Rick Howe, Chief Executive

B.Sc.(Eng), Dip.F.P.

Rick Howe is a senior financial services executive with a strong track record of leadership in insurance and the public sector.

Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive at the LSA, Rick was Deputy Chief Executive at the Insurance Commission of Western Australia since 2015, where he was responsible for the operations of the Motor Injury Insurance scheme as well as the Government Insurance arrangements for the State. In particular, he led the introduction of the WA Catastrophic Injuries Support scheme, which was established in July 2016.

His previous experience includes senior executive roles within two of Australia’s biggest banks, as Chief Manager, Distribution at Westpac General Insurance and as General Manager, Insurance at ANZ.

Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from University College London and a Diploma of Financial Planning from RMIT.

As Chief Executive, Rick is responsible for the leadership of the LSA and the implementation of the organisation’s strategic plans as agreed with the Board.


Kylie Smith Director, Services

BHsc, BSW

Kylie Smith is a respected leader and clinician in both government and non-government organisations, with a depth of experience in the disability sector, specialising in brain injury, spinal cord injuries and neurological disability.

Prior to joining the LSA in 2016 Kylie led a multidisciplinary team that supported vulnerable clients. She has a strong track record in developing systems that empower people to achieve positive outcomes. Kylie is passionate about people living the life of their choice post injury.

Kylie’s tertiary qualifications include a Bachelor of Health Science and a Bachelor of Social Work.

As the Director of Services at the LSA, Kylie leads a dedicated team of highly skilled people who work to make a positive difference to the recovery and independence of the Lifetime Support Scheme (LSS) participants.


Boris Petrovic Director, Corporate

B. Comm (Accounting), CPA, GAICD

Boris Petrovic joined the LSA in 2019.  He has 15 years’ experience in finance and accounting, business operations, and project management in the health and disability sectors.  Prior to joining the LSA, Boris was a Manager of Business Operations for the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (SA Health).

Boris’ qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), he has been a member of CPA Australia for 12 years, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Boris is the Director of Corporate and leads a dedicated team of professionals responsible for a wide range of functions including governance and risk, legal, project management office, information technology, data analytics, finance and procurement functions.


Gemma Cooper Director, People & Partnerships

BSocSc, BPsych(Hons), MAud

Gemma Cooper has held numerous roles in government including Head of Culture and Capability at Hearing Australia, Customer Experience, Clinical Management and prior to joining the LSA, as General Manager for a disability provider in South Australia. Over the course of her career, Gemma has held positions within communications, learning and development, coaching and IT.

As a person with a lived experience of disability, Gemma is passionate about ensuring everyone can make meaningful contributions at home, at work and within our communities. Gemma is on the board for Technology and Disability SA and the board of directors for Spence Club, an organisation for high-performing female leaders in SA. She believes that giving back to our community and sharing expertise is important to help better the lives of others in this great state.

Gemma was awarded a Leadership Fellows in 2021 from the Governor’s Leadership Foundation and her tertiary qualifications include a Master of Audiology, Honours in Clinical Psychology, and a Bachelor of Social Sciences.

As the Director of People & Partnerships at the LSA, Gemma leads a dedicated team of professionals responsible for a wide range of functions including learning and development, communication and engagement, research and education and human resources.

Page last updated: 31 January 2023