STARTUPGLADSTONE - Key Persons


Carol Devney - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice - President
Founder and CEO of Blue Sea Books, Dr. Cal has professional qualifications in education, technologies and science spanning over 15 years across multiple sectors including pre-primary - tertiary education, State and Federal governments and not-for-profit organisations. An innovator herself, Cal is an engaging and skilled facilitator of learning activities and community events. A passionate educator about the future of education within the spectrum of diversity, Cal's aim is to empower young people and young-at-heart people to own their potential through creativity, innovation, teamwork and a desire to make the world a better place.

Francisco Lloreda

Job Titles:
  • General Member
Founder and CEO, Francisco Lloreda knows the ins and out of project management, innovation, and social enterprise. Armed with a master's degree in Management of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Francisco believes that the success of any company is based on the generation of competitive advantages. Francisco brings his entrepreneurial spirit, experience in business diversity, innovative skills and capabilities to the table.

Gordon Christian

Job Titles:
  • General Member
  • Real Estate Agent in Agnes Water
Gordon is a leading Real Estate agent in Agnes Water and 1770. His primary aim is to showcase the Southern Great Barrier Reef at its best to the world. As an active member of the Discover Coast Tourism and Commerce, Gordon is passionate about creating an emerging market for international tourism for visitors to experience the real Australia. Founder of Digital Playhouse - Australia's First Digital Currency Town, Gordon is leading the way in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency education, development advisory, and adoption in Regional Qld.

Kristin Green

Job Titles:
  • General Member
We must always remember why we started because a life without passion has no solid foundation. Kristin Green began her career at in engineering in Southern California, and her expertise is extended to project assistant to multi-million-dollar contracts. After moving to Australia, Kristin took on Medical Recruitment at Gladstone Hospital and steered through the many new and difficult challenges brought about by the Pandemic. Kristin has a demonstrated volunteer history in Not-for-Profit organisations and is excited to help her community grow

Luis Arroyo

Job Titles:
  • CEO of Gastel Peterson & Co
  • General Member
CEO of Gastel Peterson & Co., Luis Arroyo is the Startup Gladstone ecosystem builder who set out to create a better and stronger it better entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Gladstone region. Luis' professional background includes 20 years of experience across multiple sectors including manufacturing, retail, government and business consulting. An ace in corporate and program management services, Luis brings specialised expertise and industry connections to the board.

Maria Cabral Fernandes

Job Titles:
  • Project Officer
  • Secretary
Innovation is redefining - oneself, a product, or a business. It's the spark that lights up imagination. Maria is an experienced Project Officer with over 7 years of demonstrated history working in the not-for-profit industry. Maria has a master's degree in English Literature and brings her excellent written and verbal skills, enthusiasm for learning and connections of diversity and multi-culturalism to the table. Maria's role is to actively promote learning opportunities and implement early learning STEM programs based on business and innovation.

Shailey Chawla

Job Titles:
  • General Member
An experienced university lecturer, Dr. Shailey has a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry and brings her exceptional skills in Software Engineering, along with a Doctor of Philosophy to the table. Shailey was a volunteer with Startup Gladstone Youth Innov8ors and is now a respected member of the board. Her aim is to drive innovation and growth by leveraging on technology for entrepreneurship.

Stephen Strachan - President

Job Titles:
  • President
Owner of Engineer's Queensland, Stephen has a qualification in civil engineering and experience expanding over 30 years. Stephen also has teaching experience under his repertoire and effortlessly engages with students and teachers alike. Stephen has been a valued member of Startup Queensland since its inception and volunteers many hours to ensure that the organisation's direction is strategic and visionary. A regular panel member at Pitch Events, Stephen's creativity, humour and innovativeness brings fresh perspective and insights to the organisation.

Zoe Underhill - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Treasurer
Innov8ors is a truly amazing program that mentors and links our youth to the future of technology-based initiatives The Office Manager for Raine & Horne, Gladstone, Zoe has been defined as the foundation of her team. Zoe, has resided in the Gladstone region for 25 years and has over 20 years in Real Estate, with an extensive understanding of the property market , that is supported by a Diploma of Business and a full Agency Licence. In her spare time Zoe loves to read, go to the gym and spend time with her friends and family. Never afraid to try something new, Zoe has taken on the role of Treasurer and her professionalism and personable nature make her an added and highly valued member of the Startup Gladstone team.