Tom Ray, Chairman of the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation, embodies a leadership style rooted in collaboration, trust, and a deep-seated belief in the power of connection. His journey with the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation, which began as an “evolution of several conversations” with Perry Cross, reflects a commitment to a cause that has grown far beyond his initial expectations.
Tom’s friendship with Perry started years before at The Southport School (TSS) and then while playing rugby union for The Eagles on the Gold Coast.
The Foundation’s genesis was organic, stemming from Perry’s desire to seriously pursue finding a cure for all following his spinal cord injury at the age of 19. Tom saw an opportunity for their friendship group and TSS Alumni to come together and do something meaningful as a skilled group of professionals. What started as an informal gathering of friends quickly evolved into a structured organisation, formally established in 2010, following many years of Perry’s family fundraising and raising awareness of spinal cord injury.
A key to the Foundation’s success, according to Tom, was the strategic recruitment of individuals with essential skills. He recognised the need for expertise in legal matters, accounting, and philanthropy. This led to engaging professionals like Dan Marino, a young partner from Hickey Lawyers, and Adam Twemlow of KPMG, who has since become the firm’s Gold Coast office managing partner. Dr Brent McMonagle provided crucial medical expertise, a brilliant mind both Tom and Perry knew from school. Brent has gone on to head up the Foundation’s Scientific Committee and take a leading role in the Clinical Trial. Tom’s ability to identify and bring these diverse people together, who could do what needed to be done, was done, was a significant asset in the early days.
The big game changer for the Foundation was finding the late Griffith University Emeritus Professor and 2017 Australian of the Year, Alan Mackay-Sim. He was a pioneer in stem cell research and was successful in taking cells from the olfactory (nasal) system, transplanting them to the injury site and demonstrating that it was safe for use in humans. Professor James St John at Griffith University studied under Professor Alan Mackay-Sim and eventually took over the project. This compelling research, coupled with the Foundation’s integrity and reputation, has been instrumental in attracting support and committed donors.
Feature here left to right; Tom Ray, Perry Cross, Dr Brent McMonagle and Professor Alan Mackay-Sim.
One of the most impactful decisions was bringing on Melissa Brown as the Foundation Manager years ago. Tom acknowledges that without a small team of dedicated professionals to execute tasks, the work of the Board would likely not have progressed. Tom’s understanding that philanthropy and fundraising require a professional approach has been part of the extraordinary fundraising success of the Foundation.
What truly drives Tom is his unwavering commitment to Perry. Beyond that, he values the unique interactions and perspectives gained from working outside his usual professional and personal silos. He finds immense reward in contributing to a cause that could have a real impact on people’s lives, envisioning a future where spinal injury is no longer a life-altering condition.
Tom has been an active member of his community for decades. He is the current Chair of the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation, the current Chairman of The Southport School Foundation, a Panellist of the 2024 Reserve Bank of Australia Small Business Finance Advisory Panel, a past Councillor of Bond University and a past President of the Bond University Rugby Club and runs a number of local businesses including Accessible Homes Australia.
Tom also expresses a desire to see greater governmental support for research into conditions like paralysis. He believes that investing in prevention and a treatment would alleviate the massive cost burden of long-term care for individuals. He hopes the Foundation’s initial efforts will create a “snowball effect,” encouraging more people, especially the government, to contribute and accelerate progress.
As a leader, Tom prioritises bringing diverse skills together and ensuring that everyone understands the collective goal. He fosters an environment of trust and respect, giving his team the autonomy they need to excel. Tom Ray’s leadership is characterised by a blend of strategic vision, humility, and a deep appreciation for human connection. His ability to assemble and empower a dedicated team, coupled with his commitment to the Foundation’s integrity and its profound cause, has been pivotal in the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation’s remarkable success.
