Saving the people who save our animals
Meet the dedicated Board of Directors leading Sophie's Legacy — driving systemic change, mental health support, and suicide prevention across Australia’s veterinary community.
Garry Putland
Director & Co-Founder of Sophie's Legacy
"The Putland family founded Sophie's Legacy to honour their beautiful daughter and to save other families from the lived experience of suicide."
Garry Putland is the father of Dr Sophie Putland. Having understood the stressors within the industry, Garry is committed to creating a brighter future for all. He is a senior executive and sales professional with an interest in leadership, culture, organisational change and technology-enhanced learning.
Mark Clayton
Chair of the Board & Governance Specialist
Mark Clayton, appointed Chair of Sophie’s Legacy in April 2025, is an accountant and corporate services specialist with extensive experience across professional services, disability support and education. He has served on several not-for-profit boards, bringing deep expertise in governance, financial management and risk oversight.
Board Directors
Our Board brings together distinguished leaders across clinical mental health, marketing, corporate governance, higher education, financial management, and frontline veterinary practice.
Amelia Jarrett
Senior leader in mental health with experience as a clinician, service manager, and policy co-designer for NSW Health and SA Health. As Executive Director of the SA Mental Health Commission, she led the state’s first mental health plan in over a decade.
Catherine Eddy
Executive background in marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, and data analytics. Director with Guide Dogs SA/NT, Bendigo Community Bank Goodwood, St Basil’s Inc, and Unley Football Club Inc, bringing evidence-led strategy and community governance.
Jodi Ross
Chief Governance & Engagement Officer and Company Secretary at Tiimely, and Director at Fintech Australia. Spanning government and fintech, she brings deep expertise in compliance, risk management, and corporate policy.
Karen Hunt GAICD
Director, Higher and International Education at the Department of State Development. Accomplished Executive and Non-Executive Director with strengths in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and cultural transformation.
Dr Hamish Burns
Veterinarian and practice owner in Adelaide, and tutor at the University of Adelaide. A colleague and friend of Sophie’s, he advocates for workplace mental health, professional wellbeing, and sustainable veterinary practice.
Mark Gray
Chartered Accountant with a career spanning Price Waterhouse internationally and senior corporate roles in Australia. Chair of The Salvation Army National Housing Board, leading programs to reduce homelessness across Australia.