Steven D’Alessandro has experience working with industry boards, the Australian Market Research Association in Western Australia and has been a judge for national multicultural marketing awards.

A first-time director, he said he was approached last year by the president of the board, Brian Adams, to become a director for the non-profit organisation for people with a disability.

He will provide guidance on strategy and marketing direction.

“Because my daughter has a disability, I’ve always had an interest in the sector. I want to give back to the community and be a linkage between CSU and the local community,” he said.

He’s attended five of the monthly board meetings and a corporate strategic planning session already. 

Glenray has been tapping into his marketing experience and knowledge of the sector as changes approach due to the roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Professor D’Alessandro said people think marketing is advertising and promotion, but it is much more than that. 

“It’s taking an external and internal focus about opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses,” he said. 

“Glenray is a non-profit organisation, so the focus is on social marketing about community benefits.

“I’m learning a lot about how to be an effective board member working with management – it’s a two-way learning experience.” 

Professor D’Alessandro devotes up to four hours a week to his Glenray role.

“The highlight so far is that everyone on the board and in the organisation is really focused on helping people with a disability,” he said. 

“It’s a very professional organisation run on a shoestring. Glenray is providing important social benefits for the people of the Bathurst region.”

Professor D’Alessandro said he hopes his legacy is helping the story “that needs to be told” about Glenray’s achievements and to have helped with market research for new businesses in Glenray’s Australian Disability Enterprises, Bathurst Laundry and Dry Cleaning and Glenray Manufacturing.