John Ilhan founded the Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation in May 2006. John passed away suddenly in October 2007. His legacy lives on in part through the work of the Foundation. You can read more about John Ilhan in his profile.
Patricia Ilhan co-founded the Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation with her husband John, and remains strongly committed to its work. One of her daughters has been diagnosed with anaphylaxis to tree-nuts, which poses a constant threat if she is given the wrong food. It is Patricia's personal experience of these issues that drives her to improve conditions for all children who suffer from food allergies. Most recently, she has been involved in the development of the Healthy Eating program in partnership with Firbank Grammar School and the creation of the Fast Ideas cookbook.
Dr John Carnie is the Chief Health Officer for Human Services Victoria. Prior to this he held the position of Director Disease Control & Research. He has expertise and experience in a range of public health issues including emerging community risks, communicable diseases, environmental health, biotechnology and ethics. He has been a member of numerous public health, scientific and research advisory committees and is a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine.
Brendan Fleiter is the former Managing Director of Crazy John's. He has a legal background and has been John's close and trusted friend for many years. As a father of five, Brendan is very conscious of the needs of children in our community. When John asked him to be a part of his vision, Brendan immediately agreed and has committed a lot of his time and energy to getting the Foundation up and running successfully. As one of the Foundation's Directors, he brings many skills and tremendous vision to his position on the Board.
Andrew Kemp Professor of paediatric allergy and immunology, Andrew has consulted at both the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne and Children's Hospital at Westmead in NSW, and brings valuable research and clinical expertise to the Board of Directors.
Michael Muir has been the Ilhan family solicitor since mid 1990’s, over which period they have forged a strong friendship. Michael is a partner in his own firm in Surrey Hills and considers pro bono work to be part of his community responsibility. When John invited Michael to join the Board, he was very happy to be a part of the Foundation. Being a father of three deepens Michael's understanding of the importance of our children to Australia's future. Michael's community experience is a wonderful asset to the Board.
Erica Lane joined the Board of the Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation in October 2007 after a personal campaign to raise awareness of the impact of anaphylaxis. Erica established AnaphylaxiSTOP in 2006 and has contributed to important research into food allergies with the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. Erica’s campaign to make a difference in preventing the impact of food allergies came about after her daughter Belle was diagnosed as anaphylactic to eggs, nuts and sesame seeds. The Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation has now formed a partnership with AnaphylaxiSTOP.
Tim O’Leary is General Manager, Communications & Marketing Services at National Australia Bank. In this role he is responsible for communications, corporate social responsibility, sponsorships, research and a range of other marketing services. Tim translates this expertise to valuable advice for the Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation.
Steve Dabkowski is the CEO of the Foundation and brings long experience in the media and public relations industries to the Foundation. He has worked as a business reporter and now runs his own consultancy company. Steve was invited to be part of our work in early 2006. He is the father of three which informs his strong commitment to the health and welfare of children. Steve is involved in a number of community organisations that support disadvantaged children. Steve can be reached on email at stephen.dabkowski@ilhanholdings.com.au.
Anna Kilgour is the Program Director at The Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation. Anna supports the Board in implementing its activities and initiatives, and can be contacted on email at akilgour@ilhanholdings.com.au.