Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provide strategic direction and oversight to support the long-term success and integrity of Hunter Health Insurance. Our board includes experienced professionals from a range of backgrounds, each member plays a vital role in shaping and maintaining the vision, values and and governance of Hunter Health Insurance.
Melissa Ralph
BBus (Banking, with distinction), Dip Law (LPAB)
Chief Executive Officer
Melissa is an experienced CEO and non-executive director with a strong background in finance and a passion for strengthening local communities. Currently serving on the boards of ARC Justice, Australian Regional Health Group, HAMBS, and Cessnock Hospitality Group, Melissa brings strategic leadership and governance expertise from a range of sectors. Melissa is deeply committed to improving healthcare outcomes in the local community and continues to advocate for sustainable, community-focused solutions.
Sharon Howes
BSc (Psychology), Grad Diploma Management, GAICD
Board Chair
Sharon is the principal consultant and managing director of Ableson Howes and Associates, bringing over 25 years of experience as a board member, management consultant, and senior executive. With a strong track record in governance and strategic advisory roles, Sharon currently also serves as a non-executive director at The Mutual Bank, contributing deep expertise in organisational leadership, risk management, financial services, and stakeholder engagement.
Robert Pynsent
Dip (Education), GradDip (Educational Administration)
Deputy Board Chair
Chair of the Risk Committee
Member of the People & Culture Committee
With over 20 years of experience in local government and community leadership, Robert brings deep governance expertise and a strong commitment to regional development. Serving as mayor of Cessnock City Council from 2012 to 2021, Robert played a key role in driving strategic initiatives and representing community interests. Robert has also held numerous board positions across regional organisations, contributing valuable insight into policy and planning.
Larissa Cook
BA(Hons), LLB(Syd), FAICD, FGIA
Member of the Audit Committee
Member of the Risk Committee
Larissa is a strategic legal and commercial advisor and experienced mediator with over 30 years’ experience in-house and in private practice both in Australia and internationally. Her professional focus is on crisis management, mitigating and managing litigation and regulatory risk, responding to critical investigations, inquests and commissions of inquiry and the resolution of significant disputes. As a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Governance Institute of Australia and an experienced non-executive director, Larissa has a deep understanding of corporate governance and risk and compliance. Of particular relevance to Hunter Health Insurance is her specialisation in health and medical law and her deep experience in those industries. Larissa is currently the deputy chair of St John Ambulance NSW and a director of Catholic Healthcare Limited and the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network. While she resides in Sydney Larissa’s family origins are in the Hunter.
Andre Pinkowski
GradCert (Cyber Security), GAICD
Chair of the People & Culture Committee
Member of the Risk Committee
Andre is a non-executive director with deep expertise across technology, finance, and commercial strategy, underpinned by a strong background in innovation, venture funding, and successful business exits. With significant executive experience in building and scaling commercial, operations, finance, governance, strategy, culture and tech functions in software and technology organisations. Passionate about the Hunter Region, Andre actively contributes to a range of local institutions.
Robert Ryan
BCom, MBA, FCPA
Chair of the Audit Committee
Member of the Risk Committee
Now retired, Robert brings over 30 years of experience in accounting and commercial management, having served as principal of Ryan Accounting, Taxation & Business Services and as commercial manager at P & H MinePro Services. Throughout his career, Robert provided strategic financial guidance and business advisory services across a range of industries.
Debra Walter
BSc, GAICD, CPM, FAAPM
Member of the Audit Committee
Debra is an experienced healthcare professional and non-executive director with a strong background in general practice management and accreditation. Most recently, Debra worked as a practice manager and owner in general practice, bringing practical insight and leadership to primary care operations. In addition to her operational expertise, Debra serves as a non-executive director for the Australian Association of Practice Management (AAPM) and as a co-surveyor for AGPAL, contributing to the advancement of quality standards across the healthcare sector. Debra’s work reflects a deep commitment to improving systems, supporting clinical teams, and strengthening governance in primary healthcare.