NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia's board are passionate and skilled individuals from a cross section of the medical and professional community.
Michael Curtin
Chair of the Board
Michael, Chief Executive Officer of Digicall Assist Australia – a business that specialises in getting cars back on the road in the event of a break down. He is also a member of the Digicall Group Executive Committee (International), has comprehensive knowledge of the automotive industry built on over two decades’ experience in various roles working for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.
Michael holds an Masters in Business Administration BA from ACU, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Michael is a strong believer in the “triple bottom line” approach to business, which seeks to build a sustainable business taking into consideration the social and environmental impact in addition to the financial results. Together with his adoption of a growth mindset, he encourages his team to work towards improvements by not only interacting with internal and external stakeholders, but also the broader community.
Michael is also a NET patient.
After initial misdiagnosis by a GP, and then a second misdiagnosis by a dermatologist, a Pancreatic NET was identified by accident based on an anomaly on one ultrasound. Subsequent testing confirmed the NET, and 2 major surgeries followed. Since surgery, Michael receives monthly injection of Lanreotide, and has had 2 rounds of TACE.
Michael enjoys spending time with family and friends or sails competitively when time permits.
Simone Leyden AM
Co-founder
Simone Leyden co-founded NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia in 2009 after seeing a huge disparity in treatment and support for rare and less common cancers, compared to more common cancers throughout her sister Kate’s neuroendocrine cancer journey.
After finishing her Bachelor of Business Management/Marketing degree from Monash University, Simone went into the field of Advertising/ Marketing and held various senior positions over 12 years. In 2011 Simone took on the full-time role of Chief Executive Officer of NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia (previously Unicorn Foundation).
Simone advocates for greater access to treatments and diagnostics, raises funds for the NET Nurse Support Service and research, and raises awareness about NET cancers within the medical community and general public. Simone is an active member of many associations including past President, board member and Research and Communications Committee Chair of the International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance (INCA). Simone is passionate about driving research and is an Associate Investigator on a number of Neuroendocrine cancer studies, and has been the lead author and co-author peer reviewed publications in journals including the International Journal of Cancer. Simone’s pursuit of equitable access and investment in breakthrough treatments has now led to her current role as Director of Global Patient Advocacy and Government Affairs at Telix Pharmaceuticals. Simone is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and in 2023 was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) as part of the Kings Birthday Honours, for significant service to community health, particularly through neuroendocrine cancer organisations.
Dr John Leyden AM
Co-founder & Secretary
Dr John Leyden is the eldest brother to Kate Carr (Leyden). The journey that they shared during her battle with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer inspired the formation of NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia. In light of the experience with his sister, Dr Leyden realised the issues surrounding rare cancers – isolation, ignorance, lack of support, knowledge and awareness. The ignominy that patients with rare cancers face is compounded by the overriding sense of disenfranchisement from the medical and general community. NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia endeavours to support and promote the needs of neuroendocrine tumour sufferers and their families.
Dr Leyden graduated from Monash University and completed his specialty training at The Alfred, Melbourne and Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney. He completed a clinical fellowship in Cardiac Anaesthesia at the University of Toronto, Canada, St Michael’s Hospital campus.
Dr Leyden is currently a Visiting Medical Officer at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney and is involved in teaching and other College activities.
In addition to being the Founder and Chairman of NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia, he is past President of the International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance (INCA) and is a member of the management committee of Health Consumers New South Wales.
Ian George
Treasurer of the Board
Director of Count North Sydney
Chartered Accountant and Registered Company Auditor
With over 30 years of experience helping businesses and not-for-profit organisations navigate their financial obligations and plan for a sustainable future, Ian brings deep expertise and a strong sense of purpose to NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia. His commitment to the cause is personal – having a close friend affected by NETs, he is passionate about using his financial expertise to support better outcomes for patients and their families.
Dr David Chan
Board Member
He has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed research articles and has been invited to speak nationally and internationally. He is an active member of COSA, ASCO, ENETS and COMMNETs. He was elected the chair of the NET committee for COSA in 2019.
David enjoys teaching medical students and supervising innovative clinical research. In his spare time, he enjoys playing music (piano and pipe organ) and reading.
Kirsty Mead
Board Member
Kirsty Mead brings over three decades of healthcare expertise to the Board of Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia, combining hands-on clinical experience with strategic leadership across the health sector. Beginning her career as a Registered Oncology Nurse, Kirsty has worked across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Vanuatu, gaining a deep understanding of consumer needs, public health, practitioner education, healthcare funding, and the complexities of integrating these elements.
Kirsty is deeply passionate about advancing health equity, particularly for under-recognised and underserved populations. She co-developed and led the national rollout of the Periods, Pain, and Endometriosis Program (PPEP Talk®) and its tailored versions for sports and First Nations communities. Her leadership roles with the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia and as a founding director of Australia’s Endometriosis Peak Body demonstrate her ability to translate clinical insights into impactful advocacy and strategic outcomes.
Guided by the belief that those with a voice must advocate for those without, she is committed to raising awareness, securing funding, and strengthening systemic support for neuroendocrine cancer patients and their families.
Kirsty is a mum of two young adults and two spoodles, a dedicated supporter of the theatre and a one-eyed Port Power Member.
Philippa Morgan
Board Member
Philippa Morgan is a highly respected criminal advocate based at Liverpool Chambers in Tasmania, known for her expertise in criminal advocacy, coronial work, and associated legal matters. After graduating from the University of Tasmania with a BA LLB in 1999, Philippa completed the Legal Practice Course in Hobart and was admitted to practice law in 2000. Over her career, she has gained extensive experience in both prosecution and defence roles, including a decade at Tasmania Legal Aid. Since 2014, she has been focused on criminal advocacy at Liverpool Chambers while also contributing to legal education as the unit coordinator for the “Magistrates Court Practice and Advocacy” course within the Tasmania Legal Practice postgraduate program. Philippa’s dedication to justice and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life have made her a trusted leader in her field and has been appointed Deputy Member of the Parole Board of Tasmania.
Philippa’s personal connection to neuroendocrine cancer (NETs) stems from her role as a carer for her late mother, Jules, who battled stage 4 NETs with extraordinary courage. Supporting her mother through surgeries, PRRT treatments, and medical reviews, Philippa witnessed firsthand the challenges of navigating this rare cancer, particularly in regional areas like Tasmania. This experience inspired her to become involved with NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia as a Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) representative, where she drew on her advocacy skills and desire to honour her mother’s legacy. Now, as a Board Member, Philippa is committed to using her professional expertise and personal insights to advance NECA’s mission, ensuring that NET patients and carers across Australia receive the support, awareness, and resources they need.