4 minute read
Board of Governors update
Paying tribute to long-standing retiring Board members
Ian Goodall
Ian has been a keen supporter of Dio for over 25 years, both as a parent of two daughters who attended the School, and also as a Board member. Having joined the Board in February 2004, Ian is one of the School’s most long-standing board members. When he retired in December this year, he had served on the Board for 18 years.
During that time, Ian has been Chair of the Campus Development Committee and has overseen a major transformation of the School’s facilities. He has also been a member of the Board’s Succession Committee and was involved in new appointments to the Board and to the School’s Heritage Foundation. Projects that Ian and the Campus Committee have undertaken under his guidance include the establishment of the Junior School buildings, the senior common room, the Aquatic Centre, the hockey turf and carpark, the new music and drama suites, the Arts Centre auditorium, and the seismic strengthening of the chapel (amongst others). Ian brought a wealth of knowledge to the Board having owned his own construction and development business, Goodall Construction. Each of the building projects overseen by Ian was completed on time and on budget. A phenomenal achievement on any measure.
Ian was also instrumental in the scoping and formation of the new campus Master Plan that provides a framework for the further development of the School’s facilities over the next 20 years. Ian is a visionary thinker, and the experience he has brought to the role has been of significant benefit to Dio. Not one to be stuck in the board room, he spent many hours on site working alongside the construction team on each of the many projects. His dedication to this role has gone above and beyond, and he has been an incredible problem solver for the many intricacies of building on a very tight school site. The campus that the school enjoys today would not be the same without Ian’s eye for detail.
At Board meetings, Ian’s contributions were always welcomed. His judgment and commercial acumen were outstanding. A passionate believer in the School’s strategic direction of leading by example in girls’ education, Ian too led by example and embodied the values of excellence, collaboration and respect.
Nicole Xanthopol, Board Chair
Ian and his wife Barbara are now enjoying retired life in Taupo where they are embarking on their own renovation project so their home can be enjoyed by their family. When asked what the highlight of his time on the Board might be, Ian replied: “The last 18 years have been the best of my life.”
Mindy Levene (Olde, 1983)
Mindy joined the Board in December 2009 and was appointed Deputy Chair in May 2012. When Mindy retired from the Board in December 2022, she had given 13 years of service to the School. During her time on the Board, she chaired the Marketing and Development Committee, and served as a trustee on the Heritage Foundation. She also sat on the Board’s Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, People and Culture Committee, and the Student Support and Wellbeing Committee. Mindy always gave generously of her time to the School.
Mindy’s financial acumen and leadership skills have made a significant contribution to Dio. She brought astute judgment to her role and helped forge a good working relationship with the School’s Chief Financial Officer that inspired confidence, and which enabled the School to navigate a number of significant capital projects. Mindy made insightful and valuable contributions at Board meetings and was always known for her ability to ask astute and challenging questions.
Mindy was herself a 13-year student of Dio as is her daughter who is completing her 13 years at Dio this year. The daughter of an Old Girl, Dio is in her blood and her love for the School is evident in all that she does. Mindy is a familiar face at all school events and is a firm believer that the Board should be present in the School as well as in the board room.
When asked about her fondest memories, Mindy will always reflect on the incredible achievements made by the students and staff in all aspects and capacities of Dio school life. Whether it is the innovation, academic, sports or cultural achievements, Mindy is an incredibly proud past student, current parent, and Board member. Her perception is that it is not possible to get a better education than a Dio education.
As well as being exceptionally proud of Dio, as Deputy Chair, Mindy has shown unwavering support for the Board, and in particular the Chair by stepping up when needed to help. Mindy reflects that she truly takes to heart the genuine meaning of Ut Serviamus.
Mindy is looking forward to a change of pace, which will no doubt include serving on a few committees.
