Leadership changes at NRM North
NRM North extends its gratitude and best wishes to Chief Executive Officer Dr Jo Fearman and Operations Manager Andrew Baldwin as they prepare to embark on new career opportunities.
Dr Jo Fearman will leave NRM North at the end of August 2024
Chair of the NRM North Management Committee Pamela Allan said Jo and Andrew’s leadership had been instrumental in driving NRM North’s success and shaping its strategic direction.
“On behalf of the team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Andrew and Jo for their unwavering commitment and resolute focus on driving NRM North forward. Both have played pivotal roles in ensuring the sound management of northern Tasmania’s natural resources, leaving an indelible mark on our organisation's history.”
“Their departures, while bittersweet, represent exciting opportunities professionally and personally, and we fully support their decisions.”
Jo is departing NRM North to take the helm as Chief Executive Officer at Launceston City Mission, an organisation very close to her heart.
“As I embark on my new journey at the end of August, I will carry with me invaluable lessons and experiences from NRM North. Both organisation’s share a commitment to improving our community, albeit in different way,” she said.
Prior to her appointment as CEO, Jo worked closely with NRM North’s water programs including the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) Program and the River Health Action Plan, and oversaw the development of the 2030 NRM Strategy for Northern Tasmania.
“Leading NRM North has been a privilege and my time here has been incredibly rewarding, having contributed to regional programs that benefit our waterways and the circular economy, and I leave knowing NRM North will have continued success in protecting and enhancing our natural resources.”
Andrew Baldwin will depart NRM North at the end of July 2024
Andrew has been a pillar of NRM North for nearly two decades, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of stewardship that will guide environmental efforts across northern Tasmania for years to come.
“Throughout my time at NRM North I’ve worn many hats, but my proudest achievement is spearheading the design and development of the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan. Not only does this program stand out as Tasmania’s most ambitious environmental initiative both in scope and impact, but my involvement with the team who are delivering the project has been a joy and an honour,” Andrew said.
During his tenure, Andrew has made significant contributions to environmental management in northern Tasmania, including developing the first water quality model for the kanamaluka / Tamar estuary and Esk rivers catchments, influencing multiple iterations of the Australian Government's National Heritage Trust investment programs for the region, supporting regional and statewide initiatives to further resource management and working closely with local and state government departments. His work has been instrumental in shaping regional environmental policies and practices.
With a desire to work closer to family, Andrew is set to champion the future health of South East Queensland catchments as lead of the SEQ Resilient Rivers Initiative. He will depart from his role at the end of July.
Ms Allan said the NRM North Management Committee was committed to ensuring a smooth transition during this period of change, which included comprehensive succession planning to maintain operational continuity.
“We have partnered with a leadership executive search firm to conduct an extensive nationwide search for exceptional candidates to fill these key positions,” she said.
“As we move forward, we’re eager to leverage the solid groundwork established by Jo and Andrew, to uncover new possibilities to propel NRM North to even greater heights.
“This will include projects focused on environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, and natural resource management services through NRM North’s appointment as a member of the Australian Government’s panel of Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners.”