Chief Executive Officer
Martin Laverty
Martin has been involved in disability support for 30 years.
He helped design and implement the NDIS – he was an inaugural Director of the scheme, serving on the NDIA Board from 2013 to 2021. He’s previously led three different disability organisations, has lived experience of disability and an advocate’s voice for social justice.
He was recently the CEO of the Australian Medical Association, and before that he was CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.
He helped design and implement the NDIS – he was an inaugural Director of the scheme, serving on the NDIA Board from 2013 to 2021. He’s previously led three different disability organisations, has lived experience of disability and an advocate’s voice for social justice.
He was recently the CEO of the Australian Medical Association, and before that he was CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.
Chief Operating Officer
Lylea McMahon
Lylea McMahon is Chief Operating Officer at Aruma, with responsibility for the organisation’s service delivery operations across Australia. She provides end‑to‑end leadership for a diverse portfolio of disability and human services, supporting thousands of people with disability and leading a large, geographically dispersed workforce.
A strong advocate for the rights of people with disability, Lylea has been committed to the success of the NDIS since its early development. She is known for her calm, transparent and values‑led approach, working closely with teams, executive colleagues and the Board to ensure Aruma continues to grow responsibly while delivering ethical, high‑quality and person‑centred services.
Lylea brings extensive executive experience operating in complex, highly regulated environments and has worked across government, not‑for‑profit, private equity and global publicly listed organisations. She is recognised for strengthening organisational culture, uplifting safety and safeguarding leadership, and improving workforce capability while ensuring services remain financially sustainable and resilient. Her leadership focuses on turning strategy into practical outcomes that improve consistency, safety and the experience of people supported by Aruma.
A strong advocate for the rights of people with disability, Lylea has been committed to the success of the NDIS since its early development. She is known for her calm, transparent and values‑led approach, working closely with teams, executive colleagues and the Board to ensure Aruma continues to grow responsibly while delivering ethical, high‑quality and person‑centred services.
Lylea brings extensive executive experience operating in complex, highly regulated environments and has worked across government, not‑for‑profit, private equity and global publicly listed organisations. She is recognised for strengthening organisational culture, uplifting safety and safeguarding leadership, and improving workforce capability while ensuring services remain financially sustainable and resilient. Her leadership focuses on turning strategy into practical outcomes that improve consistency, safety and the experience of people supported by Aruma.
Chief Customer Officer
Heidi Clarris
Heidi leads our Customer Safeguarding and Experience, Strategy, Marketing and Communications teams. She has an excellent mix of academic research, customer experience and strategy experience including senior roles in the University, public and corporate sectors.
Chief Finance Officer
Darren Silber
Darren leads our Finance, Commercial, Enterprise Insights and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) teams.
He has leadership experience in for purpose organisations, retail, franchise and FMCG businesses ranging from a $3.7 billion 1,300 store retailer to global multi-nationals to franchise operations to entrepreneurial e-commerce start-ups.
His prior roles include work as COO, General Manager of a multi-site fashion retailer, head of Big Data and Insights, an international Supply Chain GM and a Business Development Manager.
He brings energy, a passionate curiosity, and a sense of fun to help inspire transformation and growth.
He has leadership experience in for purpose organisations, retail, franchise and FMCG businesses ranging from a $3.7 billion 1,300 store retailer to global multi-nationals to franchise operations to entrepreneurial e-commerce start-ups.
His prior roles include work as COO, General Manager of a multi-site fashion retailer, head of Big Data and Insights, an international Supply Chain GM and a Business Development Manager.
He brings energy, a passionate curiosity, and a sense of fun to help inspire transformation and growth.
Chief Transformation Officer
Elliot Dowling
Elliot Dowling is the Chief Transformation Officer at Aruma, where he leads enterprise-wide technology and transformation initiatives to improve outcomes for people living with disabilities. He brings extensive experience delivering large-scale digital and operational change across sectors including human services, utilities, and hospitality.
Elliot has held senior leadership roles in global professional services firms, with a strong focus on leveraging technology to drive efficiency, service quality, and sustainable growth. At Aruma, he is spearheading the adoption of AI, automation, and modern platforms to address workforce, compliance, and cost pressures facing the NDIS sector.
Elliot is particularly passionate about balancing innovation with practical delivery, ensuring technology investments create real impact for both frontline teams and participants. He is a frequent contributor to industry discussions on digital transformation in highly regulated and human-centred environments.
Elliot has held senior leadership roles in global professional services firms, with a strong focus on leveraging technology to drive efficiency, service quality, and sustainable growth. At Aruma, he is spearheading the adoption of AI, automation, and modern platforms to address workforce, compliance, and cost pressures facing the NDIS sector.
Elliot is particularly passionate about balancing innovation with practical delivery, ensuring technology investments create real impact for both frontline teams and participants. He is a frequent contributor to industry discussions on digital transformation in highly regulated and human-centred environments.
Acting Chief People Officer
Jodie Bate
Jodie Bate is the Acting Chief People Officer at Aruma, bringing extensive experience across human resources and senior leadership roles. She is recognised for her strong commitment to supporting diverse teams and fostering inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures.
Jodie is passionate about creating environments where people feel valued, safe, and empowered to thrive. With a focus on staff wellbeing and engagement, she champions initiatives that strengthen capability, promote inclusion, and enable the delivery of exceptional outcomes for the communities Aruma serves.
Jodie is passionate about creating environments where people feel valued, safe, and empowered to thrive. With a focus on staff wellbeing and engagement, she champions initiatives that strengthen capability, promote inclusion, and enable the delivery of exceptional outcomes for the communities Aruma serves.