Our Staff

As the Acting CEO, Jenni is committed to implementing NRM North’s strategic objectives and improving business performance. She has previously held roles in local and state government, not-for-profit organisations, and the private sector.

Jenni is experienced in financial management and reporting, project management, contract management, legal compliance, policy, WHS and human resources, including understanding and managing complex statutory requirements.

With more than 20 years of experience in successfully leading multidisciplinary teams, Jenni leads the formation and implementation of effective HR practices to build and retain an appropriately educated, trained and competent workforce.

Ben is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of NRM North's Land and Sustainability Programs. With over 15 years' experience in natural resource management in the private, public and vocational education sectors in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. He is passionate about working alongside communities and agencies to promote and implement sustainable land management innovations.

Jesse has 10 years' experience within Natural Resource Management in Tasmania mainly across the water sector working with many stakeholders to improve integrated catchment management. Jesse is a dedicated manager who has worked with many stakeholders across Tasmania’s northern region to help them reduce threats to water quality and ecological health of waterways that are linked to a range of land use practices within the catchment.

Jesse has a strong background in project management including leading the delivery of the kanamaluka/ Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan – Catchment Works Program as well as managing statewide recovery actions through the Agricultural Landscape Rehabilitation Scheme that was delivered in the wake of the 2016 Tasmanian floods.

Jesse is great at building and maintaining strong relationships and continues to lead the NRM North team on the delivery of the kanamaluka/ Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan - Catchment Works Program, the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) program, the North Esk River Wetland Restoration project, the Improving Midlands biodiversity: stewardship and restoration project and the Giant freshwater crayfish: enhancing habitat conservation project.

As NRM North’s Biodiversity Program Manager, Stephen is responsible for the delivery of projects funded by the Australian Governments Regional Delivery Partners and Saving Native Species Programs and oversees the work of the northern Regional Cat Management Coordinator.

With over 25 years’ experience working in wildlife conservation and natural resource management, Stephens broad range of skills, knowledge and experience helps guide these projects to improve the trajectory of many of Tasmania’s threatened animals, plants, and ecological communities, through improved land management practices, restoration of degraded land, and by managing the threat of invasive introduced species. Through developing and maintaining strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, Stephen enjoys seeing the benefits that a collaborative approach to natural resource management can make.

Having grown up in regional Tasmania, Stephen is passionate about our unique natural environment and the lifestyle and recreational opportunities that it provides. He is motivated to support landholders, public land managers and organisations who wish to protect and enhance the natural biodiversity values of the region and ensure that Northern Tasmania remains a special place for future generations.

As the Circular North Program Manager, Steve leads the development and implementation of initiatives and projects in the waste disposal and resource recovery areas within Councils in the Northern Tasmania region.

Joining NRM North after 25 years of experience in civil engineering and waste project management in local government, his role in Council contributing to the first kerbside FOGO collection in Tasmania and a Council run recycling processing centre at the Deloraine landfill site.

Steve has a long-held passion for waste minimisation and the realisation of waste materials as a commodity contributing to a circular economy.

Adeel is NRM North’s Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager, leading projects under the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT), the Future Drought Fund (FDF), and other sustainable agriculture initiatives. In this role, he supports farmers in strategic farm management, risk mitigation, and climate change adaptation to enhance the economic, environmental, and social resilience of farm businesses.

With a PhD from the University of Tasmania and over 12 years of experience in agricultural research, consultancy, and the use of information technology in extension services, Adeel brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. During his tenure at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, he contributed to projects focused on enhancing farm resilience, sustainable practices adoption, and implementing technology-driven solutions to help farmers manage risks and adapt to climate challenges. He is committed to fostering collaborative relationships and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of Northern Tasmania’s farming communities.

Karen is responsible for managing the governance activities of NRM North including oversight of all processes for the Management Committee and Association and provides executive support to the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Leadership Team.

Joanne is NRM North's People and Culture Lead. She has a background in Vocational Education and Training where she facilitated training courses in Business Services, Human Resources, and Leadership and Management.

Jo has experience managing entire employee life cycle including end to end recruitment services, induction and onboarding, professional development planning, performance appraisals and retention.

Jo is excited to bring to NRM North her skills in coaching, values-based achievements and promoting a positive and inspiring culture that is proven through innovative solutions and excellent service delivery.

Sarah has over 20 years experience working in financial roles and has been with NRM North since 2010. Sarah is responsible for maintaining NRM North's financial records and providing financial accounting and clerical support to the organsiation. Sarah is also responsible for Human Resources and payroll related matters.

St John is responsible for implementing and improving organisational processes, procedures, and systems, and coordinating the ongoing portfolio of NRM North contracts. St John brings a wealth of experience with him to NRM North gained through many years of experience in similar roles in local government and the private sector. St John also regularly provides nature photographs for science and education to organisations including Tasmania Parks and Wildlife, the QVMAG.

Katie is NRM North's Administration Assistant. She looks after the front desk, greets visitors and answers the phone. Katie completed Certificate IV in Business in 2024.

Ashleigh has over 15 years' experience in marketing and communications roles for private and not-for-profit businesses. She has a Bachelor's degree in Business (International Business) and extensive experience in digital marketing, e-commerce and branding, as well as event and project management.

Ashleigh works with the NRM North team to ensure written and visual consistency across the organisation's project publications, resources and digital platforms, and works with stakeholders to promote the work of the organisation in the broader community.

Holly is a communications specialist with more than a decade of industry experience in broadcast, print, and online journalism, government business enterprise and the non-profit sector. Her background includes working as a print and digital reporter at The Advocate and The Examiner, as well as a TV journalist at Southern Cross News (now 7 Tasmania) and Win News Tasmania.

Holly is highly motivated by delivering exceptional results and providing strategic guidance. Holly has a passion for leveraging her strengths to produce innovative ideas, turn thoughts into action, and energise those around her.

Biba is a qualified journalist with over 15 years’ media experience in print, television and radio. As Communications Coordinator for NRM North, Biba is responsible for the production of major publications and monthly newsletter. Biba also ensures consistency and accuracy across the organisation's project publications and resources. Biba has previously worked with ABC radio and 7News in Queensland as a producer and news journalist as well as commercial radio stations in Queensland and Tasmania. Biba has also written many feature articles for a broad range of industries.

Juan is a natural relationship builder and communication specialist with a passion for innovation. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Advertising, a Graduate Diploma in Advertising Management, and a Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. With a diverse background in advertising and non-profit organisations, he possesses a broad range of experience. Juan firmly believes in the transformative power of marketing and communication to make a positive impact on the world.

Beyond the office, Juan is an intrepid explorer of Tasmania's natural wonders. With a curious and contemplative nature, he takes delight in observing and marvelling at the breathtaking beauty that surrounds Tasmania.

Kate works with public and private land managers as well as community groups to ensure protection of our unique and diverse flora and fauna and coastal environments.  Projects include supporting landholders to revegetate their properties and protect existing native habitat, through to collaborating with government agencies and other stakeholders to implement recovery actions for threatened species and ecological communities, and to plan for the impacts of climate change on our biodiversity.

Jess works with industry stakeholders and the community to facilitate improved cat management participation and education in the northern region and across Tasmania. Jess graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Environmental Management (Hons) in 2021. Majoring in Wildlife and Natural Systems, Jess completed her honours thesis on domestic cat management.

Nikita is a Biodiversity Coordinator working on the Small Farm Living Program. She has a Masters in Protected Area Governance and Management from University of Tasmania, with her research thesis focusing on Opportunities and Barriers for Coastcare groups in Tasmania. She has volunteered with different NGOs in Tasmania, learning about cultural diversity and ecological diversity that the state has to offer. Nikita has knowledge of environmental education, ecotourism, environmental research and assessment and strongly believes in engaging community members to achieve sustainable goals. Her hobbies include bird watching, singing Bollywood songs and dancing.

Assisting in the delivery of the River Health Action Plan, Andrew assists landholders in the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) catchments apply for funding through the Tamar Action Grants program. He has a background in agronomy and managing environmental projects including revegetation works, bush rehabilitation, and roadside weed control.  Andrew has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Rural Technology) and completed his Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management in 2017. Andrew has previously worked for Pacific Seeds as Canola Crop Research Lead and as Team Leader at Technigro.

Stacey coordinates two projects under the banner Improving Midlands biodiversity: stewardship and restoration in partnership with the Landscape Recovery Foundation, Tasmanian Land Conservancy, and Bush Heritage Australia. These projects aim to protect and enhance ecological values on private land in the Midlands region of Central Tasmania, with a keen focus on threatened species and ecological communities including critically endangered orchids and lowland native grasslands. She also helps in the delivery of the River Health Action Plan, assisting landholders in the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) catchments with ongoing projects through the Tamar Action Grants program. Having graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2019 with a Bachelor of Natural Environment and Wilderness Studies, Stacey enjoys engaging with landholders and being out in the field as she is passionate about the environment and facilitating accessible education.

Sam coordinates field work and data management for the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) Program. This includes the kanamaluka / Tamar estuary Ecosystem Health Assessment Program, Biological Monitoring Program and the Lake Trevallyn Algal Bloom Monitoring Program. Sam also provides input and facilitates training for partners of the TEER Program’s Northern Tasmanian Stormwater Program. Sam’s background is in plant and ecological research in southern Africa, with a specific interest in ecological change, indicator species and long-term monitoring. A notable past project included coordination of an on-water river sampling expedition covering over 2,000 km across multiple countries. When not out in the field, Sam relishes getting outdoors to take advantage of the many adventurous activities - like hiking, rock climbing, canyoning, kayaking and mountain biking - that Tasmania has to offer.

Ruth has recently joined the TEER Program, assisting with important water quality monitoring activities. Ruth has worked for Conservation Volunteers Australia and previously did job-shadowing in the TEER Program. Ruth is also currently completing a degree in Environmental Science and Management.

Sushma is the Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator at NRM North, where she works closely with farmers, land managers, and local stakeholders to promote sustainable farming practices. With her knowledge in agricultural sustainability and natural resource management, she is dedicated to improving soil health and water conservation across the region.

Sushma holds a master's degree in Agricultural sciences and has a deep understanding of sustainable farming methods that balance productivity with environmental responsibility. Driven by a passion for preserving the environment and supporting the local community, Sushma believes that sustainable agriculture is the future of farming. She is committed to helping farmers adopt practices that not only enhance crop yields but also protect the natural landscape for generations to come. In her work at NRM North, Sushma strives to create a thriving and resilient agricultural sector that benefits both people and the planet.