John Virtue
President
“Trees For Life is a South Australian icon. I’m proud to be President of such a dynamic and respected organisation that professionally conserves and restores our state’s landscapes.”
John is a biosecurity consultant, working nationally to provide strategic, policy and technical services to government, industry and community organisations. Previously he had a long management career in invasive species and biosecurity in the South Australian government. He was awarded the 2021 Dr David Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award, particularly for his national contribution to weed management. John has been a Trees For Life board member since October 2018. His broader Trees For Life involvement goes back over 20 years, as a Bush For Life site volunteer and more recently as a Tree Scheme volunteer grower. He has had a lifelong interest in and commitment to the environment and conservation. He and his partner Peter are restoring biodiversity on their grassy woodland property at Rockleigh, in the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges.
Phil Donaldson
Vice President
“I want to bring my interests and experience in the not for profit sector and Government to deepen the relationship between urban and rural communities in delivering the Trees For Life mission.”
Phil is passionate about working locally to create global impacts. He is currently Director of Sustain SA, and co-facilitator of Adelaide Design Link, The Australian Living Lab Innovation Network and Green Cities Global. Phil aspires to see urban communities playing a larger role in tackling climate change impacts and keeping our cities cool. Phil is Chief Executive Officer at Bioregional Australia Foundation.
Marina Deaville
Treasurer
“I am very pleased to have this opportunity to share my experience in managing financial sustainability, risk mitigation and strategic direction for the benefit of Trees For Life.”
Marina has been responsible for corporate finances across many sectors - construction in Hong Kong, automotive manufacturing in the UK and USA and, most recently, for environment and healthcare not for profits in Adelaide. She lives in the Adelaide Hills and has a desire to reconnect with nature and expand her contribution to protecting and preserving the local environment.
Bryce Winter
Secretary
“I am proud to be associated with Trees For Life. It is a wonderful community of people who passionately restore and protect South Australian landscapes."
Bryce is a management consultant with expertise in strategic planning, governance, organisational development, and technology. He has worked at the highest levels with many institutions in Australia, Asia, Africa, and throughout the Pacific.
Bryce has a Masters degree in International and Community Development, and has Bachelor degrees in Business Management and IT.
Cheryl Lierton
Member
“I believe in the importance of the Trees For Life mission, and I’m excited that I can use my skills and knowledge to ensure its great work continues and grows.”
Cheryl is the Executive Manager of Community Services at Uniting Communities and has worked in the not for profit sector for over 20 years. Cheryl brings experience in government relations, tendering and reporting, advocacy, risk management, financial management and volunteer management. Cheryl is also a landholder in the Adelaide Hills.
Sheree Brooks
Member
"I am excited to be a part of the Trees For Life Board and look forward to the opportunity to combine my professional skills with my interest in the survival of South Australia’s natural landscapes despite our changing climate."
Sheree brings strategic experience from the health sector and holds a Master of Business Administration. She has been a volunteer grower with Trees For Life since 2018, and is passionate about ensuring the survival of flora and fauna in South Australia.
Frances Carter
Member
"I am passionate about the restoration and conservation of South Australia's natural heritage. Trees For Life has been and will continue to play a vital role in preserving our unique landscapes, and I am honoured to be part of this legacy."
With qualifications in Science, Business and Accounting, Frances is a sustainability professional and was a Director at Conservation Capital, with expertise in natural capital financing, natural resource management and nature-based solutions as well as a passion for protecting the environment.
Derek Nagle
Member
"I consider Trees for Life a SA community icon and I am looking forward to lending my skills and experience to the organisation and helping it deliver on its mission.”
Derek is a management consultant, providing project and operations management, corporate governance and Board advisory services leveraging over 30 years of engineering management experience gained in Australia and overseas. Derek has an MBA, a bachelor’s degree in engineering, a graduate diploma of economics of sustainability and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Susie Williams
Member
"With a deep love for South Australia’s landscapes, I’m excited to bring my experience to Trees for Life to help protect and restore our natural environment.”
Susie Williams grew up on a farm in rural South Australia, fostering a strong connection to the land from an early age. With over 35 years of experience in agricultural research and consulting—specialising in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—she brings a depth of knowledge in land management and sustainable practices. Having lived in many rural regions, Susie has gained valuable insights into community resilience and environmental stewardship. Through her work with the Fleurieu App and Coast Lines Magazine, she has connected people, supported local businesses, and championed conservation initiatives across regional South Australia.