ANIMAL HEALTH AUSTRALIA - Key Persons
Abdul-Rahman holds a Masters in Project Management from the ANU. He works as the PMO Project Coordinator for projects across the Biosecurity & Animal Health, Surveillance and Monitoring programs at AHA. Abdul-Rahman has experience managing government and science communication projects and is skilled at project delivery and stakeholder management
Job Titles:
- General Manager, Customer, Strategy & Operations
Adam is an internationally experienced executive, with a background in consulting, finance and strategy. A strong commercial leader, Adam is experienced in leading strategy development through to implementation across multiple industries. At AHA, Adam is responsible for the external affairs function, customer strategy, insights, new business and investments.
Adam holds a Master of Applied Finance (Dux) and Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies).
Adam enjoys the people that work in agriculture most of all; building lasting relationships is what he values most about the industry.
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
Afifa has completed a Master of Marketing Management from the ANU and is a Certified Marketing Specialist. She is creative and is fluent in key social media platforms. Afifa enjoys designing and executing engaging marketing and communication campaigns that not only best align with the organisation's vision and objectives but also inspire user engagement and drive traffic. She is a self-starter who goes above and beyond to self-learn and improve her knowledge and ways of working.
Andrew holds a Master's in Professional Accounting and is soon to be a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). Andrew has worked in finance, advising project managers on financial matters, preparing and filing tax documents, creating financial reports, and performing regular audits to ensure accuracy in financial documents, expenditures, and investments.
Job Titles:
- Company Secretary
- Head of Finance
- Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia
Ashley is an experienced financial professional with extensive corporate and not-for-profit experience. He has initiated and led financial system and framework reforms with an eye for detail. He is passionate about supporting organisational change and creating a positive, dynamic culture that encourages learning and development.
Ashley has been Company Secretary at Animal Health Australia (AHA), Cattle Disease Contingency Fund (CDCF) and Sheep Industry Health Welfare (SIHW) since March 2020 and Head of Finance since April 2017 and is responsible for AHA's company health, including our finances, governance arrangements, audit and risk.
Ashley has over 25 years extensive experience in the finance industry across large ASX-listed construction and engineering companies, agribusiness and manufacturing.
Ashley is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, a CPA member and holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Banking and Finance) for the Queensland University of Technology.
Job Titles:
- Head of Program - Training
Ben is a training and development professional with experience across biosecurity emergency preparedness, training and aquaculture who has led and managed diverse teams to deliver on complex projects both domestically and internationally. Ben's management and leadership experience combined with his operational background enables him to approach training with a strategic mindset whilst still being outcomes focussed. Ben has a strong belief in the value of collaborating with stakeholders as part of leading an AHA training team that develops relevant, engaging and fit for purpose training and education products and services for members.
Ben was deployed to the citrus canker response in Darwin in 2018 as a planning officer and holds a range of emergency management competencies. Ben holds a Bachelor of Science (Aquaculture and Seafood Science), a Diploma of Vocational Education and Training, a Diploma of Project Management, and is a qualified Lead Environmental Management System auditor.
Bernadette has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New England. Bernadette has a diverse background within Local, State and Commonwealth Government sectors as well as the Private sector. Bernadette looks forward to providing her knowledge and expertise to internal and external stakeholders.
Carley comes from a background in livestock nutrition and enjoys applying her technical skills to achieve the best possible outcomes for animal health and welfare. She looks forward to working alongside AHA to strengthen Australia's biosecurity capabilities.
Carley holds a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Master's degree in Agricultural Sciences, majoring in Animal Science.
Carolyn works within the Project Management Team and works across multiple projects within the organisation to support core business needs. Carolyn has experience working with private and public sectors.
Daniel holds a Bachelor in Graphic Design as well as an Advance Diploma in Graphic Design. Daniel has worked as a graphic designer and pre-press operator, specialising in many areas including logo/corporate identity design, advertising, publications, signage and social media.
Job Titles:
- Head of Program - Animal Health Surveillance and Monitoring
Bronwyn is a veterinarian with experience in large and small animal private practice, government veterinary field work in western NSW, and animal biosecurity policy and legislation. She has held key operational roles in emergency animal disease outbreaks including Equine Influenza, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis.
Bronwyn is motivated to work cooperatively with Animal Health Australia's members to help to find opportunities and create solutions to animal health surveillance challenges. Bronwyn holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons 1) and a Master of Veterinary Public Health.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Project Leadership Team
- Surveillance Coordinator - AUSPest Check
Elias graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (2023) and a Bachelor of Political, Economic and Social Science (honors International Relations), The University of Sydney.
He has worked as a homelessness/ community caseworker, refugee caseworker, veterinary kennel hand/nurse assistant and as a research assistant for the University of Sydney/Harvard University's Electoral Integrity Project. These experiences created his interest in public health, more broadly One health.
Ian is a strategic and tactical communication professional moving organisations and their impact into the spotlight. With a prior research background, he enjoys simplifying complex scientific and technical results into meaningful stories and pieces of communication targeted to end users.
He has particular expertise in delivering corporate communication strategies, large scale and national communication and media campaigns and digital products. He has been involved in organisational and product brand development, awareness and transition.
Ian holds a PhD in Animal Reproduction (2012) and also completed a Master of Science Communication through the Australian National University in 2017. In 2020 he also completed a Diploma of Leadership and Management.
Job Titles:
- Veterinarian
- Director since 2016
Dr Len Stephens is a veterinarian with PhD training in pathology and microbiology, with extensive experience in research management. He is a veterinary consultant and Chairman of Australian Seafood Industries Pty Ltd.
His previous positions are:
Director - Dairy Australia Ltd (2007 - 2010)
Chairman - Australian Wool Exchange, Standards Advisory Committee (2007)
Chief Executive Officer - Australian Wool Innovation Ltd (2003 - 2006)
General Manager - Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd (1996 - 2003)
Southern Program Manager - Meat Research Corporation (1996 - 1998)
Director - Victorian Institute of Animal Science (1987 - 1996)
Director - Daratech Pty Ltd (1990 - 1995)
Director - Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Bairnsdale, Victoria (1982 - 1987).
Lindsay is a veterinarian, who initially worked in mixed practice before undertaking a PhD. She has many years' experience working in pharmaceutical research and development, for veterinary and human applications.
Job Titles:
- Veterinarian
- Head of Program - AUSVETPLAN
Dr Mark Cozens is a veterinarian with experience in both the government and private sectors, and has worked overseas on responses to chronic wasting disease, foot and mouth disease and anthrax, and in Australia on responses to Newcastle disease, equine influenza, Hendra virus and white spot disease.
Job Titles:
- Head of Program - Biosecurity
Rob is a veterinarian who worked in mixed and small animal practice in Australia, England and Hong Kong and as a government veterinarian in NSW before joining Animal Health Australia in 2012. Rob manages livestock biosecurity and animal health projects with a focus on endemic diseases. He is passionate about working with AHA's members to make positive changes in animal health and welfare on farm which will benefit Australia's livestock industries.
Rob has completed a Master of Veterinary Public Health Management, a Diploma of Leadership and Management and is a Member of the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.
Job Titles:
- General Manager, Emergency Preparedness, Animal Health & Biosecurity
Samantha is a senior veterinarian and leader with extensive experience in managing complex biosecurity programs, and leading animal disease emergency preparedness and response activities. She has worked in government veterinary roles as well as rural clinical practice in New South Wales, and South Yorkshire, England.
Samantha has expertise in strategic thinking, policy development, stakeholder engagement and problem solving; underpinned by her strong clinical and technical background in veterinary science. She strives to model great leadership and inspire teams to achieve beyond expectation.
Job Titles:
- Head of Program - Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement ( EADRA )
Therese is a veterinarian with experience in both the government and private sectors before joining AHA in 2022. She has worked in animal biosecurity policy, legislation, and response. She has focused particularly on preparedness and response to emergency animal diseases. Therese has worked in a range of responses (including equine influenza, avian influenza, Hendra virus, swine influenza, aquatic diseases, and Salmonella Enteriditis) and more recently on exercises to test and build preparedness for high-risk outbreaks.
Therese manages the program for the unique Deed between Australia's governments and industry groups that supports a rapid and effective response to an emergency disease outbreak in animals. Therese is keen to work with government and industry representatives to enhance the operation of the Deed so that Australia is well prepared for significant animal disease threats.
Job Titles:
- NBRT Learning and Development Manager
Elissa is in the final year of her Bachelor of Veterinary Technology degree. She has previously completed her Diplomas in Vocational Education Training, as well as Training Design and Development. Elissa has over 15 years of experience in the veterinary sector and seven years of experience in training and development. She is passionate about protecting animals in Australia from pests and diseases.
Job Titles:
- Finance Officer
- Finance Officer With
Ellie is an experienced Finance officer with CPA qualifications. She joined AHA 2019 and accumulated great experience in the Finance area. She works within the Finance team and provides accounting and payroll support across teams and AHA members. She is also keen to develop information technology and data analysis skills, providing insights needed for project teams and broader support to members.
Job Titles:
- Animal Scientist
- Surveillance and Monitoring Manager
Emily is a passionate animal scientist, working within the animal health surveillance and monitoring team at AHA. Emily is experien ced in leading national animal health surveillance and laboratory projects, with a focus on increasing early disease detection and supporting trade and market access. She enjoys working with AHA's stakeholders to improve animal health and disease outcomes.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (Hon s 1) and a Master of Science in Agriculture.
Emily is currently on secondment with Plant Health Australia, March 2023 for 12 months
Job Titles:
- Training Coordinator
- AHA As a Training Coordinator
Geraldine has joined AHA as a training coordinator. She has previously owned and ran Canberra's biggest privately owned dog training facility for over a decade. Geraldine has worked in the animal health industry since the late 1990s, where she has worked passionately across the vet and pet industry in the Canberra community. She has a variety of formal qualifications in the science & animal fields.
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
Harrison holds a Bachelor of Communications and Media from the University of Wollongong. After graduating from University, Harrison was providing freelance business communications involving social media & website management, marketing, photography, and videography prior to joining AHA.
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
Jane has completed a Bachelor in Communication in Advertising and has commercial based marketing experience. She has a keen interest for digital media and design.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to the CEO
Jenni recently joined AHA as senior EA to the CEO and Company Secretary. Jenni has a vast array of administrative and communication experience having worked in both the Public and Private sectors, not-for-profit sectors and the education sector. Prior to working at AHA, Jenni worked for the Commonwealth Government as an Executive Assistant to Senior Executives and Chief Executive Officers.
Job Titles:
- Head of Member and Customer Value
Jennifer is a strategically minded marketing professional with 20 years of experience managing international brands and leading organisational change across a range of sectors including fast moving consumer goods, early-education, spirits and food (include agriculture-based).
She enjoys driving business growth and improvement, and solving organisational issues, based on a solid understanding of customer and client needs and thinking differently.
Jennifer holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Marketing from Columbia Business School.
Job Titles:
- Head of Projects and Governance
Karen joined Animal Health Australia team in May 2023 as the Head of Projects and Governance.
Karen has an extensive work experience in all aspects of project management and has worked in a variety of fields across both private and public sectors. Karen is also highly experienced in legislation, compliance and policy development; business analysis; organisational change management and strategic planning.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the General Management Team
Kathleen is an experienced and successful leader in policy and strategy development and implementation. Before becoming CEO at AHA, Kathleen was the General Manager of Policy at Australian Pork Limited, Acting CEO and Policy Director at Pork Council Australia, and Policy Director at Wool Council of Australia. She began her career at the Reserve Bank of Australia and later worked in business management consulting and training in the financial sector.
Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Economics (hons) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is passionate about making a difference to the prosperity of farmers and the rural and regional communities that rely on them. She also believes in the power of education, and the economic empowerment and support of those in our society who are less fortunate.
Kelly currently leads and manages a variety of complex and diverse animal health, welfare and biosecurity project s. Kelly demonstrates high level management experience by providing leadership, problem solving and issues management for internal and external stakeholders. Kelly holds a variety of formal qualifications in her related field.
Lucinda is an experienced non-executive director, and owner and director of a well-known family angus genetics business. She has an extensive background in animal welfare, genetics, international markets and innovation and adoption of technology in agriculture, including startups. She brings a range of government and non-government connections through her roles as Chairs of CRCs, academic institutions, advocacy groups and government committees.
Job Titles:
- Surveillance & Monitoring Coordinator
Madeleine joined Animal Health Australia team in May 2023 as a Animal Health, Surveillance & Monitoring Coordinator.
Madeleine holds a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience, majoring in Animal Science from La Trobe University. She has a passion for animal health and welfare.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Director General and Chief Biosecurity Officer
- Director since 2020
Malcolm Letts is Deputy Director General and Chief Biosecurity Officer in Queensland's Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. He is a member of the National Biosecurity Committee and chairs the National Biosecurity Communication and Engagement Network and also chaired a working group on Research and Innovation priorities designed to respond to the recommendations in the IGAB review. He believes technology including social research can be better used to optimise the benefits of investment in biosecurity.
Malcolm has worked with the Queensland Government for 27 years, with the last 20 years in senior executive roles including as Deputy Director-General, Agriculture. He has extensive experience in agricultural policy and industry development and for five years he was also responsible for the trade and investment area in the department.
He has previously been on the Board of Safe Food Production Queensland and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He holds undergraduate qualifications in environmental science and post graduate qualifications in extension.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant
- Office Manager
Melissa recently joined AHA as the Office Manager and Executive Assistant.
With over 10 years' experience in the finance sector, and more recently in the Commonwealth Government as an Executive Assistant to Senior Executives, Melissa has extensive experience in both management and administrative roles.
Melissa has a passion for helping people and was drawn to AHA for its purpose and values.
Job Titles:
- Director since 2016
- Head of Small Business Lending Product at Westpac
Michelle is the Head of Small Business Lending Product at Westpac. Michelle joined Westpac in 2015 via the inaugural Equilibrium Program - a CEO sponsored initiative that attracts women with executive experience from industries other than banking.
Prior to her move to financial services, Michelle spent nearly 20 years in the food and agriculture sector, predominantly at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). Her last role at MLA was General Manager, Industry Systems. Her team's responsibilities included developing and delivering industry-wide programs that enabled the Australian livestock production and processing sector to maintain world's best practice, particularly in the areas of food safety, traceability and eating quality. Other highlights during her MLA career included managing the company's North America office in Washington DC, serving on the NLIS Ltd and AUS-MEAT Ltd Boards and managing the market access program.
During 2003 to 2006 Michelle worked as a lobbyist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, the largest farmer and rancher organisation in the United States.
Michelle's formal qualifications include a Master of Management (MGSM), an MSc in Economic Development and International Trade (University of Reading, UK) and a BSc Agriculture (University of Sydney). She is also a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Job Titles:
- Acting Animal Health Surveillance and Monitoring Manager
Mikhaila is the Animal Health Surveillance and Monitoring Coordinator at Animal Health Australia and works across a number of surveillance projects that are important for early detection of exotic diseases entering Australia, and supporting market access.
Mikhaila holds a Bachelor of Animal Science and a Diploma of Project Management, and is passionate about strengthening and future proofing Australia's animal health system.
Ms Paliskis has extensive knowledge and experience, with 30 years' experience in the livestock industry, serving across a variety of sectors as a chief executive and company director, on finance and audit committees, and as a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Cattle Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee, and as the Director, Rangelands and Board Support, at the WA Department of Planning Lands and Heritage. She brings to the AHA Board a range of relevant skills and experience, strong knowledge of the livestock sector and valuable connections across Western Australia. Her analytical thinking, passion and commitment have her well-placed to provide strategic direction to AHA into the future.
Job Titles:
- Chairman since 2019, Director since 2010
Sharon holds an Honours degree in Agricultural Science. Since 1993, Sharon and her husband have been producing grain and pork in the Mallee region of South Australia. Her extensive knowledge of sustainable primary production was developed through her own on-farm practices and past participation in Mallee Sustainable Farming and the South Australian No-Till Farmers Association.
Through Sharon's strong interest in policy development and collaboration within Australian agriculture, she currently holds the positions of:
Director of Animal Health Australia
Chair of the Australian Pork Industry Quality Assurance Program Panel
Director of the Grains Research and Development Corporation
Director of the Regional Investment Corporation
She also has a passion for natural resource management and conservation that is reflected in her past involvement as Chair of the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board and as a member of South Australia's Natural Resources Management Council, the Australian Landcare Council and the Community Advisory Committee for the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council. As a past director of Land & Water Australia, Sharon has experience in strategic planning for research and extension.
Shinal joined the AHA Team in February 2023 as part of the PMO Team and works across projects, providing the necessary support.
She is a dynamic and motivated professional, who holds 12 years of experience in Civil Service, undertaking multiple roles in areas of Trade, Investment and Project Managment.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Leader
- Director since 2022
Stuart is an experienced executive director and leader. He is currently Managing Director of Ag-tech company Alosca Technologies, as well as CEO and Founder of two way International Trade and Investment execution services company, International Channel Partners (ICP). Stuart brings exceptional regional networks to the role, and more than 30 years of public and private sector experience, and has been employed as a senior executive in one of WA's largest protein producers and exporters, Craig Mostyn Group.
Sukanda Samkhar Sukanda joined Animal Health Australia team in March 2023 as a Project Officer. She is a veterinarian with eight years of experience in the poultry industry in Asia Pacific region. In her role, she collaborates closely with the Biosecurity and Emergency Preparedness and Response teams to coordinate and conduct project secretariat activities and support the successful delivery of projects.