Alzheimers Wellington's Executive Committee

 Verna Schofield

Executive Chairperson 2008-2010
Committee Member 2006- 2007

“My interest in Alzheimers Wellington originated when I attended its first inaugural public meeting twenty-five years ago. Over the years, I have enjoyed seeing the organisation grow in size and change its focus from being solely for carers to now offering a range of activities to support people living with dementia. As Chairperson this past year, I have been privileged to work with the executive committee in further expanding services and consolidating our operational base. I would like to continue promoting these initiatives over the next twelve months.

The knowledge and skills I bring to the Chairperson’s position are varied and come from many sources, including practice as a registered social worker in the psychogeriatric service, academic interests as an adjunct Senior Fellow with the University of Canterbury, as well as the opportunity for networking provided to me as a Council member of the New Zealand Neurological Foundation. Like so many other people involved with the Alzheimers Wellington, I have shared the experience of a close family member being affected by dementia.    

Click here for a recent Wellingtonian article on Verna's 25 years of service with the organisation

 Phil Johnson

 A first year committee member 2009-2010

Phil is a Chartered Accountant and established his business Spreadbooks in 2003 as a supplier of business system solutions and financial management services for small and medium sized businesses. His working background includes financial management roles within retailing and health sectors and within multi-national hotel chains. He is a former Board member of the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce and served four years as secretary/treasurer of a political party.

Phil’s involvement with Alzheimers Wellington began several years ago when his mother was first diagnosed and has continued in his support for her and for his father as principal caregiver.

 Barry Richmond

 A committee members since being co-opted in Jun 2008

“I have retired after 40 years service in the Fire and General Insurance Industry. My career was mainly in the claims area and involved working with solicitors, adjusters, repairers and the public.  Over the years I have developed an interest in assisting and working with people. I am actively involved in running as a sport and take part in half-marathons.  I am a member of Judgeford Golf Club on a social basis.  Also I am a member of the Masonic Lodge and Committee in Kilbirnie, which involves me visiting members, partners and widows who are in hospital, as well as visiting widows at their homes. It is rewarding knowing these people have someone they can talk to and a contact if help is required.

Over the years I have served on various sports clubs and business committees. My work and life experiences stands me in good stead to be able to serve as an active committee member for Alzheimers Wellington."

 Brian McMillan

Committee member since being co-opted in Sept 2006

“I am a 74 year old retired accountant who spent most of his working life in small to medium sized New Zealand businesses. When I first left school in the mid 50s I worked for the now defunct NZBS. as panel operator-technician on radio. After a short stint with IBM, I rejoined the NZBS (Broadcasting Corporation as a clerk and commenced study for my accountancy qualifications. I have maintained an interest in computers and operating programmes ever since my time with I.B.M.

My interest in dementia arose initially from my mother in law, who had vascular dementia which ultimately led to her death. Currently my wife has early stages Alzheimer's disease, which makes for a very personal interest in the subject.”

 Tony Pilalis

A first year committee member 2009-2010

For the last ten years Tony Pilalis has worked as a consultant/contractor to the not-for-profit sector with a particular emphasis on fundraising. During that time he has undertaken work including the likes of capital campaigns (Wellington Night Shelter), fundraising and communications review (Forest and Bird), political fundraising (NZ Labour Party) and special events (Vincent’s Art Workshop).

Prior to working as a consultant, Tony held senior positions with national not-for-profit organisations including national fundraising manager with NZCCS and corporate relations manager with the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind. He is co-publisher of New Zealand’s only monthly fundraising publication Fundraising New Zealand. He has sat on and chaired a variety of community organisations including Wellington Council of Social Services, New Zealand Housing Network and the Downtown Community Ministry.

His interest in ‘doing something’ for Alzheimers Wellington results from his father having dementia when he died back in 2000.

 Ann Curran

Committee member 2007-2010

“I have been a member of the Alzheimers Wellington since 2006.  In 2002 I was diagnosed with Pick’s disease. However, since then, a variety of alternative diagnoses have been suggested, as the symptoms of Pick's disease progress more rapidly than what I have experienced.

As such, I am the only member on Committee who is living with dementia.  Prior to this, I was Payroll Manager in a government department, an active croquet player and regularly participated in half-marathons.  I have always been an active person and still attempt to do voluntary work in the community when I am able.

I still attempt to maintain a keen interest in creative activities and enjoy being involved in quilting groups.  With the support of my friends I was able to complete a quilt themed on  Alzheimers New Zealand' colours and named ‘Have a Heart for People affected by Dementia’ which was raffled to raise funds for Alzheimers Wellington.  I am using strategies that enable me to function within the limitations that my condition places on me.

I enjoy supporting and encouraging others and feel I can represent a group of people that are not yet elderly, who face the challenges of coping with a degenerative disease.

 Tony Bengree

Committee member 2008-2010

"I grew up in the Hutt Valley and apart for a few years away at university, have lived in the Wellington region since. For almost all of my working life I have been involved in the IT industry. Initially I worked for Mobil Oil, primarily in the design and development of accounting systems. Later I oversaw the introduction and use of the first "personal computers" - the installations, user-training, and software development. I then moved to the Broadcasting Corporation (NZBC in those days), helping to establish and then manage the information centre, which was responsible for over 500 PC installations with the attendant user-training and software development.

In the late 80s two of us formed PerfectData (my day "job" ever since) to provide software development and general IT related consultancy to Wellington businesses.

My father in law suffered from dementia and passed away at 93 years old - this was my motive for wanting to contribute to the community through Alzheimers Wellington."

 Shirley Marshall

"I am a registered social worker employed for 10 years with the Psychogeriatric Service, Capital and Coast District Health Board, Wellington (1995-2005).  I worked in the community and on the assessment ward at Kenepuru Hospital.  During that time I had considerable contact with Alzheimers Wellington's community worker, assisting with support and education groups.  I also served two terms on the National Executive of Alzheimers New Zealand (2000-2002).  I returned to the Psychogeriatric Service last year as a locum on the ward and was very pleased to accept a permanent position when it became available.  I have a strong interest in supporting people who have a dementia to maintain their interests and social contacts.

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside Alzheimers Wellington and be part of their efforts to advocate and improve the quality of life for all people affected by dementia".