Wintec Council

Sheree Ryan is an experienced governance professional and Chief Financial Officer, with over 20 years’ experience across financial management, governance, and strategic leadership. She brings deep expertise in financial oversight, risk management, and organisational performance across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. 

Sheree was appointed Chair of the Wintec Council and is also a board member of the External Reporting Board (XRB), where she was the first Māori appointee. Her governance experience spans a range of organisations, including Tū Ātea Māori-owned telecommunications, alongside multiple Audit and Risk Committee roles and leadership of investment and strategy functions. She also contributes to national policy through her involvement in Inland Revenue’s Tax and Social Policy Māori reference group. 

Alongside her governance work, Sheree has held a number of senior executive roles as Chief Financial Officer, leading financial strategy, reporting, and transformation initiatives. She is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and Fellow Certified Practising Accountant, and holds a Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Waikato. She is currently completing a Masters in Māori and Indigenous Studies and continues her professional development in governance and public policy. 

Sheree is deeply committed to strengthening outcomes for Māori and supporting organisations to deliver meaningful impact for their communities. 

Ken Williamson brings extensive governance and community leadership experience to the Wintec Council, with a longstanding commitment to the Waikato region. 

Following the sale of his commercial insurance brokerage to Gallagher Insurance, Ken has continued his professional work as a broker while contributing widely across both commercial and not-for-profit governance. His governance portfolio spans a broad range of organisations across education, community, health, and philanthropy. 

Ken is the founding Chair of Momentum Waikato Community Foundation and a founding trustee of the Waikato Regional Property Trust. He has also served on numerous boards including Trust Waikato, the University of Waikato Foundation, Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, Southwell School, Rototuna High Schools, St John Ambulance National Board, and many other community organisations and commercial businesses.  He is a Member of the Waitangi Tribunal. 

His contributions have been widely recognised. Ken was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community, appointed a Knight of the Order of St John, and named a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors. 

A lifelong Waikato local, Ken is deeply committed to serving his community and strengthening the organisations that support it.

Sarah Morton-Johnson is a governance professional and strategic HR advisor with extensive experience across education, community, and media organisations. 

She was appointed to the Wintec Council in 2026, following her earlier contribution as a member of the Establishment Advisory Group supporting Wintec’s transition to an independent institute. Sarah currently chairs the Tangata (People) Komiti and the Appointments and Remuneration Komiti, with a focus on governance leadership, organisational performance, and people and culture capability. 

Sarah also serves as Chair of Rhema Media and has held a number of senior governance roles, including Deputy Chair of Southwell School Trust, Chair of Smart Waikato Trust, and Chair of Lifeline Waikato. 

Through her governance and professional work, Sarah is committed to strengthening organisations that serve their communities and contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of the Waikato region.

Edgar Wilson, JP 

Edgar Wilson is a respected Waikato community leader with a lifelong commitment to education, governance, and community development. 

Raised on a dairy farm on the Hauraki Plains, Edgar developed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of service that has underpinned more than fifty years of professional and community contribution. 

Edgar began his career in secondary education, teaching for three decades in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He later moved into the tertiary and vocational sector, serving as Waikato Regional Manager for Skill New Zealand, where he worked closely with industry and communities to strengthen pathways to skills and employment. He continued this work through the transition of Skill New Zealand into the Tertiary Education Commission, supporting a more connected and coordinated national system. 

He went on to spend 15 years at Wintec, first as Head of School for Education and Social Development and later as Regional Engagement Manager, further strengthening connections between education, industry, and community. 
 
Edgar has also made a significant contribution to governance, including serving as Chair of Child Matters and supporting a range of initiatives that enhance community wellbeing across the Waikato.