Our team
Gohar Yazdabadi
Chief Executive Officer
Gohar is a values-driven leader with a strong commitment to social causes and making a positive impact on her communities. She is passionate about enabling better outcomes for older people in NSW.
Prior to joining COTA NSW, Gohar honed her skills in policy and advocacy through senior roles in federal and state government as well as the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Her career reflects a passion for inclusive policymaking and collaboration, with the goal to influence social policy development for the most vulnerable in our community, and our society as a whole.
With extensive experience in shaping evidence-based policy development and a proven track record of driving systemic change, Gohar is committed to improving the lives of older people through working together to understand their unique needs.
Gohar holds a Bachelor of Laws, Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and Master of Laws. She is also a peer-reviewed published author.
David Brett
Policy and Research Lead
David is an experienced policy professional who has worked at senior levels in both State and Commonwealth Governments. Portfolios he has worked on include housing, disability and other social policy areas, fair trading, as well as central agencies.
David is committed to producing evidence-based policy that improves the lives of older people in NSW.
He has a particular focus on advocating for the most vulnerable members of society by undertaking research and developing policy positions that remove barriers for participation in community life.
David has postgraduate qualifications in law, politics, public administration, and business.
Jackie May
Communications Lead
Jackie is a communications specialist with more than 25 years of experience in journalism, storytelling and content creation. With skills in writing, editing and multimedia production, she is passionate about making complex ideas accessible through clear, compelling communication.
For more than two decades, Jackie worked in senior roles at the ABC. Prior to joining COTA NSW, she was a Content Specialist with The Smith Family, involved in cross-platform content production including podcasting, as well as thought leadership and advocacy. Jackie also recently worked with UTS Impact Studios, part of the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, at the University of Technology in Sydney.
Jackie brings strong editorial expertise and strategic insight to COTA NSW.
Jo Terry
Operations Manager and EA to CEO
Jo brings over forty years of experience in business management and operations to her role as Operations Manager and Executive Assistant to the CEO at the Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW. She plays a key role in supporting the organisation’s mission to champion the rights, wellbeing, and inclusion of older people across New South Wales.
Throughout her career, Jo has led teams, managed complex operations, and delivered strategic projects across industries including media, sales, and digital strategy. Known for her calm, collaborative approach, she combines structure, empathy, and creativity in everything she does.
A natural humanitarian, Jo is guided by purpose and a genuine commitment to making a difference, fostering environments where people feel supported, valued, and inspired to thrive.