Meet our team

SMG Leadership

Michael Chant

Chief Executive Officer

MBA, B. Bus, Dip CS
Michael has been the CEO of SMG since early 2019. 

He has many years’ experience as CEO, with past employment in various Non-profit sector organisations, including radio, Bible college, Scripture translation and distribution, as well as direct sales and international trade.

Michael is married to Bronwyn and they have three adult sons, who have all been encouraged to “follow their dreams”. He was raised in South Australia, but as an adult has lived and worked both interstate and overseas. However, he still believes that Adelaide is truly the best place to live.

Michael is passionate about doing business well, and seeing people develop to their full potential. He enjoys making a positive difference in the lives of our youth through the excellent services of SMG (even though most days are spent at his desk!)

Brad Mumford

General Manager: Development

Dip Mngt, Cert IV TAE
Brad Mumford has been General Manager Development since April 2021.

Brad has put his hand to a diverse range of activities in his working life, ranging from rock band, drum teacher, youth leader and radio host, and more recently construction and disability services.

Brad is married with a young family, who remain his main priority. He loves to provide voluntary support to the Not-For-Profit SOFT Australia Community (Support of Families with Trisomy), and to his local church, as a member of the Board.

Brad believes that SMG is set apart to bring hope to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Brian Earl

General Manager: Corporate Services

BCom(Honours), CA
Brian is the General Manager of Corporate Services and has been at SMG since 2015.

Originally from South Africa, he moved to Adelaide in 2011. Married with four school age children, he and his family provide occasional emergency foster care to an extra child or two.

Brian is a registered Chartered Accountant, and enjoys the chance to “dabble” in IT.

His favourite place is the ocean, where he can enjoy the weird and wonderful creations and the serenity he finds there.

Brian believes that SMG bring Purpose, Value and Hope to young people and the wider community. He also provides further support, within a school setting, by being on the Board at Pilgrim School.

James Lenigas

General Manager: Wellbeing and Education

Bmin, MET, GradCert BL, IV Youth Work, IV Workplace Training & Assessment
James Lenigas is the General Manager for Wellbeing and Education and has been with SMG since 2010 .

He is married with two beautiful daughters.

He has a heart to see children understand themselves and others whilst feeling safe at school and knows Kimochis® are the best tool to support this objective. James is also proud to be certified with Kimochis® USA as a trainer in Australia and has been the director of The Wellbeing Classroom framework since 2019.

James has completed bible and teacher’s college programs as well as completed post graduate business leadership studies. This combination equips him well to lead the wellbeing and Education team here at SMG.

James thinks SMG is uniquely positioned to support the wellbeing and mental health of South Australian school communities and feels blessed to be a part of such an effective organisation.

Peter Skurray

General Manager: Chaplaincy Services

BA, Grad Dip Counselling, Cert IV Life Coaching Peter has been with SMG since 2008, initially as a Regional Manager and currently as the General Manager of Chaplaincy.

He is married with three adult sons and their families, expanding the Skurray name! Peter is also a mentor, coach and psychotherapist to men in relationships and business. He has provided mentoring and pastoral care to managers and employees in the manufacturing industry, plus many years of church leadership.

Peter loves to see the positive difference SMG make to SA school communities, and his desire is to inspire and influence others to thrive.

Russell Foote

General Manager: Human Resources

Degree & Post Grad Business/HR/IR
Russell has been interim General Manager HR for SMG since May 2021.

His career has been HR based, working for both a US global company and the State Government in the fields of manufacturing and commercial.

Russell is married, with two married adult daughters (and the third grandchild on the way). His household also comprises of two dogs and one cat - who thinks she rules over all! Russell’s favourite past-time used to be travel but now he is an avid sport fan. He values the relationships he develops at home, church and work.

Russell sees the benefit of the service that SMG provide to schools via our Pastoral Care Workers and other programs, as this reach goes further than the students, supporting staff, families and the wider community.