Our Board

Tom Pewtress

PRESIDENT

Tom Pewtress works in equipment leasing within his family’s business. Beyond this, engaging with his community is something that he has always been passionate about. Tom has volunteered on the Monash Business Association’s committee since 2019 and transitioned to the role of Chair in 2023. In 2023 he also became a Director of the Community Bank Pinewood, a Bendigo Bank community branch in the City of Monash, further deepening his connection to his local community.

Representing local interests through a political platform and higher office remains a lifelong ambition of Tom’s. Leaving Wesley in 2018, as one of the School Captains, he felt a strong connection to the College. He also had a desire to give back to the place which served him so well. The opportunity to represent his fellow Wesley alumni on the OWCA Board and to become President was one Tom was delighted to take up, and one he continues to enjoy. He is passionate about engaging OWs of all generations and creating platforms for them to connect.

Contact Tom Pewtress: pewtresst@gmail.com

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Alessia Francese

VICE PRESIDENT

Alessia Francese is an accomplished professional and passionate community member who has contributed significantly as an OWCA Board member for the past three years. More recently, she has led the growing Women of Wesley sub-pillar. In her professional life, Alessia serves as a Digital Product Owner at Jetstar Airways, combining her expertise in marketing and technology with a love for travel and aviation. Beyond the corporate world she is a semi-professional athlete with Collingwood Football Club, showcasing her dedication and versatility.

Despite formally leaving Wesley College eight years ago, Alessia remains deeply connected to the school’s community. She works in various capacities including coaching and serving as a residential mentor at Learning in Residence, at the Glen Waverley Campus, since the beginning of 2021. Her unwavering commitment to the College and its community is evident through her efforts to support alumni in their career paths, facilitating networking opportunities, and strengthening the OWCA.

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Rob Lancaster

TREASURER

Rob Lancaster joined the OWCA Board as Treasurer in 2021.  He is the Chief Financial Officer at St Hilda’s College, a residential college of the University of Melbourne, holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Chartered Accountant.  Prior to joining St Hilda’s some 10 years ago, Rob held management positions at Spotless Group and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Rob is accustomed to voluntary roles, having served on various committees associated with his children’s schools, kindergarten, and Scout group.  He is a life member of Collegians Football Club, having played over 250 games with the Club after school and served as treasurer, and was runner for the Club XVIII side for many years.

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Emma Carney

SECRETARY

Emma Carney is a Sport Australia Hall of Fame Athlete, multiple world champion and a World Triathlon Hall of Fame inductee. She is also an author, high performance coach and a motivational speaker.

Emma credits her success to her education at Wesley, where she was taught the importance of resilience while in the constant pursuit of excellence. She has a son in Year 8 at Wesley who is also loving his education at ‘The Best School of All.’

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