When I was young I was a real country kid who wanted to save all the animals from the bad things threatening them. I also wanted to grow up to be a scientist.

It turns out that I made my scientist dreams come true! Training in journalism and communications along the way as well!

Today, I lead HERA as the CEO, and though I’m not an engineer, I’d best describe myself as an Innovation/Research Leader who has worked in steel-based research for some time now. Prior to taking this role I had a long relationship with HERA, serving as an Executive member and Deputy Chair as a representative of New Zealand Steel and the role I held there at the time as Head of Innovation and Product Development and before that, Manager of Coated Product Development and Open Innovation Manager for BlueScope Steel.

I bring more than 20 years experience in innovation management covering the private-sector, not-for-profits, Government and academia across a range of industries including materials science, medical radiation physics, biotechnology, sustainable building products, renewable energy, and of course steel.

I’ve worked a lot with the steel industry through my past role as Director of Commercial Research at the University of Wollongong (where the Australian Steel Hub and Sustainable Building Research Centres are head-quartered and formerly the CRC for Welded Structures, BlueScope Steel Metallurgy Centre and CRC for Energy Pipelines). I have also held Innovation Policy and Program Delivery roles with the Commonwealth Government in Australia.

I have a passion for bringing innovative ideas to market and transforming industry through innovation (I am currently focusing on digital transformation) and product development.

By day I juggle the role of being a leader who works hard to deliver on HERA’s strategy for our key stakeholders, my passion to advocate for diversity, inclusion, sustainability and the living standards framework, and of course, being a parent (which never stops even if you’re at work)! By night, I try to do yoga, be present with my son and partner, carry out a range of governance roles and continue my childhood quest to save the animals of the world.

My future dream is to be able to walk my son home from school each day and have an animal rescue farm – otherwise, I feel very lucky to be living a fabulous life!