Our Staff

Jo is a highly motivated and respected leader with a wealth of experience in marine ecology and water quality, including management of multi-stakeholder collaborative governance models. As an aquatic environmental scientist, Jo has worked with various stakeholders on water quality related projects including the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers and River Health Action Plan programs. Jo has also been an integral part of the regional NRM planning process and business development activities across all operational programs. Jo has a strong focus on industries and communities, and connects successfully with diverse stakeholders at all stages of engagement.

As the CEO of NRM North, Jo is committed to delivering long-term benefits for the environment and communities. She has experience on a broad variety of environmental monitoring projects including water, groundwater and soil testing, contaminated site assessments and environmental management plans. She is passionate about engaging with Aboriginal communities, relevant state and federal government bodies, industry, and local communities to derive the greatest value from investments in core services and on-ground environmental and agricultural projects. Jo is well regarded for her strengths in program management, facilitation, negotiation, and organisational operations.

Jenni is responsible for NRM North’s financial management and reporting, contract management, legal compliance, policy, WHS and human resources.

In Jenni's role with NRM North she works closely with the CEO to implement NRM North’s strategic objectives and improve business performance. With more than 25 years’ experience, Jenni has previously held roles in local and state government, not-for-profit organisations, and the private sector.

As a key member of the senior management team, Jenni has significant experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing accounting and legal compliance programs, including understanding and managing complex statutory requirements. Jenni is an experienced financial business manager responsible for NRM North’s financial management and reporting frameworks, contract management, legal compliance, policy and WHS. In addition to providing strategic and high level advice on workforce issues to the CEO and management team, Jenni leads the formation and implementation of effective HR practices to build and retain an appropriately educated, trained and competent workforce.

Andrew has extensive experience in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating organisational strategies and NRM programs and projects, as well as developing strategic partnerships and effective engagement with communities to deliver optimal environmental outcomes through community-based solutions.

Andrew has over 20 years’ experience in natural resource management and the implementation of natural resource funding to deliver on-ground benefits. He has extensively collaborated with local communities, stakeholders, and local and federal government on a diverse range of projects supporting regional and sub-regional planning and implementation, GIS gap analysis, and prioritisation of investment.

In 2022, Andrew was recognised for his contribution to the organisation, receiving awards acknowledging his 10 and 15 years of service.

Ben is responsible for leading his teams in implementing NRM North's Land and Sustainability Programs. Ben has 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.

Ben has extensive experience in managing and implementing riparian and rangeland grazing incentive programs in western NSW and, alongside producers, is particularly proud of the work he has achieved in partnership with Aboriginal communities in Western NSW.

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.

Jesse works with stakeholders in Tasmania’s northern NRM region to help reduce threats to water quality and ecological health that are linked to the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) catchments. Jesse is the program manager responsible for the delivery of the River Health Action Plan funded through the Launceston City Deal. He oversees the implementation of the Tamar Action Grants within the dairy and grazing industries as well as the Sewage Intrusion Program which investigates the separated stormwater system around Launceston. Jesse also provides technical advice and support to partners of the Northern Tasmanian Stormwater Program and helps to facilitate the implementation of Water Sensitive Urban Design and improved sediment and erosion control practices at the regional and municipal level.

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 Junior administrator. She looks after the front desk, greets visitors and answers the phone. Katie completed Certificate III in Business in 2021 and is currently studying Certificate IV in Business.

Ashleigh is responsible for NRM North communications, ensuring written and visual consistency across the organisation's project publications, resources, digital platforms and in the media. She also works closely with stakeholders and media contacts to promote the work of the organisation in the broader community. Her experience in the FMCG and NFP sectors includes content management, eCommerce and digital marketing, as well as event and project management.

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.

Stephen Izzard is responsible for coordinating the delivery of NRM North’s eastern barred bandicoot project. Utilising funding from the Australian Government’s Regional Land Partnerships program, the ‘Safeguarding northern Tasmania as a refuge for Eastern Barred Bandicoots’ project aims to improve the trajectory of the species in northern Tasmania. Stephen works with private landholders and interested stakeholders to enhance the species habitat across target areas, by protecting remnant vegetation, undertaking revegetation works and encouraging activities in the community to reduce known threats to the species.

Stephen has always appreciated and enjoyed the unique natural environment that Tasmania has to offer, and the lifestyle and recreational opportunities that it provides. Following a brief stint working in Victoria on a number of revegetation and land restoration projects, he returned to his home state and has since worked in the wildlife conservation field for over 20 years, most recently with the Save The Tasmanian Devil Program.

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 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. She has a diverse background in customer service, including two years of volunteer work with the South Australian Ambulance Service. After working as a farm hand at Tiger Hill Permaculture, Stacey found a passion for land management practices, inspiring her to pursue a Bachelor of Natural Environment and Wilderness Studies with UTAS, which she has recently completed. Stacey is excited to start her career in natural resource management as is passionate about the environment, engaging with landholders 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.

Tahlia works with landholders across the north-east region to provide soil sampling support and facilitate soil health management field days, workshops and resources. She has experience working in a variety of agricultural industries, with a focus on sustainable and productive land management. Tahlia has worked with landholders on nutrient management agronomy, integrated pest management, irrigation efficiency, revegetation works, and water quality. Tahlia completed traineeships in Agricultural Extension, and Conservation and Natural Resource Management after studying a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Ecology) at the University of Queensland. She is always up for a chat about soil health!

With a focus on sustainable land management practices, Peter works with landholders from various farming regions within northern Tasmania. His primary role is to provide landholders with the necessary skills and knowledge through workshops, field days and on-ground trial work to assist in building on their farm management practices. Originally from a farming background in Queensland, Peter has lived and worked in northern Tasmania for 35 years. He was previously employed with Serve-Ag, a Tasmanian based agribusiness for four years implementing a similar sustainable farm management project.

Bonnie works with agriculturists, community groups and industry to increase the adoption of sustainable and innovative agriculture practices across the north east region. Work experience and studies in Environmental Management (Hons) has inspired her to work in roles which help to manage the complex interactions between people and the ecological environment. Having worked previously as Park Ranger in South-East QLD and as a Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator in the Burnett Mary region in southern QLD, Bonnie is well-versed in stakeholder engagement in natural resource management. She shares information on available funding opportunities, facilitates workshops and field days on innovative agricultural practices and works on building partnerships within the agricultural and landcare community to enhance knowledge sharing and implementation of workable land management solutions. Bonnie is passionate about community engagement and promoting land management solutions which benefit both the natural environment and farmer well-being.

Margo has previously worked with mining companies to communicate more effectively with Aboriginal communities. Margo is a passionate educator and specialises in translating and communicating complex environmental concepts. Margo will be using these skills to support NRM North's Sustainability Program by delivering the Rethink Waste curriculum to schools and community groups, as well as supporting efforts to increase understanding of circular economy principles across northern Tasmania.