Results-oriented Executive with extensive experience in optimising operations and enhancing team productivity across various sectors. Proven track record in effective leadership, strategic planning, and developing robust business systems. Core competencies include stakeholder relationship management, problem-solving, negotiation, and business process development. Committed to leveraging expertise to drive organisational success and cultivate a high-performance culture.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
National Manager Safety Risk & Intelligence (SES1)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
Brisbane, QLD
02.2024 - Current
Appointed as the inaugural Chief Data Officer (CDO) to establish data governance processes, develop a data strategy, and increase data capability and quality within the organisation
Management of the data analytics function focussing on deriving intelligence from internal data sources and engaging with industry participants to access external data to understand aviation risk
Responsible for the development of CASA’s contribution to the National Aviation Safety Plan
Developed CASA's Crisis Management and Business Continuity Plans
Managing CASA’s Risk function providing oversight of the Chief Risk Officer portfolio covering both aviation and corporate risk in alignment with Board Risk Appetite Statement
Provide advice and guidance in relation to Safety Management System development and implementation in accordance with ICAO Annex 19 Standards and Recommended Practices.
National Manager, People and Capability (SES1)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
Brisbane, QLD
06.2022 - 01.2024
Responsible for CASA’s Human Resource and Training functions
Appointed Lead Negotiator for the CASA 2023 - 2026 Enterprise Agreement (EA) which involved four unions and included protected industrial action before reaching an agreement
I designed and led the change program to integrate the Training and HR Branches into a single branch comprising 48 people
I acted as the management representative on governance committees including the Board People and Culture Sub-Committee, the national WHS Committee and the Workplace Relations Group
Managed the introduction of One-Model; a data analytics platform providing real-time HR metrics to support decision making by managers
Initiated HR business partner activities to support executive managers with strategic workforce planning
Responsible for the WHS function within CASA
Managed the Diversity and Inclusion function, including delivery of diversity events and the introduction of CASA’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Managing nationally distributed teams responsible for the development and delivery of training to ensure Technical, Regulatory and Professional Capability
I contributed at a strategic level on several program steering committees overseeing complex change activities including an organisational restructure
I developed a framework which formed the basis of an assessment methodology enabling inspectors to be trained in the assessment of outcome-based regulations
I presented at the 2019 ICAO Forum on Risk Based Surveillance in Bangkok and participated in a Training Delegation to PNG in 2019 to provide strategic training support to CASA- PNG
I delivered a 300% increase in completed development activities by the Branch in the 17/18 financial year after restructuring business processes to enable delivery through agile teams
I ensured training continuity during the COVID Pandemic through the establishment of a virtual classroom capability. Consequentially the Organisation’s ongoing training related travel budget has been reduced by 80%, representing a saving of $500k in FY 21/22 alone
I guided the Branch through the design and development of ICAO compliant technical training pathways to ensure alignment with CASA’s transition to a national operating model
Technical and Policy Advisor to Executive Manager Operations (EL2)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
Brisbane, QLD
08.2016 - 11.2017
Providing quality and timely advice to the Executive and CEO on Strategic and Operational Matters; Representing the Operations Senior Manager at Industry forums; drafting technical papers and presentations for consideration at CASA governance committee’s and industry meetings; Providing strategic policy direction to address aviation safety concerns.
National Manager Flying Standards Branch - Acting (SES1)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
Brisbane, QLD
06.2015 - 07.2016
Responsible for managing two nationally distributed teams responsible for ensuring the maintenance of aviation piloting standards
Responsible for regulatory decision making, including instruments of approval, exemptions and enforcement in relation to sixty thousand licenced pilots and over three hundred flying training organisations
I facilitated the introduction of Australia’s Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) flight test capability, the peak industry license required under new regulations introduced in 2013
I chaired an industry flight training panel which enabled co-design approaches to managing emerging industry risk
I convened an Advisory Group to develop processes for assessing downstream flight training devices (simulators)
I reviewed and updated policies and processes to manage operational risk and ensure appropriate governance of the internal flying training budget
I represented CASA conducting stakeholder engagement activities at aviation forums and workshops relating to new and proposed regulations and related standards
Role ceased due organisational restructure
Aviation Safety Advisor (EL2)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
Brisbane, QLD
05.2012 - 05.2015
A stakeholder engagement role which included the provision of regulatory advice, aviation industry visits, and safety seminar delivery
Flight Crew Training Program Manager
Boeing Defense Australia
Brisbane, QLD
03.2011 - 05.2012
Managing an internationally dispersed team, I was responsible for the development and management of flight crew training, project plans and schedules as part of a series of multinational contracts valued in excess of AUD three billion
Negotiated a training solution between the Turkish Air Force and Boeing Integrated Defence Systems (US) as part of the Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft sales contract
Managed the development of the resultant training curriculum to meet the contractual and business needs of both clients in a manner which significantly reduced execution risk
Through a matrix management structure became adept at building relationships across multiple teams and managing without formal authority to deliver project outcomes
Training Consultant
Self Employed
National
01.2007 - 02.2011
While completing post-graduate study I contracted to various national clients, RTOs and TAFEs to facilitate programs including the Diploma and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and the Certificate IV in Business and Workplace Coaching
I developed and implemented a quality framework for a national RTO, introducing a continual improvement process and conducted performance appraisals across a national team of facilitators. A 12% increase in overall client referrals was attributed to the project
I developed a suite of resources in support of an RTO’s application for accreditation to deliver Singapore’s ACTA+ qualification (Advanced Certificate of Training and Assessment)
I presented a workshop on Technical Skill Training Techniques at the 17th International Conference on Learning in Hong Kong – July 2010
Business Owner and Manager
Self Employed (Small Business)
Brisbane, QLD
10.2004 - 10.2008
A Property Management business was purchased in October 2004 and was profitably sold in October 2007
Concurrently, a Music Teaching School was founded in January 2006 and sold in October 2008
At the sale, the business employed a team of 10 staff members, with 250 enrolled students.
I managed all aspects of the business including finance, sales and marketing, and human resources.
Director of Operations and Scheduling (Al Yamamah Project)
BAe Systems Australia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
01.2000 - 10.2004
Contracted initially as a Flying Instructor, I advanced into a management role where I was responsible for the timely completion of all training events and held overall responsibility for the developmental progress of approximately 80 personnel
Developed and honed the ability to manage and motivate cross-cultural teams to achieve results within a highly challenging cultural environment
As an expatriate in a foreign military structure I developed the ability to influence without authority
Developed a working knowledge of a variety of aviation systems through operational interactions with expatriate aviators from Canada, US, UK, South Africa, Sudan, Oman, Bahrain, and NZ
Officer / Pilot
Royal Australian Air Force
, Various Locations
01.1988 - 01.2000
My career as an Officer in the RAAF included flying roles as an International Transport Aircraft Captain, Flying Instructor and Maintenance Test Pilot, in addition to managerial roles in Flying Training
Education
Graduate AICD (GAICD) -
AICD
01.2024
IECL Level 1 Coach -
IECL
01.2021
Master - Human Resources And Organisational Development
SCU
01.2011
Diploma Training and Assessment -
MRWED
01.2010
Diploma of Management -
Learning Collaborative
01.2009
Diploma of Business -
Learning Collaborative
01.2009
Diploma of Project Management -
BNIT
Brisbane, QLD
01.2008
Bachelor of Science -
UNSW
01.1990
Skills
Safety management
Risk management
Data governance
Regulatory compliance / audit
Stakeholder engagement
Employee development
Training and development
Strategic planning
Training
Advanced APS Craft, APSC, 01/01/19
Leading Digital Transformation, APSC, 01/01/19
SES Risk Management, Comcover, 01/01/19
SES Band 1 Leadership, APSC, 01/01/18
Regulatory Craft, Malcolm Sparrow, 01/01/16
Boeing Leadership Program, Boeing Defence Australia, 01/01/10
Security Clearance
NV1
Affiliations
Cycling
Sailing
Diving
Certification
Commercial Pilot Licence / Grade 1 Flying Instructor
RYA International Certificate of Competency
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
National Manager Safety Risk & Intelligence (SES1)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
02.2024 - Current
National Manager, People and Capability (SES1)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
06.2022 - 01.2024
National Manager, Training (SES1)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
12.2017 - 06.2022
Technical and Policy Advisor to Executive Manager Operations (EL2)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
08.2016 - 11.2017
National Manager Flying Standards Branch - Acting (SES1)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
06.2015 - 07.2016
Aviation Safety Advisor (EL2)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
05.2012 - 05.2015
Flight Crew Training Program Manager
Boeing Defense Australia
03.2011 - 05.2012
Training Consultant
Self Employed
01.2007 - 02.2011
Business Owner and Manager
Self Employed (Small Business)
10.2004 - 10.2008
Director of Operations and Scheduling (Al Yamamah Project)
BAe Systems Australia
01.2000 - 10.2004
Officer / Pilot
Royal Australian Air Force
01.1988 - 01.2000
Graduate AICD (GAICD) -
AICD
IECL Level 1 Coach -
IECL
Master - Human Resources And Organisational Development
<ul><li>Key Role: Heading the HSE & AI department and acting as a Senior Management Personnel (SMP)</li><li>Responsibilities:</li><li>Corporate HSE & AI Functions:</li><li>Developed and implemented IRM’s HSE & AI policy and management system.</li><li>Spearheaded leadership development and safety culture initiatives across all levels.</li><li>Facilitated internal and external HSE communications and corporate-level engagement programs.</li><li>Oversaw compliance for ERDMP certification, PCB consents, and environmental audits.</li><li>Led HSE training strategy including induction programs and annual training calendars.</li><li>Initiated and monitored HSE & AI performance improvement plans and audits.</li><li>Developed strategic safety KPIs, trend analysis, and corporate-level MIS reporting.</li><li>Managed safety tours, incident investigations, and safety reward programs.</li><li>Championed process safety, MOC, RCA reviews, and critical safety studies.</li><li>Ensured effective GA-level implementation of HSE policies and risk management.</li><li>Conducted safety campaigns, mock drills, and employee engagement activities.</li><li>Geographical Area (GA) Operations HSE & AI Oversight:</li><li>Engaged field teams and contractors for proactive HSE compliance and audits.</li><li>Reviewed and maintained Asset Integrity systems including HAZOP, QRA, and Risk Registers.</li><li>Participated in PNGRB, IMS audits and implemented corrective actions at GA level.</li><li>Facilitated incident reporting to authorities and supported root cause investigations.</li><li>Supported GA-level environmental and emergency preparedness programs.</li></ul> at IRM Energy Limited<ul><li>Key Role: Heading the HSE & AI department and acting as a Senior Management Personnel (SMP)</li><li>Responsibilities:</li><li>Corporate HSE & AI Functions:</li><li>Developed and implemented IRM’s HSE & AI policy and management system.</li><li>Spearheaded leadership development and safety culture initiatives across all levels.</li><li>Facilitated internal and external HSE communications and corporate-level engagement programs.</li><li>Oversaw compliance for ERDMP certification, PCB consents, and environmental audits.</li><li>Led HSE training strategy including induction programs and annual training calendars.</li><li>Initiated and monitored HSE & AI performance improvement plans and audits.</li><li>Developed strategic safety KPIs, trend analysis, and corporate-level MIS reporting.</li><li>Managed safety tours, incident investigations, and safety reward programs.</li><li>Championed process safety, MOC, RCA reviews, and critical safety studies.</li><li>Ensured effective GA-level implementation of HSE policies and risk management.</li><li>Conducted safety campaigns, mock drills, and employee engagement activities.</li><li>Geographical Area (GA) Operations HSE & AI Oversight:</li><li>Engaged field teams and contractors for proactive HSE compliance and audits.</li><li>Reviewed and maintained Asset Integrity systems including HAZOP, QRA, and Risk Registers.</li><li>Participated in PNGRB, IMS audits and implemented corrective actions at GA level.</li><li>Facilitated incident reporting to authorities and supported root cause investigations.</li><li>Supported GA-level environmental and emergency preparedness programs.</li></ul> at IRM Energy Limited
<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC