is a seasoned finance executive with over 25 years’ experience across multinational corporations, government enterprises, and purpose-driven organisations. He has held senior roles at AXA, ANZ, Australia Post and IntoWork Australia, as well as non-executive directorships in the community health sector.

Tom brings deep expertise in financial governance, strategic investment, M&A and performance improvement to CEHL and the leadership of the organisation’s finance and investment functions and the management of more than 2,200 properties across Victoria.

Tom is passionate about building sustainable housing models and is motivated by a commitment to align financial rigour with social purpose.

Alyce Holmes

BCom GradDipBusAnalytics

Executive Director, Co-op & Housing Services

Alyce has experience in the family violence, homelessness and tertiary education sectors, where she has led service design, training, and improvement projects to deliver better outcomes for vulnerable communities.

At CEHL, Alyce leads the team that supports CEHL’s housing co-operatives and works directly with co-op directors to support the long-term sustainability and impact of CEHL’s co-op housing program. 

Alyce is motivated by the potential of co-op housing to deliver secure, community-driven housing.  She brings strong analytical expertise to her role, and she is passionate about how data can improve systems and outcomes.

Fiona MacDonald

MPsych, GradDipHRM, GradDipEthics

Executive Director, People and Culture

Fiona is an accomplished people and culture leader with 20 years of experience supporting organisations in building capability, strengthening governance, and developing inclusive, high-performing teams. She is passionate about leadership development, engagement, and culture strategy and has a strong track record across community-focused organisations.

At CEHL, Fiona leads initiatives to grow leadership capability, enhance employee experience, and embed a values-led culture aligned with CEHL’s purpose and strategic direction.

Fiona is motivated by a deep belief in the potential of values-driven organisations to positively impact people and communities. She is committed to creating environments where individuals feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Bryan Madden

BEc MBA CA

Company Secretary & Strategic Business Advisor

Bryan has over 30 years in financial markets, beginning in academia and equity research before progressing into senior leadership roles, including Managing Director and Board Member positions in stockbroking and funds management. Before joining CEHL, he worked with one of Victoria’s largest family violence and homelessness service providers.

At CEHL, Bryan serves as the Company Secretary, ensuring strong governance practices, regulatory compliance, and effective Board operations that support the organisation’s strategic and legal responsibilities.  He also brings his unique skills and experience to strategic business discussions and decisions.

Bryan is committed to leveraging his financial and governance expertise to support CEHL in delivering a sustainable growth agenda.

What is co-op housing?

A housing co-operative is a community of people who work together to meet their housing needs.

Mel Abrams

Co-op Elected Director

Melanie, a CEHL co-operative member since 2021, is an experienced executive support professional with a background in government, Aboriginal affairs, and the not-for-profit sector. With over 20 years of experience in administration, stakeholder coordination, and cooperative governance, she has supported leaders across sectors and is passionate about community-led housing, inclusion, and social justice.