Our Executive

James King

James has extensive experience in leading teams and project delivery in many aspects of housing and development across Australia and New Zealand. His strong leadership and commercial acumen have seen Unison Housing become a leader in social and affordable housing in Victoria. 

James has elevated Unison to being the preferred partner of choice to industry and government, earning multiple awards while increasing Unison’s portfolio of sustainable, high-quality properties. James played a pivotal role in developing Unison’s Strategic Plan 2024–2027, with a focus on Unison becoming an employer of choice, enhancing renter satisfaction, and sustainably growing the portfolio to 6,000 properties. He believes in fostering strong partnerships with support agencies and government to deliver optimal outcomes for those who need it most.

James also serves as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA), Victoria, CHIA National and Mecwacare. James holds a Bachelor of Business (BBus), a Diploma in Construction Management, is a Registered Builder in both Victoria and New Zealand and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Sheri Johnston

Sheri has more than 25 years of finance experience in both Canada and Australia. Her career includes positions at a Big 4 audit firm, the banking sector, as well as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to young people.

She has managed offshore teams, risk and compliance, legal and finance, acted as company secretary, implemented process improvement and change initiatives, and delivered an organisation-wide software project. Her passions include the development and mentoring of engaged, high-performing teams and working within the not-for-profit sector.

Sheri is a Chartered Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Economics and is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. Sheri volunteers as a non-executive director on the boards of both a not-for-profit organisation and a school.

Danni Nash

Danni has worked in a range of roles across not-for-profit, local and state government as well as private practice over the last 15 years. She brings extensive experience in social housing, combined with a passion to create opportunities for meaningful engagement to inform strategy and decision-making, to Unison. 

Danni’s career has centered on community infrastructure, particularly the development, asset management and program delivery of social housing programs, public infrastructure and local community facilities. This whole of asset life cycle understanding is complemented by hands-on experience working on large building sites in architectural design and delivery of placemaking community engagement initiatives. A theme in her work has been the improvement of organisational systems to create social impact.

Danni has completed post graduate qualifications in housing management, social sciences, environment and planning. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) and has undertaken further study in public participation, project management and organisational change theory.

Dahna Bond

Dahna has over 20 years leadership experience across public administration and regulatory environments in New Zealand and Australia. She is committed to making a positive social impact for people and communities.

Dahna has extensive experience in public housing in New Zealand. Her leadership career has spanned different regulatory environments such as public housing, tenancy services, consumer affairs, education, building, employment, justice, and supporting Victoria’s electoral activities.

Dahna has significant experience leading multi-disciplinary teams including community engagement, compliance and enforcement, service delivery, policy and corporate service functions, and is accomplished in the design and implementation of service reform programs.

Dahna moved to Victoria from New Zealand in 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Business Studies (BSS) majoring in Management and also holds a Master of Public Administration.

Marella Verbeeten

Marella’s career of working with people started through leading teams in the public acute health and aged care sector. Marella is passionate about creating the ideal employee experience for people who give back to their community. She enjoys challenging the perceived constraints of what not-for-profits can do for their people by working creatively to deliver best-practice supportive and healthy workplace cultures.

Marella holds post-graduate qualifications in human resources and employment relations, and has completed further studies in organisational design and development.

Marella’s leadership, wellbeing and employee experience programs have been nationally recognised and awarded for excellence, including the Australian Financial Review’s Best Places to Work List.