Sema Whittle brings deep governance experience and a long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of children and young people. She served for nine years on the board of KU Children’s Services, one of Australia’s largest early childhood education providers, including three years as Chair. There she oversaw a period of strategic transformation focused on inclusion, service quality and long-term financial sustainability, alongside governance reform, board succession, and the expansion of community programs for children experiencing disadvantage. She also oversaw the re-establishment of the KU Marcia Burgess Foundation, broadening community impact through Indigenous language and healthy-eating initiatives in areas of high need.
Across more than 20 years in executive leadership, Sema has worked across the health, financial services and early learning sectors, with deep expertise in corporate governance, sustainability and business resilience. She currently leads ESG and Business Resilience at Stryker across the South Pacific, having previously held senior governance, sustainability and customer advocacy roles at Allianz and IAG. She chairs the Sustainability Committee at the Medical Technology Association of Australia and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Sema is committed to supporting MYST’s work and to strengthening the wellbeing and opportunities of young people across the Blue Mountains.
MBus, BBus, GAICD, MClimateChange (in progress)
Joined June 2026