Board Of Directors

Board of Directors

Cain Cooke - Chair

Cain Cooke (MBA, GAICD) brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across property, tourism, retail, and technology.

Widely recognised for his collaborative approach to engagement Cain is an experienced board director and Chair. Cain is the Independent Chair of the Real Estate Institute of South Australia, having held this position since 2023, after previously serving on the Board as a Director. Cain is on the national board of the Real Estate Institute of Australia, including as Chair of its Finance, Risk and Audit Committee as well as holding non executive director roles at Animal Welfare League (SA) the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation, REI CoInvest and Swarmer. Most recently Cain was appointed Chair of the Carrick Hill Trust.

A passionate South Australian, Cain is an Indaily 40 Under 40 Alumni, Industry Leaders Fund Recipient (Harvard Disruptive Innovation), and MBA Lecturer.

Directors who are Members of the Company

Emma Slape

Emma Slape has a long connection with REISA after serving as an employee for 10 years from 2003-2013. Since leaving the REI, she has been the Chief Executive Officer of Turner Real Estate.

The connections made at REISA never left her and she has always been a strong advocate for the industry. Emma is a believer that industry can only be strong together and she has a genuine understanding of what can be achieved through a united front presenting a strong voice. She is focused on ensuring that the stability of the REI is restored, policy and media commentary is raised and the membership aligns with the future of the Institute.

Matthew Smith

Matt is the Managing Director and joint Owner of Klemich Real Estate and a Director of Klemich Property Management among a number of private companies.

One of South Australia’s premier residential sales agents having been awarded the prestigious REISA Salesperson of the Year on a remarkable 4 occasions, Matt offers over 19 years of industry experience, which has seen him sell well over 1300 homes and receive numerous accolades as one of the State’s top auctioneers.

Matt is the past President of the State’s peak professional association, the Society of Auctioneers and Appraisers, and is currently a Board. As one of the most dynamic, highly focused and skilled real estate agents in the industry, Matt brings a deep understanding of the key needs and issues at an Agency level.

Mark Lands

Mark Lands is a highly respected real estate professional based in South Australia with a career marked by excellence and community involvement. A member of the Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) since 2003, Mark is a dedicated leader and mentor, committed to nurturing the next generation of real estate professionals. Which underscores his holistic approach to business and leadership.

Mark’s journey in real estate began on January 19, 2004, when he joined Lands Real Estate, a family-run agency with a history dating back to 1983. Originally established as Dove Real Estate by Peter Lands and Kevin Smith in Modbury Heights, the agency underwent significant transformations, including a rebranding in 1996 to Lands Real Estate. Over the decades, the business expanded its footprint across multiple locations in South Australia, showcasing resilience through challenging market conditions and economic uncertainties.

Under Mark’s leadership, Lands Real Estate has earned numerous accolades, including Gold awards for Small Residential Agency and Residential Sales Person from REISA in 2022, and recognition as the 2023 South Australian Property Management Agency (Small). These awards ffirm Mark’s and the agency’s commitment to excellence in both sales and property management.

In 2019, Mark and Rebecca Lands took over as directors of Lands Real Estate following a succession plan, navigating the business through the turbulent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the agency thrived, solidifying its reputation as a pillar of the South Australian real estate community.

Mark’s professional ethos, grounded in mentorship and community engagement, combined with the agency’s storied legacy, makes him a standout figure in the industry. His leadership continues to shape a vibrant and innovative future for Lands Real Estate.

John Taarnby

With over 20 years in real estate, John has built a career dedicated to urban and sustainable development, both in Australia and internationally. As the founder of Taarnby Real Estate in Adelaide, he has crafted a boutique agency known for its high-level expertise in established residential property as well as master planned project sales.

His journey spans roles with major organisations like Lend Lease and Macquarie Bank, where John managed large-scale residential and mixed-use projects across Australia, Oman, and Dubai. This experience has equipped him with a comprehensive view of real estate markets and a passion for quality, sustainable development.

Key Areas of Expertise:

Urban and Sustainable Development: John is dedicated to creating eco-conscious, functional urban spaces that align with today’s environmental standards.

Market Insight and Strategy: John has a deep knowledge of the Adelaide and broader Australian markets which allows him to strategise effectively for property acquisition, sales, and development.

Leadership and Industry Recognition: As an Executive Council member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) SA Division, John is actively involved in shaping industry standards and policies.

Global Project Management: Leading international projects has taught him to navigate various regulatory environments and adapt to diverse cultural contexts.

Community and Industry Involvement: John is committed to promoting sustainable development, currently contributing on the UDIA SA Division Executive Council. Collaborating with local governments and businesses,

Education is also fundamental to John’s drive to stay at the forefront of property. His most recent achievement is a Master’s in Urban and Sustainable Development, where he was honoured with a position on the Vice Chancellor’s List. Other educational pursuits include Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School, further studies in Marketing and PR, and qualifications in real estate and construction management. This academic foundation allows him to lead with innovation, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence.

Suzannah Toop

Suzannah Toop is currently the CEO and Director of Toop+Toop Property Management.

Suzannah is an experienced Board Director and CEO. Formerly CEO of Toop+Toop Real Estate, Suzannah brings both proven strategic and entrepreneurship skills to the REISA board through her executive experience and further, having been the founder of two successful start-ups; Virtual Agent and Lululiv. Suzannah has played a key role in Toop+Toop’s innovation credentials and enjoys thinking creatively to solve problems while working out new and better ways to add value to clients.

Suzannah is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Bond University with a Bachelor or Laws and Commerce.

This expertise combined with her leadership experience has taught her to think logically, consider all viewpoints and take decisive action. Suzannah’s lived experience in real estate, coupled with a mindset of continuous improvement, creativity and learning, allows Suzannah to make a valuable contribution to the board.

Directors

Cathie Brown

Cathie Brown is currently the CEO of the Leaders Institute of South Australia. Cathie is an experienced executive and non-executive director and has developed and executed strategy, led major organisational change and performance optimisation projects, marketed organisations and brokered agreements both nationally and internationally.

She is an experienced Board Member and Board Chair with Directorships either presently or previously held by Cathie including, The Leadership Network Board, SATAC Board, University of South Australia, Master of Business Administration Advisory Group and Co-chair of the Flinders University/University of South Australia/Adelaide University and TAFE collaboration committee.

Cathie has a Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts.

James Black

James Black is currently CEO and Director of Perks Accountants and Wealth Advisors. Currently a director of Regional Development Australia, Yorke and Mid North and Glenelg Community Hospital and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. A highly driven and results-focused executive with proven strategy and execution capability having delivered successful outcomes across technology start-ups, large proprietary and ASX listed companies, James has a demonstrated history of working collaboratively with boards and leadership teams to drive optimal business performance.

He has an outstanding ability to lead people, build and manage complex relationships, communicate effectively and drive results working with dispersed teams. With his extensive experience, James provides operational accountability, cultivating engaged and collaborative teams that transcend performance benchmarks. James has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Agricultural Business and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

David Colovic

David Colovic is currently a Principal at LK Law (formerly Lipman Karas).

With a career spanning over 30 years, David is a prominent Australian legal practitioner in the areas of Commercial Litigation and Insolvency and has been involved in an array of significant Australian insolvency administrations and litigation. He has been lead adviser to several major Australian financial institutions and various other non-bank funders on property related enforcement matters and legal adviser to various significant real estate practices over his career.

David has previously practiced law at Corrs Chambers Westgarth (Solicitor), Thomsons (Solicitor and Partner), Kelly & Co (Partner) and HWL Ebsworth (Partner). He is an experienced Director currently holding Not for Profit Board positions as well as being Chair of the Football Federation SA Disciplinary Tribunal. He is a member of the Law Society of South Australia Committee, Australian Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association (ARITA) Committee, Law Council of Australia and the Law Council Insolvency and Reconstruction Committee. Australian Legal Business has rated David in the top 100 lawyers in Australia. David has a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Economics and has completed the Real Estate Practice Course.

Jamie Dreckow

Jamie Dreckow is a Chartered Accountant and Partner at Nexia Edwards Marshall, based in Adelaide.

Jamie is an experienced board adviser and Non-Executive Director, bringing deep expertise in governance, financial oversight, risk management and assurance. He works closely with boards and executive teams across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, supporting strong decision making and sustainable organisational performance.

Jamie currently serves as Treasurer and Board Member of Adelaide Fringe, contributing financial stewardship and governance oversight to Australia’s largest arts festival. He is also a member of SA Health’s Audit and Risk Committee, where he supports effective risk, compliance and assurance frameworks within complex regulatory environments.

With a pragmatic, board ready approach, Jamie is highly regarded for his ability to translate technical financial and risk matters into clear, actionable insights for directors. He is known for constructive engagement, independence of thought and a strong commitment to governance excellence.