Current Board of Directors

Dnister’s Board of Directors are elected and are accountable to Dnister Members.

They are responsible for ensuring the co-operative is well governed, to be in a strong position to deal with regulatory and competitive challenges and maintain a strong strategic direction.

The Dnister Board comprises directors with a diverse range of backgrounds and financial skills.

Andrew Pavuk
Andrew PavukChairman

Non-executive Director Board Chair, Chair Corporate Governance Committee.

Andrew established Pavuk Legal in 2007 and with his 25 years plus experience is a specialist in the areas of Financial Services, Corporate Law, Taxation, Life Insurance, Superannuation, Managed Funds, Estate Planning and Succession. Previously he was also a partner of Gadens Lawyers and Piper Alderman Lawyers.

In respect to the Ukrainian community Andrew has acted for Plast KPS Executive, the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Australia including the Eparchy, various parishes, priests and Charitable Funds. He has also represented the National Olympic team of Ukraine, the Embassy of Ukraine in Canberra as well as the Consulate of Ukraine in Sydney.

He has authored a book Nobody Else’s Business dealing with how to build, keep or close a business.

Andrew has been a Non-Executive Director of the Co-operative since May 2015.

John Lipkiewicz
John Lipkiewicz Deputy Board Chair

Non-executive Director, Member Corporate Governance Committee.

John is an experienced executive having worked with large national and international companies in the Banking and Financial Services Industry. His most recent role was Executive General Manager Professional Services, with Beyond Bank Australia (formerly a Credit Union) and was responsible for Business Banking, Insurance, Wealth and Advice Services. John’s areas of strength and expertise include strategy, leadership, corporate governance, risk & compliance, change management, and financial outcomes. He was also responsible for the Bank’s wholly owned Wealth Management subsidiary reporting directly to a separate board. In addition, he was a Responsible Manager on two Australian Financial Services Licences. John was also the founding CEO of a start-up master trust business Personal Choice Pty Ltd.

John is a Non-Executive Director of the Co-operative since November 2019.

He was previously a Director of Dnister from 2009 till 2012, and was Director/Acting Deputy Chair of Hoverla Credit Union from 1998 to 2004.

 

Bohdan Wojewidka
Bohdan WojewidkaDirector

Non-Executive Director, Member Corporate Governance Committee, Member Risk Committee 

Bohdan is based in Adelaide and has an extensive background as a Chief Information Officer / General Manager for major Australian corporations. His most recent position was General Manager – Technology at People’s Choice Credit Union from January 2015 to March 2017.

Bohdan was previously employed at ABB Grain Ltd as Executive Manager (Business Process and Information Systems), South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (Assistant Chief Executive) and at Newmont Australia as (Executive General Manager – Business Information and Communications Technology). Bohdan is currently serving as Vice-President on the Management Committee of the Association of Ukrainians in South Australia, and also as non-executive Director on the Plast National Board.

Bohdan has been a Non-Executive Director of the Co-operative since July 2017. He was previously a Director of Dnister from November 2011 to April 2015.

 

Nicholas Bugryn
Nicholas BugrynDirector

Non-executive Director, Audit Chair.

Nick is a Melbourne based director who has extensive experience working in large banks across various roles including a Director within Global Markets at NAB and Head of Commsec Investment Management at CBA.

Nick’s core area of experience is understanding markets, investments and managing risk in institutional environments and has executed this through leadership roles within the industry. Most recently this was at the NAB but also as the Head of Advice at Commsec managing a national team of Brokers.

Nick seeks to leverage contacts developed through his career to drive growth and positive outcomes for Dnister Members. He has also held numerous roles and responsibilities for community groups including participating in the Raise Adolescent Mentoring Program, Junior Coach at Essendon Doutta Stars Football Club and a Member of Plast. Nick is passionate about working and representing community interests.

Nick is currently a Portfolio Manager at Akambo Financial group.

Nick has been a Non-Executive Director of the Co-operative since November 2022.

 

Lyubomir Galaschuk
Lyubomir GalaschukDirector

Non-executive Director, Risk Chair.

Luke brings a broad wealth of knowledge working in both Banking and Finance in the areas of Risk and Compliance Management. His had experience in various leadership roles and is currently working as a Senior Manager Risk & Compliance for Aware Super.

Luke purposefully seeks out diverse perspectives to establish aspirational goals and delivering operational and strategic outcomes. With a strong governance, risk management, and compliance expertise Luke’s contribution and knowledge will be an enabler to continue to grow in a risk-managed decision process and provide excellence in servicing our members.

Luke and his family have been active members of the Ukrainian community in Melbourne since arriving in Australia in 1993. Luke sees his role integral in continuing top performance for Dnister, benefiting its members and community.

Luke has been a Non-Executive Director of the Co-operative since November 2023.

 

Pavlo Smoliy
Pavlo SmoliyDirector

Non-executive Director, Member Audit Committee.

Pavlo brings almost 20 years of experience within the finance industry with an extensive background including working for KPMG in the UK and Australia. Pavlo has a degree in Economics, Finance & Management from Queen Mary, University of London as well as a Chartered Accountancy qualification from ICAEW.

With expertise in Economics, Finance and Management Pavlo has also contributed in the areas of Risk, Finance Strategy, Organisational Transformation and Performance. Pavlo currently works as a Chief Executive Officer at Trellis Technologies,  helping organisations account for their greenhouse gas emissions and achieve environmental sustainability faster.

Since arriving in Adelaide in 2020, Pavlo has built a great network of Ukrainians in Australia.  His insights into the multifaceted needs of the broader Dnister membership community will provide strategies of how Dnister could best serve the evolving needs of this community.

Pavlo has been a Non-Executive Director of the Co-operative since November 2023.

 

Michael Karaszkewycz
Michael KaraszkewyczDirector

Non-executive Director, Member Audit Committee, Member Risk Committee.

Michael is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the property and construction services industry.

For 40 years, Michael has been self-employed providing private and commercial clients with professional property investment advice across Australia to achieve the highest rate of return on their property investment and taxation benefits under the umbrella of his own company Emerald Investment Property.

He leverages his expertise to support the institution’s growth, enhance Member experience, and uphold its mission of empowering the community it serves.

In November 2024, Michael was appointed as a Non-executive Director at Dnister, reflecting his commitment to guiding the organisation’s future and strengthening its mission.