As a Senior Associate, I support clients in Defence related environments to develop strategic pathways in business development and commercialisation/translation of research to market and building productive relationships within the Defence sector.In my current assignment with DSTG (LIF Division), as a Commercialisation and Innovation specialist, I provide professional technical and operational support to identify, assess and integrate commercial and innovative approaches for commercialisation of key research outputs in critical areas . Para Bellum Solutions is a Project Management, Business Development and Recruitment consulting firm focused on helping clients in the Defence Sector supporting the delivery of major Science, Technology and Innovation projects that in turn support major capital programs for Defence.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Enterprise and providing strategic leadership and operational management of the UniSA Research Office and UniSA Core Animal Facility (68FTE, $9M operational budget). A key part of the role was fostering relationships with industry partners, and external service providers to realise opportunities for growth in domestic and international research income and activity, collaboration and investment, commercialisation and translation.Responsible for business development functions, research funding and grant development/management, contract negotiation and execution; researcher training and development; research ethics and compliance for UniSA and animal research facilities. Key Achievements:Negotiated complex and multiparty contracts and IP arrangements, including a $3M Medical Research Future Fund with an SME industry partner Established beneficial and productive government relationships on behalf of UniSA including Office of the Chief Scientist (SA), Australian Research Council (ARC), National Health and Medical Research Council and Department of Defence.Implemented a $1.5M institutional wide program of continuous improvement in research management services, including policy, process and system redesign. Developed and enabled a staff-driven wellness and positivity program that was institutionally recognised for excellence.

Senior management role reporting directly to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and strategic and operational management of the RDS unit (63 staff members, $8m operational budget). Responsible for leading, managing and enhancing delivery of research development, industry engagement with key sectors (water, environment and circular economy), commercialisation, analysis and reporting of performance and economic impact, research funding and investment and researcher training and development. This position also oversees all aspects of legal contracting, compliance, ethics, research integrity and research data analysis and reporting. Key Achievements Delivered significant and transformational change to research development and support services at Flinders University through consultative and proactive leadershipLed the implementation and rollout of an $2.5M enterprise-wide Research Management Systems including process redevelopment, stakeholder consultation and training and of a new research funding opportunities portal for researchers. Both resulted in a significant uplift in data integrity and in identifying research income and funding diversity Established beneficial and productive partnerships both internal and external to Flinders University including State, Local and Federal Government agencies; not for profit organisations; other educational institutions; industry partners; and external consultants  Facilitated the implementation of design thinking, agile project management approaches and proactive change management, to support the identification and realisation of business improvement opportunities Led the 2018 Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) and Engagement and Impact (E&I) reporting to Australian Research Council

Senior executive role reporting to the Managing Director. Responsible for ensuring excellence in all facets of management and leadership of the branches with the Research and Engagement Division: Research Operations, Marketing and Communications, Stakeholder and Government Engagement and Knowledge Management   Key Achievements Negotiated the 3year Commonwealth research funding contract (≈$10.5M) and the 2016/17 Annual Implementation Plan for milestones and deliverables to shareholders  Under the direction of COAG and NCVER Board, developed the 3 year research program to deliver key outcomes for the VET sector and Australian skills development Led the successful tender application for the design and implementation to the Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC) National Industry Insights Report (≈$550K).   Introduced contemporary financial management, and governance frameworks to achieve streamlining of processes to gain efficiencies in research and manage opportunities and risk in research projects The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) is a not-for-profit company owned by the Commonwealth and state and territory ministers responsible for vocational education and training. It is a professional and independent body responsible for collecting, managing, analysing, evaluating and communicating research and statistics about vocational education and training (VET) nationally

The role of COO reported directly to the Chief Executive and was responsible for leading and managing state infrastructure and assets, oversight of Motor Registration, and delivery of effective and efficient public transport services

Pivotal Strategies provides executive level consultancy services in governance, strategic planning, policy development and project management. The key focus is on supporting the strategic development and growth of organisations through innovation

Inaugural CEO reporting directly to a Board of Directors, was responsible for the start-up and successful transition from its federally funded predecessor - CRC for Water Quality and Treatment -to a national public company that is regarded as a world leader and innovative knowledge broker for water related research and policy. As Company Secretary responsible for all governance and statutory reporting for a Limited by Guarantee public company. Key Achievements Built a world leading, member based Research Organisation by establishing a productive and sustainable company model and corporate governance structure that ensured transparency and accountability on the use of funds and services   and engagement with all stakeholdersWithin 5 years, increased the portfolio of research projects from <$500K to in excess of $50Million (cash/inkind)  Established and mentored a high performing team of multi-disciplinary professionalsSecured international/national funding for the cutting-edge research programs and ensured the delivery of high quality and innovative research solutions on time and within budget  Facilitated alignment and agreement on the strategic research needs of the water industry to established and implement the 5year strategic plan and industry informed Research BlueprintActed as an advocate and representative in National and International forums to promote the benefits to of continued investment in R&D and the quality of the Australian Water Industry  WaterRA is a not for profit organisation focusing on initiating, promoting and facilitating research in the priority areas of water quality for the Australian water industry and the Australian community. WaterRA is a public company limited by guarantee, with nearly 50 members including the major players within the Australian water industry, government regulators and leading research institutions. WaterRA manages over $60million of research on behalf of its members.