Our Board of Directors

Meet our 2022/2023 Board of Directors

Julia Selby - President

"I hope to contribute to the long-term sustainability of NSTE for future generations, building on the work of others to maintain its welcoming presence as a Progressive synagogue for our community, as well as demonstrating a commitment to the wider community through tikkun olam. "

Julia has been associated with NSTE since her parents joined as early members in 1961, when she was in primary school.  She became a member herself over 20 years ago when she returned to Sydney after living interstate and overseas as her career developed. Since 2017 Julia has chaired NSTE’s Jews for Social Action (JSA).  Julia joined the board in 2018 and assumed the Secretary/Treasurer role in 2019. She became President in May 2021.

In her career, Julia worked in student administration and management at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) from 2004-2015, and was also Company Secretary from 2008-2016. Prior to joining NIDA, she had a long career with the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), including serving overseas as a Trade Commissioner, as well as having a range of roles in Australia.

Julia’s not for profit board experience includes being on the board of an independent school for more than 10 years.

Portfolio Responsibilities

• Finance, General Executive responsibilities, Governance, NSTE Programming Committee

Volunteering – NSTE

• Jews for Social Action
• Warden

Robin Braun - Vice President

Rob grew up on a dairy farm in George, South Africa where he learned to milk the cows. This was a skill which he later put to good use on a kibbutz refet when living in Israel. His schooling was at SACS in Cape Town. Rob and his wife Cathy have three children. They moved to Australia in 1998.

After working in industry for 10 years, he turned to academia and is now Professor of Telecommunications Engineering at University of Technology Sydney.

Rob is passionate about turning his skills and experience to benefit the community. He is thrilled to be able to join the Board of NSTE and make whatever contribution he can.

Geoff Wolf - Vice President

"NSTE is at a unique point in its history and I am honoured to join the Board of Directors and make a contribution to the organisation that has provided so much to my family  and to the community."

Geoff and his family have enjoyed a lifelong association with NSTE, with his parents being founding members and Geoff meeting his wife, Jenny, in the early days of our youth groups. In later years, Geoff and Jenny married on our campus (incidentally it was the last wedding in the former Sanctuary, now occupied by the Preschool!), and they saw both their daughters attend the Preschool and experience their B’nei Mitzvah with us.

Geoff’s background is in the hospitality and hotel industry and he is currently involved in the retirement and aged care sector.

He was appointed as Vice President in May 2018.

Portfolio Responsibilities

• To be confirmed

Volunteering – NSTE

I have been an NSTE member for most of my life and have helped in a variety of capacities over many years including:

• Volunteering at the NSTE fetes that were held in the now Westfield carpark
• Co-chair for several Jubilee events
• Volunteer at many  Senior Citizens Concerts
• Warden

Agnes Heffernan - Treasurer

Agnes Heffernan joined the board in August 2021 and is Treasurer,  She is a longstanding member of NSTE and is a chartered accountant, with experience both in private practice and in the education sector.  She also has a long association with B'nai Brith.

Greta Davis - Board Member