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Board of Directors

An independent Board has been established as an active, experienced, and involved governance group that provides significant expertise and input into the ongoing delivery of our organisational activities. 

Our independent board members include: 

  • Ms Kylie Walker, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering. 
  • Mr Fraser Bell, Partner of Thomson Greer 
  • Mr Gary Brady, Chair of Anglicare Southern Queensland 
  • Ms Judith Leeson AM, Director of Vector Consultants 
  • Mr Richard Porter, Chief Financial Officer of Flinders University 

ARIIA’s independent Board is skills-based and responsible for overseeing the organisation. Please see below for further information on the expertise of our board members. 

 

Ms Kylie Walker
Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
Ms Kylie Walker
Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering

Kylie is a strategic, collaborative and results-driven leader across science, technology, and engineering sectors with a focus on evidence-informed decision-making. She has held a range of senior executive roles and specialises in seeding and convening impactful conversations, strategy, action and investment towards a thriving, healthy, inclusive and connected Australia supported by science and technology. Kylie has also led campaigns to increase investment in Australian research and development and created acclaimed inclusion programs including the Superstars of STEM and Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM. 

With board chair experience spanning from Australia’s National Commission for UNESCO to the National Research and Innovation Alliance, and National Science Week, Kylie has also been a director of community and health sector organisations. Kylie is a visiting Fellow at the Australian Science Media Centre, an AFR 100 Woman of Influence, and a member of Chief Executive Women. 

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Mr Fraser Bell
Partner of Thomson Greer
Mr Fraser Bell
Partner of Thomson Greer

As a legal practitioner of 32 years standing, Fraser has legal expertise in environmental and planning law and climate change. He is currently Treasurer of the Law Society of South Australia and an Australian Institute of Company Directors Councillor of the South Australian Division.

He presides over and sits on several profit-for-purpose Boards, including as Chair of Belberry Limited and Chair of East Waste. His board experience spans over two decades, with time serving as Chair of a general practice medical group, hospital foundations and arts organisations. 

He has a keen interest in business development and extensive experience in industrial and commercial property and regularly advises on environmental aspects of property acquisitions and disposals.

He has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a recommended lawyer in the South Australian planning and environment legal market and acknowledged by his peers as one of the Best Lawyers in Australia for Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Planning and Environmental Law.

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Mr Gary Brady
Chair of Anglicare Southern Queensland
Mr Gary Brady
Chair of Anglicare Southern Queensland

Gary is currently Chair and has been a board member of Anglicare Southern Queensland since 2015. He is a former Chair of Anglicare Audit & Risk Sub-Committee, an Advisory Member to the Diocesan Council, and a member of the Diocesan Audit & Risk Committee for the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane. Gary is also currently Director of Bond University for Brisbane, and formerly Program Director, Master of Laws in Enterprise Governance, within the Faculty of Law. He has taught at a postgraduate level in strategy, risk and compliance and is the Immediate Past Editor of the Journal of Enterprise Governance. He has experience in tertiary sector research commercialisation and collaborative funding, and university-industry partnerships. 

Prior to his tertiary career, Gary held senior executive positions with ASX20-listed companies BHP and James Hardie, and was Managing Partner in business advisory, specialising in strategy development and implementation, data analytics and revenue-led turnaround. Gary holds a Master of Business in Marketing, a Bachelor of Economics, is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.

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Ms Judith Leeson AM
Director of Vector Consultants
Ms Judith Leeson AM
Director of Vector Consultants

Throughout her career spanning over six decades, Judith has been a dedicated advocate for those living with disadvantages. Her leadership roles in early childhood, disability, and career development, have focused on empowering individuals and communities through evidence-based programs.

Recognised for her significant contributions to the community, Judith was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2005 and holds a Lifetime Achievement Award and is a Fellow and Life Member of the Career Development Association of Australia.

As a former Flinders graduate and senior visiting lecturer in disability, Judith’s impact extends to various voluntary roles as board member and chair for many not-for-profit associations.

Her recent voluntary work includes advocating for older citizens to self-manage their lives and interests in their chosen communities. Judith is also an Ambassador for the Caring Futures Institute and contributes her expertise to various research advisory panels and groups.

Judith’s vision is to contribute to the consolidation of a continued career development culture in Australia, and to ensure that all Australians have access to effective, evidence-based services to achieve that.

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Mr Richard Porter
Chief Financial Officer of Flinders University
Mr Richard Porter
Chief Financial Officer of Flinders University

Richard is an experienced senior executive having held both CEO and CFO roles over the past 20 years working across a number of sectors including Higher Education, Aged Care, Property Development and Manufacturing. 

Skilled in the development, setting and implementation of strategic direction with a strong understanding of corporate governance, finance, and risk management he has held the position of Chief Financial Officer of Flinders University for the past seven years with responsibility for its turnover in excess of $ 630m, 25,500 students and total assets of $ 1.14b. Richard is the co-chair and board member of Flinders Fertility and Flinders Academy, and he plays an important role supporting the Vice-Chancellor, Senior Vice-President and Senior Executive Team.

Richard is a qualified Certified Practicing Accountant, a Graduate of the AICD Directors Course, and a Master of Business Administration.

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