Home Governance The Board
The Board
The Fund is directed by serving and retired NSW Ambulance staff. Directors approve every benefit payment and set the annual fee.
Mark Gibbs ASM, JP
Chair
Mark is a values-driven executive leader with experience across metropolitan and regional operational, clinical and emergency service environments. He brings a strong commitment to purpose-led governance and strategic planning, ensuring organisations remain mission-aligned while delivering meaningful outcomes for the communities they serve.
With a strong commitment to providing innovative, effective leadership to boards, executive teams, and frontline service networks, Mark is passionate about creating sustainable systems that advance quality, safety, and equity in service delivery, principles that closely align with the ethos of the not-for-profit sector.
Mark consistently drives high-performing, learning-focused cultures that encourage constructive feedback, capability development, and accountability.
He has a proven record of achieving strong business performance outcomes, elevating service standards, and enhancing patient and community experience in line with organisational values and strategic objectives. Mark brings thoughtful judgement, operational expertise, and a collaborative mindset to board deliberations, contributing to sustainable impact, trust, and long-term organisational resilience.
Committees
Member Governance Committee
Term ends
2026
JV
James (Jamie) Vernon ASM, JP
Vice Chair
Jamie retired in 2018 as Assistant Commissioner, NSW Ambulance, after a career spanning frontline ambulance officer and paramedic roles, followed by more than 20 years as a Superintendent. His final seven years were as Assistant Commissioner and Director of NSW Ambulance's Control Division.
He has exceptional command-level expertise in emergency operations, with unique experience in emergency call-taking, dispatch, and supervisory oversight. He led major operational reforms and large-scale change programs, including policy and procedural updates, roster reform, business practice changes, award variations, and multiple reviews focused on improving operational efficiency.
Now retired, he lives in Lake Macquarie. He teaches First Aid and CPR with Royal Life Saving, travels regularly to the United States to visit family, and enjoys swimming, golf, and gardening.
Term ends
2027
MS
Michael Smith
Secretary / Treasurer
Committees
Chair, Finance, Audit & Risk Committee
Term ends
2027
John Bruning FIML, GAICD
Appointed Director
Strategic, values-driven CEO with more than 12 years of executive leadership in health, education, and member-based organisations. Demonstrated success in leading strategic transformation, shaping national health policy, and embedding future-ready, high-performing cultures. Accomplished in governance, stakeholder engagement, financial stewardship, and digital innovation, with a strong record of delivering sustainable outcomes. Adept at navigating complex regulatory environments and forging collaborative partnerships across government, regulators, academia, and clinical sectors. Committed to equity, and human-centric leadership, and inspired by opportunities to create meaningful impact for people and communities.
Committees
Chair, Governance Committee
Member, Finance, Audit & Risk Committee
Term ends
2026
Peter Lang JP, FACPara
Director
Peter Lang is an experienced regional NSW educator, leader and clinician with a long standing commitment to advancing paramedicine and improving professional standards. A director of the Fund for more than a decade, he contributes strong strategic, governance, and financial expertise. As former Director and Chair of the College of Paramedicine (ANZ), he helped drive the development of national paramedic registration, CPD and sector membership growth. He currently serves as Deputy President and practitioner member of the Paramedicine Council, supporting regulatory oversight and promoting safe professional practice. With broad community board experience, Peter brings practical focus, collaborative leadership, financial acumen, and a strong ethical framework to mission-driven organisations.
Committees
Member, Finance, Audit & Risk Committee
Member, Governance Committee
Term ends
2028
William Edwards JP
Director
A senior leader within NSW Ambulance with extensive experience in operational leadership, including roles as Station Manager, Duty Operations Manager and Health Relations Manager. Will has managed complex complaints, stakeholder engagement and organisational risk, bringing a disciplined, evidence-based approach to governance and decision-making. He holds tertiary qualifications in Health Science, Exercise Physiology and Paramedicine, and is known for a values-driven leadership style focused on accountability, transparency and member interests. Appointed as an APF Director, Will is committed to the long-term sustainability of the Fund and effective stewardship on behalf of members.
Term ends
2028
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