Clayton Church Homes unveils new leadership team

In his nine months as Chief Executive, Michael Elias has established a new leadership team that will guide the Not For Profit in a new phase of growth.

Chief Financial Officer Luke Kerins is the most recent appointment to the residential aged care, retirement living, and home care provider. A Chartered Accountant, Luke has experience in financial governance, treasury, debt facilities, acquisitions, and system transformation. Luke's most recent role was Group Manager, Finance, for a global renewable energy company, a role he held for 12 years.

Leah Watkins, a registered nurse with 30 years’ experience in the aged care and nursing sectors, has been appointed Executive Manager, Ageing Well Services. Leah has held leadership roles across work, health, safety and residential aged care services. She has also played a key role in commissioning a new residential care facility.

Caroline Edmonds, who began her career as an accountant, has been appointed Executive Manager, Retirement Living and Property. Caroline has more than 30 years’ experience in the aged care, retirement living, and education sectors.

Daniel Desteno has been appointed Head of Commercial Services. Daniel has more than 20 year's experience in executive management in the aged care and education sectors. He has led transformational projects, implemented robust governance structures, and fostered high performance cultures.

Georgia Struwig has been appointed Executive Manager, Support at Home. Georgia is a registered nurse who has specialised in working with older people. She has a background in clinical leadership, quality assurance, clinical governance management, and operations management in both residential and community aged care.

Brittney Bakaj has been appointed Executive Manager, People and Culture. Brittney has a decade of experience in people and culture leadership in the aged care sector. She has specialised in change management, including implementing workforce and payroll systems, developing and implementing effective workforce metrics, and interpreting modern awards and enterprise agreements.

Having served on the board of Clayton Church Homes (CCH) for more than six years, Michael stepped into the Chief Executive role on 1 July 2025.

The new team will lead the Not For Profit in its a new phase of "intentional and carefully planned growth", Michael said.

“The team reflects a clear and deliberate focus on strengthening clinical capability, governance and assurance, commercial performance and financial sustainability.

"It positions us to advance our property and asset portfolio while building a high-performing workforce to enable growth and innovation."

CCH was established in 1968. Today the operator has five aged care homes and 12 retirement living communities across metropolitan Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills. The organisation is also expanding its home care services.

In 2024, CCH opened $28 million, 60-bed Summerhill aged care facility.