Advisory Board

James Weait has worked in the employment services sector for over 20 years in Australia and the UK, leading generalist, disability, skills and youth welfare contracts. James formed his company, Populi Solutions, in 2019 and has since led international client engagement programmes, project management consultation, performance uplift projects and executive coaching for employment service providers and other purpose-led organisations. Currently James also serves as a Board Director for the Younity group, a Board Advisor for industry leading recruitment specialists Parkhouse Bell. Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma of Leadership qualified, James is also an accredited DISC facilitator and a passionate advocate for the role that employment plays in reducing anxiety, building resilience and the prosperity of local communities.

Dr Samantha Cooms is a Noonuccal Quandamooka scholar, educator and community-engaged researcher whose work focuses on Indigenous business, leadership, disability inclusion and culturally safe service design. She is a Lecturer at The University of Queensland and works closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, communities and Elders to support Indigenous-led research, organisational development and social and economic participation. Samantha brings extensive experience in advisory, governance and service roles across university, community and research settings. Her work is grounded in relationality, reciprocity and Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, with a particular commitment to strengthening Indigenous leadership and ensuring that programs, services and research create meaningful benefits for community.

She has contributed to national disability research and policy initiatives, Indigenous business and management scholarship, reconciliation and curriculum reform, and currently serves on a number of Indigenous, disability and research advisory committees. Samantha is passionate about supporting Aboriginal organisations to strengthen their impact while maintaining culture, community relationships and self-determination at the centre of their work.

AJ Williams is Co-founder and Managing Director of Mercury IT, an Australian provider of IT, cloud and cybersecurity services. With more than 20 years’ experience across technical, sales, consulting and management roles, AJ combines business insight with a practical understanding of technology. He serves on several boards across the university, medical and not-for-profit sectors, bringing expertise in technology, strategy and business leadership. AJ also serves as Australia’s representative on the Trust X Alliance Global Council, contributing to its international governance and direction.

Nathan Bollard is an experienced health and community services leader with more than 30 years of experience across disability services, mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), suicide prevention, and social policy. He is the former CEO of Connect2Group, where he drew on his extensive frontline and executive leadership experience to support person-centred services and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

Nathan currently serves as Director of Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), and Suicide Prevention at DDWM PHN, where he contributes to strategic planning and the development of integrated, community-focused health services.

Nathan is pleased to be joining the advisory board of Tassk, bringing his experience, sector knowledge, and commitment to improving outcomes for people and communities.