Our people

Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of six dedicated members who bring a wealth of experience from diverse backgrounds, including education, accounting, and more. Elected by our members, our Directors serve a three-year term, working together to guide Coastline with care and commitment to our values and community.
Vanessa McNeilly
2011 - Present
Chair
Vanessa McNeilly is the Chair of Coastline Bank’s Board of Directors and an active member of the Governance, Remuneration & Nominations Committee and the Coastline Bank Community Foundation Committee. As the Principal Lawyer and Director at McNeilly Lawyers in Kempsey, Vanessa is deeply passionate about supporting local families and businesses. She’s always believed in giving back to the community and previously served on the Management Committee of Kempsey Family Support Service Inc. Vanessa is known for her down-to-earth, common-sense approach and her unwavering dedication to helping the Macleay, Hastings, and Manning regions thrive.
Jennifer Pike
2013 – Present
Board Member
Jennifer Pike is the Chair of Coastline Bank’s Audit Committee and an active member of the Governance, Remuneration and Nominations Committee. A Certified Practising Accountant, with over 30 years of experience in finance across industries including manufacturing, financial services, education and local government, Jennifer brings a wealth of expertise and a collaborative spirit to everything she does. Her career highlights include working with esteemed organisations such as NSW Treasury, KPMG, The Boston Consulting Group, Moody’s Credit Rating Agency, and Rothschild Australia. She also served as Governance Officer at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, where she contributed to the community’s growth and success. Jennifer is now semi-retired and remains passionate about strengthening communities and creating opportunities for future generations.
Tania Powick
2020 – Present
Board Member
Tania Powick is the Deputy Chair of Coastline Bank’s Board of Directors. Tania is also the Chair of the Coastline Bank Community Foundation Committee and an active member of the Risk Committee. With over 30 years of experience in financial services spanning tax, accounting, management, and financial planning, Tania brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for helping others achieve financial wellbeing. For more than a decade, Tania has run her Financial Planning practice, Coastal Wealth Directions, where she works closely with clients to help them reach their goals and build brighter financial futures. Tania’s strong sense of community shines through in her active involvement with several volunteer boards, including the Macleay Valley Business Chamber, the Macleay Valley Business Women’s Network, and the Rotary Club of Kempsey. Her commitment to giving back and building meaningful connections is at the heart of everything she does.
Grant Devine
2023 – Present
Board Member
Grant Devine is the Chair of Coastline Bank’s Governance, Remuneration and Nominations Committee. Grant brings nearly 40 years of experience in banking and finance, having worked with listed banks, mutual banks, and credit unions. He holds an impressive array of qualifications, including a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Business (Management and Marketing), a Graduate Certificate in Business, and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Grant has been proud to serve regional NSW communities as the CEO of the Armidale Diocesan Investment Group and Non-Executive Director of Nortec Training and Employment Limited, both of which are local registered charities. Before this, he spent nine years as the Chief Executive Officer of customer-owned QBANK, where he championed member-focused values. Grant is deeply passionate about community-focused organisations that create meaningful change. He is excited to contribute to the Coastline Bank Board, supporting the organisation's mission, values, and commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Mark O'Brien
2024 – Present
Board Member
Mark O’Brien is the Chair of Coastline Bank’s Risk Committee and a valued member of the Audit Committee. Mark brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience across diverse financial services sectors. Currently running his own boutique consulting firm, he draws on his extensive expertise to help organisations thrive. Before establishing his consultancy business, Mark spent eight years at Regional Australia Bank, culminating in his appointment as Deputy CEO. In that role, he was instrumental in championing customer-centric and community-focused initiatives. A passionate advocate for organisations like Coastline Bank, Mark believes in their ability to provide a genuinely refreshing alternative to the big banks. His commitment to building stronger communities aligns perfectly with Coastline Bank’s mission and values.
Chris Browning
2024 – Present
Board Member
Chris Browning is a valued member of Coastline’s Audit and Risk Committees, where he leverages his extensive expertise to ensure robust financial oversight and risk management. With over 30 years of experience in accounting public practice, including 20 years as a Director of a tax and advisory firm, Chris has built a career marked by leadership and a deep commitment to his clients' success. His professional journey also includes serving as a non-executive director for a large privately owned company, a role he held for many years before transitioning to his current position as Chief Financial Officer. Originally from the Macleay Valley, Chris now resides on the outskirts of Port Macquarie. He remains actively engaged in the community, dedicating his time and resources to various charitable organisations, reflecting his passion for giving back and fostering local development.
Executive Management
Our Executive Management team is a group of dedicated individuals with diverse skills, who work together to drive Coastline Bank’s success and support our community.
Peter Townsend
Chief Executive Officer
Jenny Thorman
Head of People & Culture
David Ryan
Head of Credit
Clint Fearnley
Chief Risk Officer
Andrew Boyce
Chief Financial Officer
Ian McDonald
Chief Technology Officer
Lachlan Townsend
Chief Customer Officer
Business Development Managers
Our Business Development Managers (BDM) are passionate professionals, focused on building strong relationships and driving growth for Coastline and our community.
Steve (Wilko) Wilkinson
Hastings Valley BDM
Trent McKeough
Hastings Valley BDM
Tony Berner
Manning Valley BDM
Branch Team Leaders
Our Branch Team Leaders are dedicated individuals who lead with care and commitment, ensuring exceptional service and fostering strong connections within our local communities.
Elizabeth (Libby) McConnell
West Kempsey Team Leader
Marika Crilley
Central Kempsey Team Leader
Lani Wear
South West Rocks Team Leader
Mitch Van Der Veer
Port Macquarie Team Leader
Jemima Murray
Acting Taree Team Leader

Business
Community Foundation
10 Feb
Coastline Bank Community Foundation: 20+ Years of Local Support
Proudly giving back to our communities, one project at a time.
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