Who We Are

Brett Thompson

Chief Executive Officer

B.App.Sc. (Nutrition), PostGradDip. Dietetics, M.B.A, Cert. Adv. Mgt.

With an impressive breadth of experience across multiple healthcare services spanning over the past 32 years, Brett has in-depth expertise in managing complex organisations with a focus on delivering person-centred outcomes.

Brett has established and developed his leadership and operational capabilities in multiple senior roles including Chief Operating Officer, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Director of Operations for Murrumbidgee Local Health District, General Manager of Westmead and Auburn Hospitals, and acting Director Patient Support Services (HealthShare) the position he held prior to his appointment as Interaction’s CEO.

Lauren Asmussen

Executive Officer & Company Secretary

Lauren has been a part of Interaction for more than two decades, and joined the Executive Leadership team in 2016. She leads the corporate management of Administration, Marketing and IT; project management; organisational strategic growth, compliance and accreditation activities.

Gideon Lawrence

Chief Financial Officer

ACA and ACCA (Australia and UK) qualified finance executive with outstanding record of accomplishment in leadership, financial management, operations management, process and systems improvement. Gideon has gained experienced internationally across a broad range of organisations and business cultures in publicly listed and privately owned large multi-nationals and SME’s.

Kim Konowec

BAHS Practice Manager

Kim began her career in business administration, marketing and accounting and after receiving experience in each area then moved into her favourite roles in business management. She loves to work within a team and strives to achieve a positive and supporting working environment where every member of the team is supported.  Kim said: ‘My goal is to create an environment that allows our clinicians to concentrate on what they do best, working with their participants to provide a high quality service and achieve the best outcomes possible.’

She loves to liaise with our clinicians, participants, families and stakeholders to improve service areas wherever possible.

Cindy Werbenec

General Manager - People & Culture

Cindy brings extensive experience in human resources and workforce management within the disability and community services sector. Cindy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business, is AHRI-accredited, and a member of Chief Executive Women (CEW), with additional qualifications in Return-to-Work coordination, work health and safety, payroll management and as a certified Mental Health First Aider.

Cindy has decades of experience in strategic human resources, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compliance, and workforce development. She works closely with leaders across the organisation to foster a culture grounded in integrity, respect, openness, accountability, and a person‑centred approach.

Cindy is passionate about empowering teams and creating workplaces where every person feels valued and supported. Committed to lifelong learning and continuous improvement, she ensures HR strategies create safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplaces that promote both staff wellbeing and organisational success.