Our Board
President – Peter Stubbs
Peter was the CEO of the Canberra Racing Club from 2006 to 2018; an Executive Director of the Australian Racing Board from 2006 to 2015; and on the Board of Pegasus since November 2014. He has a Masters of Management from the Australian National University (ANU), complementing a career in management.
Peter has been the President of Pegasus for the past three years and in 2018, has overseen a major restructure of the organisation, which will set the foundation for the future of Pegasus. Peter stepped down from the President’s role at the 2018 AGM and nominated for the role of Vice President, to allow him to join the Growth Advisory Sub Committee under the new organisational structure. It is his intention in this role to assist the General Managers as required in the implementation of the new structure and ensure that the organisation is aligned to Pegasus’ strategic plan.
Peter has been the President of Pegasus for the past three years and in 2018, has overseen a major restructure of the organisation, which will set the foundation for the future of Pegasus. Peter stepped down from the President’s role at the 2018 AGM and nominated for the role of Vice President, to allow him to join the Growth Advisory Sub Committee under the new organisational structure. It is his intention in this role to assist the General Managers as required in the implementation of the new structure and ensure that the organisation is aligned to Pegasus’ strategic plan.
Vice President – Wendy Gould
As Raytheon’s Talent Director, Wendy is responsible for leading a national team in the design and implementation of talent management programs, including training, leadership and career development programs as well as heading up Raytheon’s Talent Acquisition team.
During her career as a maritime logistician, Wendy provided logistics support to the RAN’s frigates, submarines, patrol boats and mine-hunting capabilities. In the last five years of her Navy career, she turned her attention to ‘giving back’ to future generations of men and women in the military. In 2013, Wendy was appointed to the position of Strategic Women’s Adviser, providing advice to the Chief of Navy and Defence senior leadership on the employment of women. In this role, Wendy oversaw the design and implementation of a number of strategic initiatives to increase the participation of women in the Navy. Among other things, Wendy was responsible for implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution (SCR) 1325 – Women, Peace and Security across Navy, ensuring a gender perspective was embedded in all Navy operations. In her last 18 months of service, Wendy was appointed as Director of the Navy’s Culture Reform Program (New Generation Navy), and was responsible for leading culture reform across Navy; for implementing a number of strategic initiatives to maintain Navy’s culture; and for co-ordinating Navy’s part in a wider Defence collaboration with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
In the time Wendy has spent out of the Navy, which has included employment in the banking industry, Defence Housing Australia and now Raytheon, Wendy has held a variety of interesting and challenging roles leading projects and large teams in complex environments. These experiences have augured well for Wendy in her current role as she continues to embed inclusive practices into her day to day responsibilities, including facilitation of individual and team leadership and development activities.
Wendy completed her Masters (Strategy and Management) through UNSW in 2016 and is accredited in a number of behavioural and team development tools. She is a qualified Organisational Executive Coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) and qualified Prince 2 Practitioner.
Wendy continues her association with Navy through regular reserve work in capturing the personal stories of men and women, through the RAN Oral History Program and provides co-ordination support to the Navy’s Youth Safety Framework. Wendy began her journey with Pegasus in 2014 as a participant in the then annual Pegasus Charity ride and has begun volunteering (as time permits) this year.
During her career as a maritime logistician, Wendy provided logistics support to the RAN’s frigates, submarines, patrol boats and mine-hunting capabilities. In the last five years of her Navy career, she turned her attention to ‘giving back’ to future generations of men and women in the military. In 2013, Wendy was appointed to the position of Strategic Women’s Adviser, providing advice to the Chief of Navy and Defence senior leadership on the employment of women. In this role, Wendy oversaw the design and implementation of a number of strategic initiatives to increase the participation of women in the Navy. Among other things, Wendy was responsible for implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution (SCR) 1325 – Women, Peace and Security across Navy, ensuring a gender perspective was embedded in all Navy operations. In her last 18 months of service, Wendy was appointed as Director of the Navy’s Culture Reform Program (New Generation Navy), and was responsible for leading culture reform across Navy; for implementing a number of strategic initiatives to maintain Navy’s culture; and for co-ordinating Navy’s part in a wider Defence collaboration with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
In the time Wendy has spent out of the Navy, which has included employment in the banking industry, Defence Housing Australia and now Raytheon, Wendy has held a variety of interesting and challenging roles leading projects and large teams in complex environments. These experiences have augured well for Wendy in her current role as she continues to embed inclusive practices into her day to day responsibilities, including facilitation of individual and team leadership and development activities.
Wendy completed her Masters (Strategy and Management) through UNSW in 2016 and is accredited in a number of behavioural and team development tools. She is a qualified Organisational Executive Coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) and qualified Prince 2 Practitioner.
Wendy continues her association with Navy through regular reserve work in capturing the personal stories of men and women, through the RAN Oral History Program and provides co-ordination support to the Navy’s Youth Safety Framework. Wendy began her journey with Pegasus in 2014 as a participant in the then annual Pegasus Charity ride and has begun volunteering (as time permits) this year.
Treasurer – Tony Curtis
Tony has been the principal of Anthony Curtis and Co. – a chartered accounting practice – for 26 years. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia; has been on the board of Sharing Places Inc. for the last ten years; is also an inaugural board member with Oncology Massage Ltd and has served on this board for five years.
His impetus for joining the Pegasus board was to help Pegasus predominantly in its finance and administration areas; he has served on the board for five years.
His impetus for joining the Pegasus board was to help Pegasus predominantly in its finance and administration areas; he has served on the board for five years.
Secretary – Karen Peel
Karen is an experienced Senior Executive in HR and Change Management and has worked across the private and public sector with a career spanning over 20 years. She is currently working as an independent HR and Change Management Consultant, focusing on HR consultancy, coaching and mentoring, scribing and shortlisting services for senior executives. She is a passionate senior leader who looks to the future.
Karen was formerly a Senior Associate with Beca, working primarily in the Defence and National Security portfolio, providing strategic human resource advice, relationship management skills and management advisory services. Her career has included working in international policy, social policy and service delivery across all levels of government. However, her main focus has been in corporate roles working in human resources, ministerial, parliamentary, communication and governance areas. She has acted in Senior Executive roles numerous times across a couple of departments and has led teams of up to 250 staff across numerous geographical locations, managing budgets in excess of $10 million.
As the Director of Workplace Relations she was also the internal HR expert and representative in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Enterprise Bargaining team. She has extensive experience liaising across Government and the private sector and has also held roles in Minister’s officers in the Defence portfolio.
Karen has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences and forums focusing on HR and Leadership. She has a passion for community service and was a Committee Chair and Joeys Leader for her local Scout Group for over 4 years. She is also a regular supporter of Home in Queanbeyan, a community run organisation that provides long term housing to disadvantaged people in the community.
Karen was formerly a Senior Associate with Beca, working primarily in the Defence and National Security portfolio, providing strategic human resource advice, relationship management skills and management advisory services. Her career has included working in international policy, social policy and service delivery across all levels of government. However, her main focus has been in corporate roles working in human resources, ministerial, parliamentary, communication and governance areas. She has acted in Senior Executive roles numerous times across a couple of departments and has led teams of up to 250 staff across numerous geographical locations, managing budgets in excess of $10 million.
As the Director of Workplace Relations she was also the internal HR expert and representative in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Enterprise Bargaining team. She has extensive experience liaising across Government and the private sector and has also held roles in Minister’s officers in the Defence portfolio.
Karen has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences and forums focusing on HR and Leadership. She has a passion for community service and was a Committee Chair and Joeys Leader for her local Scout Group for over 4 years. She is also a regular supporter of Home in Queanbeyan, a community run organisation that provides long term housing to disadvantaged people in the community.
Director – Gerry Christian AM
Gerry has served on the Board of Pegasus since November 2015 and brings a wealth of Strategic Planning experience. Born in Auckland NZ, Gerry moved to Australia in 1975 and served 33 years in the Royal Australian Navy. Prior to joining Beca two years ago, Gerry worked for seven years as an International Business Development Director for the Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training and fourteen months with the German company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. He has extensive experience in strategy, business development and customer relations in both the Australian and New Zealand Government sectors. Since joining the corporate sector in 2009, Gerry has continued to leverage his naval service leadership skills, operational experience and adapt his strategic thinking to the corporate and not-for-profit sectors.
Gerry was a Seaman Officer in the Royal Australian Navy who specialised in Above Water Warfare and rose to the rank of Commodore. He served in command of HMAS NEWCASTLE from 2002 to 2004, including duties as the Multi-National Naval Task Group Commander in Iraq in late 2003. He also commanded HMAS MELBOURNE from 1996 to 1998, the shore establishment HMAS COONAWARRA in 2000 and he was the inaugural Force Element Group Commander for the RAN Patrol Boat Group from 2000 to 2002. Promoted in 2005 to Flag rank, Commodore Christian represented his country and served as Naval Attaché (Washington) for two years. Gerry is a graduate of the Naval Command College at the United States Naval War College, Rhode Island, where he simultaneously completed MBA studies at Salve Regina University in 1999. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) degree from Deakin University. On Australia Day 2005 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for “his exceptional service in supporting operational capability”. Gerry is a Graduate of the Australian Company Directors Course in 2014.
Gerry was a Seaman Officer in the Royal Australian Navy who specialised in Above Water Warfare and rose to the rank of Commodore. He served in command of HMAS NEWCASTLE from 2002 to 2004, including duties as the Multi-National Naval Task Group Commander in Iraq in late 2003. He also commanded HMAS MELBOURNE from 1996 to 1998, the shore establishment HMAS COONAWARRA in 2000 and he was the inaugural Force Element Group Commander for the RAN Patrol Boat Group from 2000 to 2002. Promoted in 2005 to Flag rank, Commodore Christian represented his country and served as Naval Attaché (Washington) for two years. Gerry is a graduate of the Naval Command College at the United States Naval War College, Rhode Island, where he simultaneously completed MBA studies at Salve Regina University in 1999. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) degree from Deakin University. On Australia Day 2005 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for “his exceptional service in supporting operational capability”. Gerry is a Graduate of the Australian Company Directors Course in 2014.
Director – Becky Layton
Becky has a longstanding relationship with Pegasus, beginning close to 40 years ago, when she first started as a junior volunteer. Since then, she has fulfilled a wide range of roles (paid and volunteer) including being the Administration Manager, Executive Officer, and Level 1 Coach. Becky has also had much broader experience with RDA Australia over the years, including Coach at RDA Top End (Darwin), development of RDAAs first Coach education workbook, attendance at RDAA Council meetings, and in the role of RDAA High Performance Manager.
Becky has been fortunate and grateful to have developed her riding skills under the tutelage of Pegasus founder, Bid Williams, and previous Pegasus Board Member and local EFA coach, Fiona Gruen. The opportunity to work with Franklin Levinson in the area of Equine Facilitated Learning ignited her passion in this field. The principles and practices learnt from Franklin have also been carried through to her work with students who have experienced trauma, and students with disability, when she worked as a primary school teacher.
Becky is currently the Assistant Director of the Strategic Implementation Team in the ACT Education Directorate. In this role, she works collaboratively with Executive staff to build, implement, monitor and review the Directorate’s strategic plan. She has recently been asked to step into the role of Executive Officer to the Director General of Education.
Becky has been fortunate and grateful to have developed her riding skills under the tutelage of Pegasus founder, Bid Williams, and previous Pegasus Board Member and local EFA coach, Fiona Gruen. The opportunity to work with Franklin Levinson in the area of Equine Facilitated Learning ignited her passion in this field. The principles and practices learnt from Franklin have also been carried through to her work with students who have experienced trauma, and students with disability, when she worked as a primary school teacher.
Becky is currently the Assistant Director of the Strategic Implementation Team in the ACT Education Directorate. In this role, she works collaboratively with Executive staff to build, implement, monitor and review the Directorate’s strategic plan. She has recently been asked to step into the role of Executive Officer to the Director General of Education.
Director – Brooke Barling
Brooke is a Military Strategy Policy Officer with the Department of Defence. Prior to moving to Canberra, Brooke worked with various social and disability programs throughout Victoria supporting at risk youth, children with mental and physical disabilities and their families, as well as victims of domestic violence.
Brooke has been involved in the equine industry for 20 years. Growing up in the show ring, her experience riding young horses and ponies has seen her establish a wide network across the industry, particularly with other riders and competitors, breeders, trainers and instructors, and equine welfare organisations.
Brooke joined the Pegasus community as a volunteer in early 2019, and has since commenced her coaching training. To the Board, she brings an understanding of the practical side of Pegasus operations, the care and wellbeing required by our horses, and the benefits gained by the participants and their families.
Brooke holds a Bachelor of Social Science (majoring in Psychology and Forensic Science), an Honours Degree in International Relations, and is currently undertaking a Master Degree in Special Operations and Irregular Warfare.
Brooke has been involved in the equine industry for 20 years. Growing up in the show ring, her experience riding young horses and ponies has seen her establish a wide network across the industry, particularly with other riders and competitors, breeders, trainers and instructors, and equine welfare organisations.
Brooke joined the Pegasus community as a volunteer in early 2019, and has since commenced her coaching training. To the Board, she brings an understanding of the practical side of Pegasus operations, the care and wellbeing required by our horses, and the benefits gained by the participants and their families.
Brooke holds a Bachelor of Social Science (majoring in Psychology and Forensic Science), an Honours Degree in International Relations, and is currently undertaking a Master Degree in Special Operations and Irregular Warfare.
Director – John Riley
Bio to come.
