Home > About RSPCA NSW > The Board
RSPCA NSW is governed by a Board of elected members who volunteer their time to preside over the organisation.
The Board meets regularly to review organisational progress and assists to further support the development and execution of our strategic plan. Â
With goals like educating animal carers and keeping people and pets together, RSPCA NSW acknowledges the role that people play in keeping animals healthy and safe.
To discover more about the Board and their role in guiding our mission, simply explore the profiles below or view our articles of association.Â

Mr Hall has been an RSPCA NSW Board member since 1984 and is a life member of our organisation. He has a primary production background with focus and extensive experience in Shorthorn cattle. Mr Hall is a member of the RSPCA NSW Animal Welfare Policy Committee and the RSPCA NSW Board Nominations Committee.

Dr Roth was appointed to the RSPCA NSW Board in 2017. He is a retired veterinarian who worked with the NSW Department of Primary Industries for 40 years, primarily in biosecurity and animal welfare. He was the Chief Veterinary Officer for the NSW Government until his retirement in 2015 and was awarded a Public Service Medal for his service. Dr Roth is the chair of the RSPCA NSW Animal Welfare Policy Committee and a member of the RSPCA NSW Governance Committee.

Ms Gaal was appointed to the RSPCA NSW Board in 2020. She joined RSPCA NSW as a member in 1981, later becoming a life member, and is currently the President of our RSPCA Bathurst Branch. Ms Gaal is the founder of the RSPCA NSW CAWS Program, which commenced in 2003. Outside of RSPCA NSW, she has served on various NSW Government taskforce committees. She is the former President of the Government Rangers Association and a life member of the Australian Institute NSW Rangers Association. Ms Gaal is a member on the RSPCA NSW Animal Welfare Policy Committee and the RSPCA NSW Board Nominations Committee.

Mr Thompson was appointed to the RSPCA NSW Board in 2020 as Treasurer and was appointed RSPCA NSW President in May 2026. He is a partner at Hall Chadwick and has over 30 years of chartered accounting experience, including as a partner in public practice since 2001. He has worked within Big 4 and mid-tier firms providing audit and advisory services. His focus is on the middle market, providing audit and assurance services to a range of clients across corporate and not-for-profit entities. Mr Thompson is Chair of the RSPCA NSW Finance Committee and the RSPCA NSW Risk and Audit Committee.

Mr Steele joined the RSPCA NSW Board in 2021 and is a barrister at the commercial Bar in Sydney, specialising in corporate and employment law. He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2013. He holds a Commerce degree and a first-class Honours Law degree from the University of Melbourne, as well as a Master of Laws from Oxford University, and is currently undertaking a PhD in Law at the University of Sydney. Prior to being called to the Bar in 1995, Mr Steele spent a decade working as an investment banker across London, New York and Sydney. Mr Steele is a longstanding supporter of RSPCA NSW and has contributed as a donor, volunteer and foster carer. Mr Steele is the chair of the RSPCA NSW Governance Committee and is a member of the RSPCA NSW Animal Welfare Policy Committee.

Ms Steele joined the RSPCA NSW Board in 2020. She is a life member and long-time supporter of RSPCA NSW with over 30 years of volunteer experience. Ms Steele holds a Master of Laws from Oxford University. She supports fundraising efforts of RSPCA NSW and is the chair of the RSPCA NSW Board Nominations Committee.

Ms Reid joined the RSPCA NSW Board in 2025. She is a strategic policy and program management expert with over 20 years’ experience in member-based organisations. Ms Reid holds a Master of International Affairs from the Australian National University, a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and a Bachelor of Medical Science from the University of Technology Sydney. She has held senior roles in national agricultural bodies, leading major policy and advocacy efforts. Her deep knowledge of livestock production comes from hands-on experience on her family’s NSW farms. She began her career in financial auditing in Sydney and London. Ms Reid is a member of the RSPCA NSW Finance Committee and the RSPCA NSW Risk and Audit Committee

Since joining RSPCA NSW in 1991, Steve has held many positions; Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspector, Chief Inspector, Deputy CEO and now CEO. This has significantly assisted in developing his leadership style and approach, with the primary purpose of RSPCA NSW at the core of his development. Steve’s tertiary qualifications include a Graduate Diploma in Investigations Management and a Masters in Business Administration. Steve has extensive experience in stakeholder management including local, state and federal government, industry and media experience. With many years managing staff (approximately 500), volunteers (approximately 1500) and with a grassroots experience base, Steve is able to guide RSPCA NSW’s strategic development and execution.