Engaged to manage a new program in the growing field of social procurement, I built a thriving network of large corporates, government agencies and certified social enterprises which became the basis of Social Traders' operations. Commercial services developed and delivered focused on increasing corporate and government spend with social enterprises.

Social Traders fosters the growth of social enterprise by helping them to win more work with our network of over 100 business and government members. My role is to lead the development and delivery of services to business and government members that will create an enabling environment for social procurement.

Having developed a sustainable procurement enterprise concept, I was selected as one of 12 finalists nationally in the Macquarie Bank Kick Starter program eligible to be considered for a start-up grant following submission of a business plan. Following initial planning and establishment, the venture has capacity to be successfully managed from within the partner organisations.

The Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association (VFMA) is a member based not for profit organisation which runs a reputable industry accreditation program as well a suite of promotions through regular editorial and self-generated channels.Engaged during the infancy of the VFMA, I led the transformation from a voluntary community association, to one with extensive networks of shoppers, farmers and external partners aligned with the vision of the integrity of farmers’ markets. Key areas of responsibility included:- Business innovation and development, including revenue generation growth and diversification such as training, introducing sponsorship and consulting services. I successfully created and implemented new programs (including media relations and volunteer programs), substantially grew membership and built brand reputation. Social enterprise principles were used in strategic and business planning and modelling.- Partnership and relationship development and management across a diverse range of stakeholders including government, industry associations, corporates, social enterprises and non profit organisations. This included member advocacy and representation with successful legislative and funding outcomes.- Governance and human resource management of a team ranging between 3 and 11 staff. Change management included staff restructures and governance improvements with the voluntary Committee of Management.- Accreditation program launch and management resulting in rapid take up of the pioneering system. This also included intellectual property management, including initiating and implementing intellectual property protection mechanisms - Project management of complex and concurrent government funded projects, including grant writing, resource allocation and reporting.

As the founder and manager of Eureka Coffee, I established a successful and diverse coffee roasting business which offers local coffee growers a fair price and reliable market and has a strong commitment to sustainable principles. It is a pioneer in the area of local and ethical sourcing and continues to be recognised amongst the elite of Melbourne’s coffee scene. The business started on a shoestring and has grown to include retail, wholesale and catering operations. My key responsibilities included:• All aspects of business start up including marketing collateral, branding, website, products and packaging, as well as essential business systems including accounting, customer relationship management and staff management.• Business and product launch and early stage client base development for wholesales• Retail outlet establishment including at markets, farmers' markets and shop front• Scaling up of farmers' market operations and expansion into new corporate catering market• Acquired a level of technical expertise that received industry recognition by being invited to judge at the Victorian Barista Championships in 2004 and 2005• Brand building and protection through intellectual property protection, including trademarking and successfully filing a claim of non-use

Initially engaged by Melbourne Parks and Waterways as a student, I made the most of the opportunities presented by the creation of the state wide body; Parks Victoria. I held a wide range of environmental planning and project management roles, including a seminal secondment to Auckland Regional Council. Both my passion for the environment and my strength in strategic planning were firmly cemented during this six years with Parks Victoria.Highlights include:• As part of a high performing team, I was involved in implementing a new approach to environmental management across the State• Project management of a multi-disciplinary team to Improve the sustainability of paper use across the organisation• Established a new awards program for volunteer groups in parks • Working independently, managed operational projects which improved efficiency and effectiveness of signage, disabled visitor access and security services across the parks network• Developed a system for assessing visitor service levels across the network• Selected for a 9 month secondment to Auckland Regional Council in 1997, I led the development of a system for assessing park values, working collaboratively with local councils.