POWERCALL - Key Persons
Aaron is a qualified CPA possessing over 16 years accounting experience in a broad range of accounting roles across the Hotel, Hospitality and Sporting industries. Aaron specialises in financial reporting, analysis and budgeting.
Prior to joining Energy Consumers Australia Aaron worked for the National Rugby League where he oversaw the budgets for the High Performance, Club Services, Pacific Program and Women's Rugby League cost centres. He was also involved in fostering the international game assisting both the Rugby League International Federation and Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Grants Program
Alexandra comes to Energy Consumers Australia with 15 years' experience managing and influencing stakeholders. Her background in achieving strategic commercial, political, and regulatory success has spanned a number of fields including industry, government, higher education and the media.
Alexandra was the inaugural Chief Operating Officer of the University of Sydney's Centre for Translational Data Science, establishing collaborations between government, industry and academia. Prior to this, she worked as the NSW and Victoria Policy Director for the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) focussed on developing the onshore gas industry.
Alexandra holds a bachelor's degree in Government/Political Science and Masters of International Studies, both from the University of Sydney.
Job Titles:
- Policy Officer
- a Graduate Policy Officer
Alice joined Energy Consumers Australia as a graduate policy officer in the Energy Services and Markets Directorate after completing a double degree in Communications and International Studies. Majoring in social and political science sparked her interest in environmental policy and Australia's transition to renewables. She is eager to further her knowledge of the energy industry, particularly what a more distributed energy system will look like.
Alice has spent time volunteering her communication skills at various community organisations where she witnessed the real impact that unaffordable energy prices can have on people in financial hardship. She is a keen supporter of a transition that is fair and ensures everyone can take part.
Job Titles:
- Executive Officer to the Chief Executive Officer
Amy joins Energy Consumers Australia with over 10 years' experience providing executive support and assistance to senior executive teams in the energy distribution and tertiary education sectors. Amy brings experience in calendar management, event coordination, project support and overall executive assistance. Amy is currently completing the Certified High Performing Executive Assistant course with The EA Institute.
Job Titles:
- Economist
- Senior Energy Analyst
Ashley is an economist with over 7 years' experience in the energy sector. Ashley has worked across the AER and ACCC as an analyst, bringing a deep understanding of energy policy and economic regulation of markets. Ashley has previously worked for Energy Consumers Australia as a Senior Policy Associate specialising in tariff reform, CER integration, retail regulation, and consumer research. Prior to re-joining Energy Consumers Australia, Ashley worked as a Manager for Rennie Advisory helping government and energy market participants design and respond to policy.
Job Titles:
- Director, Energy System Transition
Brian serves as Director, Energy System Transition at Energy Consumers Australia. Prior to his current role, he led CSIRO's research and development program focused on the grid and renewable integration. Previously, he served in a variety of functions across the clean energy and utility sector in the United States, including managing a DER development team, as a sustainability consultant for Walmart, Coca-Cola, and LG Electronics, and as a registered federal lobbyist for utilities and clean tech companies.
Caroline joined the Energy System Transition team in 2022 with a background in energy poverty and sustainability research. After 10 years of practice and education in green buildings and energy efficiency in Brazil, Caroline moved to Australia in 2017 to expand her professional and academic skills.
She recently completed a PhD program at UTS. Her thesis explores the extent, causes and impacts of energy poverty among older vulnerable households in poor housing conditions - an emerging issue in Australia. Caroline aims to use her multi-disciplinary skill set and her passion for research, sustainability and advocacy to contribute towards a just energy transition.
Chris has a background in law and public policy. He is a member of Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal's (IPART) Energy Savings Scheme Tribunal Committee. Chris is a former Senior Director of the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) where he led the Retail and Wholesale Markets team addressing key aspects of consumer energy pricing and protection as well as the reshaping of wholesale market rules. He previously worked for the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal as General Manager of the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme and as Manager, Water Pricing. Chris is also a member of our Risk and Audit Committee
Job Titles:
- Founder of the Waste to Opportunity Enterprise
Georgina is the founder of the Waste to Opportunity Enterprise and current Chief Executive Officer of the Waste Recycling Industry Association of Queensland (WRIQ), the peak body for the waste management and recycling industry. She has worked in energy advocacy for the past six years authoring over 60 energy submissions within that time, achieving positive outcomes for Queensland's regions and communities, most recently as the CEO of Queensland Farmers' Federation.
Helen has significant corporate experience gained through directorships on government entities and ASX-listed companies in the energy, mining, agriculture and education sectors as well as entities involved in regional economic development and the arts. She currently chairs Generator Property Management and is a director of Developing East Arnhem Land, The Crawford Fund, Becquerel Laboratories and Larrakia Development Corporation. Helen is also a member of our Risk and Audit Committee.
Job Titles:
- CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council
Fiona Simon is the CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC), the peak body for the Australian hydrogen industry. AHC connects the hydrogen industry and its stakeholders in building a secure, clean and resilient energy future based on hydrogen. AHC's members are from a range of sectors, including energy, transport, consulting, banking and technology.
Dr Phillipa Watson aims to support people to live great and sustainable lives. To this end, as a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian National University and the University of Tasmania (UTAS), she works in applied research with a variety of collaborators, to understand and enhance peoples' real life housing transition and energy transition experiences.
Job Titles:
- CEO of the South Australian Council of Social Service
- Contractor, Research
- Economist
Elisabeth is an economist with close to twenty years' experience in regulatory and policy matters affecting infrastructure utilities. She has particular expertise in the energy sector, with experience in market design, regulation, governance and competition analysis.
Throughout her career, Elisabeth has been involved in energy market development across all facets of the industry, from wholesale and transmission network issues through to distribution and retail market reform. Prior to becoming a consultant, Elisabeth spent over 6 years working for the Australian Energy Market Commission, with responsibility for a number of strategic policy reforms. More recently, she has advised clients on issues relating to incorporating new technologies across energy market frameworks, stand-alone power systems, embedded networks, retail contestability and use of energy data.
Ross is the CEO of the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) - the peak body for the non-government community and health sector - which leads a fight against poverty and inequality. Ross also serves on a range of boards and regulatory committees, with a focus ranging from energy and water hardship and regulation, digital inclusion, housing, procurement, gambling through to workforce planning.
Gabrielle has more than 17 years' experience in energy utility and infrastructure industries. She has a particular interest in developing decarbonisation solutions for energy customers as well as leading a culture of innovation, inclusion and workplace well-being.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Manager Policy and Research at St Vincent De Paul Society
Gavin has significant consumer advocacy and energy policy experience. Gavin is Manager Policy and Research at St Vincent de Paul Society, Victoria. He has worked as a consumer representative in the energy sector for over 30 years undertaking research and policy evaluation on its impacts on domestic consumers. Gavin is currently a director on the board of Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV) and is a consumer representative on a number of industry and government committees. Gavin is a member of the 2022 integrated system plan consumer panel - member consumer reference group NSW renewable energy roadmap and was awarded 2001 centennial medal for services to the community.
Job Titles:
- Executive Support Officer
Helen has over 15 years' experience in executive support/assistance roles. She has worked in aged care, alternative energy storage, telecommunications, corporate and not for profit sectors across a range of industries.
Helen brings experience in event management, board governance and executive assistance. She completed a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture through University of NSW and holds a Diploma in Horticulture.
Isabella joins the Energy Services and Markets Directorate having completed a Graduate Certificate in Legal Studies. She also has a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in both Political Economy, and Government and International Relations.
Before joining Energy Consumers Australia, Isabella gained valued advocacy experience in the not-for-profit space, and through academic research as a New Columbo Plan participant. She is excited to support consumers' voices in shaping the future of the energy industry in Australia.
Job Titles:
- Interim Chief Executive Officer
Jacqueline has a wealth of energy sector, policy, and regulatory experience, gained through more than fifteen years in the energy industry. Prior to taking on the Interim CEO role, Jacqueline was the Director Policy, Energy Services and Markets, leading the work at Energy Consumers Australia focused on ensuring good consumers outcomes from the complex energy markets. Jacqueline is passionate about addressing the complex challenges facing energy consumers and framing solutions in a human-centered way.
Job Titles:
- Director, Strategy and Corporate
Katrina joined Energy Consumers Australia in 2020 with almost 20 years experience ensuring the efficient functioning of organisations via Operations, Compliance, Finance, Fundraising, Compliance and Risk Management. Katrina has worked in a number of roles including General Management, Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary in fast growing charitable and for profit organisations.
Katrina is currently responsible for the effective and efficient management of day to day operations at Energy Consumers Australia, providing leadership in setting the strategic direction of the organisation, supporting the Board and the CEO in a secretarial role as well as being a member of the executive management team. Katrina also manages our corporate service functions including accounting and finance, annual business planning and budgeting, risk management, human resources and IT.
Previously, Katrina worked at the Climate Council of Australia as Chief Operating Officer/ Company Secretary and even Acting CEO for 12 months. Katrina has held previous senior general management, operations and project management roles in a global business coaching firm as well as organisations in Australia and the UK such as AT Kearney, Macquarie Bank and Rothschild. Katrina has a Bachelor of Economics degree from the University of Sydney and postgraduate qualifications in Applied Finance. Katrina is also a founding facilitator of the Professional Environmental Women's Association (PEWA) NSW chapter.
Job Titles:
- Director, Energy Inclusion
Kerry has been with ECA since its inception, building on her extensive experience on energy consumer issues, previously as Executive Director of the Consumer Advocacy Panel, and the inaugural Executive Officer of the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre. She has also worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including a posting to the Australian Embassy in Seoul, and has managed her own consultancy business, strengthening relations between the private and community sectors.
Kerry also sits on the Executive Committee of the Consumers Federation of Australia.
Job Titles:
- Director, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
- Senior Leader
Liz is a senior leader in public affairs, strategic communications and stakeholder relations. Prior to joining Energy Consumers Australia, Liz helped run the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney. Liz has held senior roles in all three levels of government in Australia, including as head of media and communications for the Australian Human Rights Commission, and managed her own consultancy business, specialising in advocacy and campaigns for not-for-profits, industry bodies and high-growth tech companies. She is a former political journalist.
Louise has significant experience in consumer affairs policy analysis and advocacy. She is Chair of the Reliable Affordable Clean Energy for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre; a non-executive director of the Social Enterprise Fund Australia, the Australian Centre for Social Innovation; and Member of the Advisory Panels of the Net Zero Australia project and the Australian Privacy Foundation. Louise is a policy adviser to the Australian Risk Policy Institute. Formerly Chief Executive Officer of the Australian National Preventive Health Agency, Louise was also a Commissioner of the Productivity Commission and Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Louise is also a member of our Risk and Audit Committee.
Marie comes to the Energy Services and Markets Directorate with a background in Human Geography. Graduating from the University of Sydney Marie holds a Bachelor of Political, Economic and Social Sciences majoring in Government and International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Geography First Class. During her honour's year, Marie used photo elicitation, interview, and survey methodologies to understand the impact of COVID-19 on university students' food environments.
Job Titles:
- Acting Director Policy ( Energy Services and Markets )
Melissa is an admitted lawyer in Victoria and has a diverse background in both energy and the not-for-profit sector. Prior to joining Energy Consumers Australia Melissa worked in the energy retail sector, providing regulatory advice on all matters involving residential and small business energy customers, as well as being heavily involved in the rule change consultation process. Prior to energy, Melissa was a lawyer at the Mental Health Legal Centre working with a dedicated multi-disciplinary team providing access to justice for Victorian's experiencing mental health issues.
Neil has more than 30 years of energy industry experience across the electricity and gas sectors including roles in retail, distribution and asset management. he is currently the Director of the Research Centre for Energy Data Innovation and Director, External Engagement in the School of IT and Electrical Engineering at the University of QLD
Job Titles:
- Communications and Engagement Manager
Rebekah is a communications and engagement professional and has a decade of experience across the not-for-profit, private, and public sectors.
Much of Rebekah's career has focused on running campaigns within the climate and environmental space, including as Community Engagement Manager for the Climate Council and Communications Advisor for GreenHub Vietnam.
Rebekah is skilled at developing multi-channel communication strategies, building deep engagement, and communicating complex ideas.
Simon Moore is responsible for Business NSW advocacy relating to the infrastructure businesses depend on to function, including energy as well as transport, telecoms and water. Simon sits on several energy industry stakeholder bodies as Business NSW's representative, including Essential Energy's customer advocacy group and Jemena Gas Network's customer council.
Taneesha graduated from a Bachelor of Social Science (Dean's Scholar) and Science (Honours) in Human Geography. Her recent thesis ‘Everyday Urban Nature' explored diverse encounters with unruly natures, including plants, animals, materials and the elements as well as governance of such natures. Taneesha also completed one year abroad at the University of Karlstad in Sweden studying Sustainability and Nordic Perspectives. She has experience in community engagement and behaviour change analysis and has worked in the Zero Waste Sector. Taneesha has diverse research experience, including international fieldwork and funded research projects in Indonesia. She has also spent time in Kosciuszko looking at social practice in invasive species management.
New to the Energy Industry, Taneesha brings strong critical thinking skills, and a human geography perspective to her role.
Virginia is a lawyer, corporate governance expert and a company director. She was previously a partner of commercial law firm, Finlaysons. She has significant experience in national regulatory environments through her previous governance positions as a National Competition Councillor, a National Transport Commissioner, and as the Independent Chair of the Telecommunications Ombudsman Council. Virginia also Chairs our Reference Committee.