Executive Leadership & Team

Jason Downs

Chief Executive Officer

Jason has an extensive history working in the South Australian government, focusing on engaging and collaborating with First Nations people utilising his networks and relationships to champion a safe and inclusive South Australia free from prejudice, discrimination, and racism.

Jason has a background in the disciplines of engagement, facilitation, change management as well as mediation. His skill set also includes policy advocation on Reconciliation and supporting First Nations through Economic participation.

Jason is looking forward to driving positive change through education, information, conversations and advocacy, and is excited to contribute to this important work into the future.

The Team

Board of Directors

The Reconciliation SA Board is comprised of up to nine members, six are elected and three are skills-based appointments and are appointed by the Board membership. The Board is co-chaired by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and a non-Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. Each Elected Board members service a term of three years with Skills Appointed Board members service a term of one year.

Jeremy Johncock

Co-Chair

Jeremy  is a proud Wirangu and Mirning man from the Far West Coast of South Australia and has lived on Kaurna Country for the past 22 years. He is currently the Adelaide Football Clubs Aboriginal Program Manager, and he considers himself very fortunate to combine his passions for sport and his community.

Helen Connolly

Co-Chair

Helen is a long-time advocate for building respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities, and organizations, and has established networks and relationships through her position as Co-Chair of Reconciliation SA.

Rick Caruso

Rick Caruso is a first-generation descendant of the Stolen Generations and son of Dr Jenni Caruso who has instilled a proud sense of Aboriginal identity in our family despite the disconnect to extended family caused by her removal. Rick is tertiary educated gaining a BA in Psychology at the University of Adelaide as well as possessing trade qualifications.

Lainie Anderson

Lainie Anderson has been a columnist for Adelaide’s Sunday Mail since 2007, with her 30-year journalism and public relations career also including stints at Melbourne’s Herald Sun, London’s The Times and the South Australian Tourism Commission. Lainie is an ambassador with the Hutt Street Centre and former member of the Catherine House Trust.   

Nicole Clinch

Nicole Clinch is a Badimia / Yamatji woman who was born and raised on Kaurna land. She has 12 years’ experience in Aboriginal Health in both Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and State Government sectors. Nicole also has a Certificate IV in Indigenous Research Capacity Building, an Associate Degree in Indigenous Community Health.

Sophie Chellew 

Sophie holds a double degree in Psychology and Criminology and brings a wealth and depth of experience working in the disability and employment sector, within the State Government in Culture and Capability and Organisational development and now working for the Commonwealth Government in Culture and Inclusion. Sophie has strong networks in South Australia and is passionate about supporting First Nations.

Jane Crosby

Jane Crosby comes with a wealth of experience in strategy and governance. Jane was also Project Manager for Tarnathi Art Fair from 2017 – 2021, in which time attendances and sales increased substantially. Through this role, Jane also developed relationships with First Nations Elders, Traditional Owners and artists. She also developed the Art Gallery of SA’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan.

Anthony Rologas 

Anthony joined Ninti in 2018 as Senior Project Manager, with responsibility for ensuring Ninti delivers quality outcomes for its clients across its entire project portfolio. He has over a decade of experience providing strategic and operational leadership.