Our Board of
Directors
Meet the board members and directors that guide this important mission to its fullest potential
Steve Holmes
Managing Director
Steve Holmes
Name: Steve Holmes
Role: Managing Director and Chief Executive
Organisation: Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
Professional Profile:
Steve is the Founder, Managing Director, & CEO of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia, he is also a late-stage, Stage 4 survivor.
He is driven to simplify the complexities of cancer and the health response to better equip and empower a patient’s capacity to more effectively respond and survive their diagnosis.
Drawing from his substantial lived experiences and extensive interactions with patients and caregivers, Steve possesses a profound understanding that, while healthcare and medical professionals are adept at diagnosing and treating cancer, a crucial gap exists in their capacity to fully equip and empower patients for the challenge ahead. Recognising that a patient’s proficiency to effectively respond is pivotal to a successful cancer journey, he is laser-focused on addressing this critical gap.
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia: Pioneering Patient-Led Cancer Response
As patients, we must first understand cancer before we can begin to control and remove it.
As a patient-led initiative, we prioritise the disciplines of right and effective objectivity, perception, action, and willpower. These are the essential attributes needed to dismantle the diagnosis, break cancer apart, and wear down its defences until it is no more.
We must have the courage to know and act on what we can control and the wisdom to accept what we cannot.
Pillars of A Patient-Led Strategy:
- Empower The Patient – Increase Survival: Empower and align their supporters – exponentially increase survival.
- Educate, Equip, Empower: Better equip and empower the patient’s capacity to more effectively respond and survive a cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis.
- Today’s Science For Today’s Patient Survival: Ensure today’s scientific advancements are fully utilised for today’s patient toolkit and survival.
When Responding to Cancer we must embody the qualities of deliberation, boldness, and persistent creativity while maintaining open-mindedness and an unrestricted willingness.
Cancer arrives wrapped in reputation – we must pause and look through its reputational wrapping to see it as it is, not as we fear it is. It is then that we can perform a mental flip to see deep into its underside, its weaknesses, and our opportunities. We are now ready to act and respond on our terms.
As a patient, we must look to become part of the solution not just a passenger. We must help those who help us, we must lead them with our responsibility.
Personally
Married to Claire, with two children: Zach – London, Georgia – Gold Coast Australia.
Road Cycling Tragic
A passion that serves as my mega filter and introspective workshop on wheels, inspiring innovation and transformative thought. Originally from Waikanae, New Zealand, we moved to the Gold Coast in 2005.
Diagnosis
- Extrahepatic Distal
Surgeries (25 hours total)
Whipple Multi-Organ Removal
- Bile duct 95%
- Gallbladder 100% (Cholecystectomy)
- Stomach 80% (Gastrectomy)
- Pancreas 33% (Pancreatectomy)
- Duodenum 100% (Small Intestine )
- 2 local lymph nodes
Surgical Complications
- Substantial Wound Infections: 5 Weeks VacPac Pump
- Emergency Aneurysm 1-month post-op: Main Hepatic Artery terminated
Experimental Adjuvant Treatment
Clinical Trial: Attica
- 5.5 months – metastatic breakout: Badly tolerated
Experimental – Of Last Resort
Immunotherapy: Keynote 158 (Aug 2017)
- 3 weekly infusions
- Response – Day 3
- Severe Cytokine Release – CRS Level > 3+: Day 4 to Day 12
- Complete & Full & Response – 9 Week Scan
Biomarkers
- PDL1
- MSI-High
- dMMR MSH1 – PMS2
- TMB-High
Prior History
- Moderately overweight,
- Gallbladder Infection 2015
- Cyclist/Runner – Generally Active
- Younger Brother – Also Extrahepatic Distal (RIP2014),
- Sister – Crohn’s,
- Great Aunt – RIP Crohn’s
Contact Details
Personal
- Location: Main Beach, Qld, Australia
- Ph: +61 415 153 522
- Email: steve@teddermain.com
- Website: steveholmes.net.au
- linkedin.com/in/stephengambleholmes
- Strava /stevegambleholmes
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
Prof Steven West
Director & Board Member
Steven West
Name: Steven West
Role: Director and Board Member
Organization: Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
Professional Profile:
Steven West brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role as a Director and Board Member of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia. As a Professor of Professional Practice at Oklahoma State University, he is deeply entrenched in academia and possesses a robust network of global contacts that he leverages to benefit the foundation and its mission.
Revenue Management Expert:
With a specialisation in Revenue Management, Steven holds all appropriate designations and certifications in the field. His expertise goes beyond mere data analytics, delving into the intricacies of strategy development and implementation. Drawing from his extensive background in operations management at both property and corporate levels, Steven excels in refining revenue management into actionable strategies that yield significant bottom-line increases.
Consultation and Remote Work:
Steven is open to consultation and remote work opportunities, where he applies his skills in maximising revenue and optimising savings to deliver tangible results for clients.
Recruitment and International Programs:
In addition to his role as a professor, Steven actively engages in recruitment efforts for international students and oversees the J1 internship program at Oklahoma State University. His understanding of the J1 internship program and extensive network with international universities specialising in hospitality and culinary degrees have facilitated the recruitment and processing of over 300 international student interns. Steven offers valuable insights and support to property operators, assisting them in leveraging the benefits of international hospitality interns to enhance their operations.
Dual Citizenship and Global Mobility:
As a dual citizen of the United States and Australia, Steven possesses the unique advantage of freely living and working in both countries without sponsorship. Additionally, he holds EU work ability, further expanding his global mobility and professional reach.
Involvement in Cholangiocarcinoma Advocacy:
Steven is not only a professional in his field but also a cholangiocarcinoma patient himself. Despite his own battle with the disease, he remains actively involved in various roles and committees related to cholangiocarcinoma advocacy. His firsthand experience fuels his dedication to advancing research, raising awareness, and providing support to individuals affected by this disease.
With his diverse skill set, extensive network, and unwavering commitment to both professional excellence and cholangiocarcinoma advocacy, Steven West plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia and supporting individuals affected by cholangiocarcinoma.
Jennifer Akers
Director & Board Member
Jennifer Akers
Name: Jennifer Akers
Role: Director and Board Member
Organisation: Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
Professional Profile:
Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as a Director and Board Member of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia.
Global Leadership in Court Management:
Jennifer has served in various leadership roles, including team leader, project manager, lead adviser, and manager for esteemed organisations and funders such as the World Bank, USAID, NZAid, European Public Law Centre, Federal Court of Australia, UN – OHR, and the Institute of Judicial Studies (NZ). Her extensive experience spans over 20 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, where she has made significant contributions to court management and administration.
Founder of Courage Consulting:
Jennifer operates Courage Consulting and Coaching, a trusted advisory and consulting firm specialising in leadership and management. Through Courage Consulting and Coaching, she provides expert guidance and support to individuals, groups and organisations seeking to enhance their strategic leadership and management capabilities.
Chartered Manager and Assessor:
Jennifer is a Chartered Manager and Assessor for the Australasian Institute of Management and Leadership, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and leadership in the field.
Career Highlights:
Jennifer’s career highlights include leading a project to assess and institute the Dayton Peace Agreement Final Arbitral Award for the judiciary of the Brcko District. She has also served as the lead judicial administration adviser to 15 Pacific Island Countries for the Pacific Justice Sector Programme and is a fellow of the Courts and Tribunals Academy at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia.
Specialties and Expert Areas:
Jennifer’s specialties include Leadership, Management, Strategy, Relationships, Change, Culture, Organisational Development, Mentoring, Integrity & Ethics, Communication, and Healthy Workplaces. Her expertise areas encompass the Rule of Law, Judicial Reform, Judiciary Governance, Sustainable Development, and the marine industry.
With her extensive knowledge, global leadership experience, and dedication to advancing justice and organisational wellness and excellence, Jennifer is a valuable asset to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia and its mission.
