The CRC-REP’s Executive Leadership Group (ELG) is made up of people experienced in research, commercialisation, administration and development in remote Australia.
Within the strategic policies and guidelines of the Board, the ELG is responsible for operational decision-making for NintiOne and CRC-REP. Weekly management meetings occur by web-conference and teleconference. All members of the ELG have roles that cut across research programs, to assist with integration.
These roles will include oversight of specific CRC performance indicators, to be reported on regularly, as well as matters such as the involvement of government, land councils, small business, CRC publicity, knowledge management, commercialisation, and integrative research topics.
Our team consists of:
Jan Ferguson
Managing Director
Jan is widely recognised as a national leader in the debate about the future of desert and remote Australia, its people and industries. As Managing Director of NintiOne since 2006, she heads a collaborative research effort dedicated to building sustainable communities, industries and livelihoods for around 600 000 Australians who live in the remote three-quarters of our continent. Born and bred in desert South Australia, her career includes extensive experience in senior government appointments and in organisational development.
Fran Kilgariff AM
General Manager Operations
Fran served as Mayor of Alice Springs for almost eight years. Her experience in local government and regional economic development brings a profound understanding of the issues faced by remote communities. She also worked at Executive levels with the Northern Territory Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services, and Regional and Indigenous Economic Development. In 2011, Fran received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to local government in the Northern Territory and the economic and social development of Alice Springs.
Murray McGregor
General Manager Research, Quality and Innovation
Murray has held research management posts in New Zealand, Scotland and now Australia. He has had significant experience in managing complex research projects and working in complex research and development situations in Europe, South East Asia and Australia. His major research interests are focused on the application of systems thinking to remote area socio-economic systems, agribusiness supply chains, farm management and rural development.
Kevin Williams
General Manager Research, Evaluation and Impact
Kevin has wide experience in the agricultural, natural resource management and renewable energy sectors in both research and management roles. He has worked in South Australia and the Northern Territory, as well as conducting research in CRCs and other national collaborations.
Mark Ashley
General Manager Business Development
Mark has held a variety of executive management roles in both the private and public sector. He specialises in community development and environmental management and has worked across remote Australia, South East Asia and in southern Africa. Mark oversees externally funded projects and commercialisation projects, and manages affairs associated with our two new companies, Precision Pastoral Pty Ltd and RemoteBiz Pty Ltd, both of which Mark is a Director.
Quentin Hart
Director Australian Feral Camel Managment Project
Quentin came to NintiOne from the Australian Government's Bureau of Rural Sciences, where he has accumulated over 15 years' experience directly involved in invasive species science and policy. His experience includes the peak national policy body, the Vertebrate Pests Committee, and on the expert writing group for the Australian Pest Animal Strategy.
Steve Fisher
Director RemoteBiz
Steve Fisher has worked in international development programs in the non-government and private sectors for twenty years, especially in NGO management positions and as a trainer in community development and small enterprise. He has worked extensively in programs that support improved services and economic development in rural and remote areas.
Linda Cooper
Communication Manager
Linda's significant communications experience in the science, education and arts sectors has seen her build and manage collaborative partnerships to achieve strategic outcomes on a local and international level, deliver high-profile programs and shape public policy. As Project Director of the Bragg Initiative (Department of Premier and Cabinet), Linda was instrumental in establishing the Royal Institution of Australia, the Australian Science Media Centre and Science Outside the Square.
Jane Cooper
Executive Officer
Jane has over 30 years' experience working in the South Australian public sector in various departments, where her primary roles included management and governance. Her knowledge, skills and abilities enable her to provide a comprehensive support service to the Board and Senior Manager of NintiOne. Jane is located in the Adeladie office with the Managing Director, and regularly travels to Alice Springs.
