2013/14 Canberra Branch Executive Committee election

Mr Jeff Mitchell, MACS (Snr) CP, Vice Chairman

As Vice-Chair of the Canberra BEC 2011-13, I have worked with the Executive team to deliver over 100 high quality member events each year and to produce major and successful ICT conferences. I have overseen formal ICT awards programs that celebrate local, individual and business ICT achievements, winners of which have gone on to win national 2013 CeBit awards.

I work with Canberra secondary school teachers, students and parents to promote ICT education and ICT careers through the ‘Outreach through Robotics’ program 2009-12, and in May 2013 I completed a research collaboration with the University of Canberra Education Institute which investigated school students perceptions of ICT careers.

This has provided the ACS with first hand insight into ‘what matters’ for kids at school, and will inform ACS comment on future ICT education policy design.

If elected as Chairman I will continue the focus on delivering members relevant and high quality professional development and networking events. I will work with our government and private sector ICT industry partners to introduce a mentoring scheme for young ICT professionals.

Importantly, I will ensure that the Canberra Branch continues to provide ACS national leadership and demonstrates best practice as a professional membership organisation.

Mr Richard Northam, MACS (Snr) CP

Richard Northam is the CEO of the Council of Australian University Directors of Information Technology (CAUDIT).  He is also a member of the board of the Australian Access Federation, a Director at Large on the board of EDUCAUSE in the USA, and a faculty member of the South African Leadership Institute for IT Professionals.  He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics), is an Adair Leadership International certified trainer and a MACS (Senior) CP.  Richard has more than 25 years’ experience in the ICT industry including as a Director of Information Technology and has worked in the Private, Commonwealth Government and Higher Education Sectors.

Richard can draw on his knowledge and experience of successfully delivering member services through CAUDIT and EDUCAUSE, both of which are member based organisations for IT Professionals working in higher education.  He has successfully facilitated strategies to enable ICT Professionals to collaborate, share knowledge and experiences, and advanced the ICT profession through professional development programs and leadership training.

Richard believes that the Canberra branch and its members have an important role to play as the ACS presence in the national capital, as well as advancing the profession and preparing the next generation of IT leaders.

Dr Tim Turner, FACS

Dr Tim Turner, FACS, has been involved in the IT industry for over 25 years, with the focus on e-commerce, and particularly e-government, for over 15 years. He has concentrated his attention on assisting governments at all levels to understand how information technology can be used to enhance effectiveness and efficiency. Recently, that focus has shifted to aiding the governments of least-developed countries.

Tim has been a member of the ACS for nearly 20 years and an active BEC member for the last 5 years. He has been Chair of the Fellows Committee for the time he has been on the BEC and has recently taken up the role of Treasurer. Tim was directly involved in the establishment of the ACT ICT Awards program, now in its fifth year, has acted as Chief Judge for that initiative, and has sat on the ACS Canberra Annual Conference committee for several years.

Tim is a Senior Lecturer in IT in the School of Engineering and IT at UNSW Canberra, at the Australian Defence Force Academy. As a senior lecturer, he is teaching Australia’s future military leaders to understand and exploit information technology. His PhD developed a theory of e-government service design.

Web-site: http://seit.unsw.adfa.edu.au/research/staff_detail.php?staff_id=102

Mr Kevin Landale, MACS CP

Hi, my name is Kevin Landale and I am currently seeking to be re-elected to the ACS Canberra BEC.  I have been an active member of the society since 2007 and am a currently certified professional.  In 2010, I took up the mantle of being the Canberra Rep to the National Young IT Board where I organised various events catering to our younger professionals.  In 2011, I was elected to my current role of Honorary Secretary to the ACS Canberra Branch.  In 2012, I was selected by the BEC as one of the two representatives to the ACS National Congress. 

Mr Peter OUTTERIDGE, MACS (Snr) CP

Please vote for me as Branch Treasurer and BEC member.

I have been a member of the ACS for many years and regularly attend events. Over the last couple of years I have assisted the BEC in organising conferences and events. As a member of the last conference committee, I arranged a keynote speaker and seven session speakers, as well as assisting with planning and oversight of the event. I am the co-founder and co-convenor of the ACS Strategy and Architecture SIG, which has conducted several very popular events over the last year. All of this activity is focused on delivering relevant events with engaging speakers.

Over the years I have contributed to the running of the ACS both locally and nationally and now seek your support to continue this work as Treasurer (or BEC member should that be unsuccessful). I also ask that you vote for Ka Yi Ho who has quietly assisted in the running of the S&A SIG and who will be a valuable and hard-working member of the BEC. Please encourage your colleagues and friends to vote for us.

Ms Ka Yi Ho, AAC

I need your support to vote for me as an Ordinary Committee Member (Two Year Term) of the ACS Canberra Branch. 

In the past few months, I have been working with SIG convenors and have helped organise two SIG speakers from my contacts in the industry.  I am an enthusiastic member of the ACS and have been attending as many meetings and events as I can.  ACS events are an important part of member development and professional networking.  With my full commitment, I am prepared to work with the new Branch Executive Committee to maintain the high standard of speakers and topics for future events. 

Ms Anant Vima, MACS CP

This gives me a sense of satisfaction and happiness that I am actively involved in the activities and programs of ACS as an ACT Young IT Representative since 2011.  In 2009, the Australian National University (ANU) awarded me the degree of Master of Business Information Systems. Since 2008, I have worked in different positions in ANU such as Senior Systems Support Officer/ Junior Business Analyst, ICT trainer, Campus Solutions 9.0 Curriculum Module Specialist, SAP & ERP Tutor and Research Assistant. I also bring overseas ERP SD Consultant experience, which I gained in India.

The important activities during my tenure in ACS concern YITessentials Program and YIT Future leaders Program wherein I have been offering professional development seminars and workshops to ACS members. It is important to mention that my involvement in ACS activities and programs has contributed in my professional and personal development as a more informed and professionally networked person. I wish that similar benefit should be available to all IT professionals by their increased participation.

Mr Michael Tuite, BSc, Dip Ed, Grad Dip IT, MACS (Snr) CP

I joined the ACS Canberra Branch Committee in Jan 2011, having been a member of ACS for 10 years. I took on the role of Branch representative on the ACS Professional Development Board and have been a member of the Education Across the Nation (EDXN) sub-committee. I chaired the Canberra Branch Awards Night in September 2011 and have been a National Congressional Representative since Oct 2011. I would like to continue to make a contribution to the Committee.

In my day-job I am proprietor and general manager of Canberra O&G, a specialist medical practice where I provide administrative functions for the doctors, including support of the ICT environment. I was also a member of Calvary Health Care ACT Human Research Ethics Committee for 6 years to 2012.

Sujith Mysore, MACS CP

I, Sujith Mysore have been a part of ACS Canberra Branch Executive Committee for over two years and would like to nominate myself for another year.

I am an IT professional working as a project manager for Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. I have been associated with ACS for over 5 years and have been part of various committees including Young IT ACS in Queensland and Canberra BEC. I currently am ACS Canberra representative for National Membership Lifecycle Management Board for the current year. While I put my my nomination for ACS BEC, I would like to continue my role as a ACS Canberra representative for MLM board.

The primary reason for me being the member of ACS is to be a part of an ICT professional body and to keep myself up to date with the current IT trends. My personal interest of sharing knowledge and experience and as well giving back to the society has led me nominate myself for the volunteer position of Canberra BEC along with few other not for profit organisations.

Mr Brett Petersen, MACS CP

I am writing to nominate myself for the ACS Canberra BEC. Since joining the BEC at the beginning of 2012 I have been actively involved in all aspects concerning the BEC. Examples include pro-actively and successfully increasing ACS membership in the ACT, creating and being chair of the popular ICT Management Special Interest Group and positively contributing to a number of sub-committees, as well as speaking at a variety of forums and events.

Going forward my aim is to ensure ACS Canberra has a strong financial position and that the BEC continues to challenge itself in ensuring it is delivering the services required of its local members. This includes engaging the local ICT community through the promotion of innovation in ICT, as well as supporting the Canberra Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. I will achieve this through a range of activities including establishing a group that promotes the local ‘tech start up’ scene and collaborating with a variety of start up initiatives. An associated benefit of this activity is promoting the ACS and the benefits of membership.

Ms Hua Cheng, MACS CP 

I am Hua Cheng – currently an ACS Canberra Branch Executive Committee Member. Please nominate me for the position of the ACS Canberra Branch Honorary Secretary and Executive Committee Member. I have always enjoyed contributing my skills and experiences to non-profit organisations. Most recently, I was the Board Secretary (3 years) and then the Chair for Marketing & Communication Committee (2 years) at Women in Information Communication (WIC). I enjoyed organising the board activities, managing event promotion and online communication.  

I hold an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Science – Computer Science and a Master in Business Administration. I have worked in ICT industry for over 10 years. During that time, I held various roles such as Software Engineer, Application Developer, Email and Gateway Administrator, Database Administrator etc. 

Currently, I work as an infrastructure database administrator at the Department of Defence. I enjoy networking, event organising, communication, web, social-networking and photography opportunities outside of work.  

Ms Barbara Wooderson, AACS 

Since January 2013 I have been a member of the Branch Executive Committee, the BEC’s representative on the ACS-W board and I am currently the ACS-W Secretary. I have over 20 years experience as an ICT professional within the Public sector with extensive experience in service transition and operations, particularly service management. I have been a participant in various public sector initiatives focusing the application of best practice for ICT and on the contribution and development of women within the ICT workforce, I am also a coach and mentor women within ICT in the public sector.  

As a member of the BEC I have the opportunity to influence and contribute to the operations of the ACS as the ICT professional body in support of members. I have also championed the ACS with my agency, across my extensive public sector networks and with participants of the AGIMO endorsed IT Apprenticeship scheme. My involvement to date has encouraged me to pursue additional accreditation for myself and ICT professionals within my agency. 

Should I have the opportunity to continue as a member of the BEC I will commit to contributing to operations and events. I bring extensive management and leadership experience from my career in the public sector and prior experience as a committee member for not-for-profit women’s sporting organisations.

Dr Dale MacKrell

Dale MacKrell is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Business, Government and Law at the University of Canberra (UC). She teaches in the discipline of informatics and her research interests include business intelligence systems in not-for-profit organisations.

Her doctorate was awarded by Griffith University for a study of the adoption of decision support systems for cotton farm management. At UC, Dale is internship convenor for information systems and technology interns and recognises the importance of work integrated learning. As well she has experience in applying SFIA to the units taught in the discipline. Prior to entering academia, Dale worked in both the public and private sectors of the computing industry before taking time off to rear four children, now adults. Dale has a commitment to women in technology as demonstrated by serving for several years as Queensland President of the Australian Women Pilots’ Association.  She has been a long standing member of the ACS and looks forward to the opportunity to contribute back to the organisation.

Mr Sajid Hassan 

Sajid graduated with a Bachelor’s of Engineering degree in Computer Sciences and a Post-graduate degree in Engineering from The Australian National University and has more than 18 years of related industry experience. He has achieved a degree as a Graduate from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is currently working as the Chief Information Officer at Lifeline Australia which is one of the largest Not-For-Profit organisation in Australia. He is responsible and accountable for supporting the technical infrastructure that delivers suicide prevention and crisis support services to Australians. With more than 12000 stakeholders to manage, he is very well versed in the knowledge of Information and Communication Technology. He has recently been a finalist for the CIO of the year award. With more than 60 research and business publications, he has created a niche for himself in the industry. 

The degree from Australian Institute of Company Directors has enabled Sajid to understand the various duties and responsibilities of working in a Board and sub-committees. With the knowledge and experience gained in the industry and the excellent contacts made as a member of ACS since 2009, Sajid is keen to be part of Australian Computer Society Branch Executive Committee and contribute to the overall growth of the organisation.

Mr Paul Byrne 

I am writing to confirm my application for the position of Ordinary Committee Member (One Year Term). I’ll discuss each of the sections that ACS asks members to contribute in: 

·         Contribute to the leadership and governance of the ACS Canberra Branch in a professional and ethical manner

I have worked in a professional capacity for over 2 decades in senior roles that have exposed me to some of the top 500 organisations such as American Express, Westpac and NAB most sensitive data - either as part of IT or Finance roles (or both).

·         Develop and implement the ACS Canberra business plans and to attend Branch Executive Committee meetings

Many of the roles have included the implementation of project and business plans and the ability to garner support of stakeholders in collaborating to achieve desired outcomes.

·         Manage and represent ACS Canberra in a designated portfolio (area of responsibility)

My enthusiasm for computing and the impact it has had on society, education, our jobs and personal lives means that I would be happy to grow a portfolio that would benefit the ACS organisation and the wider communities.

·         Assist in the recruitment of new members and in the retention of existing members.

Mr Martin Steffens 

Possessing extensive knowledge and expertise in Business Architecture, Management Consulting, Service Management and Project Management, I like to nominate myself as Ordinary Committee Member for the ACT Chapter of the Australian Computer Society, positively contributing to the chapters direction and improvement of the ACS. 

Whilst employed by organisations such as Ernst & Young, the Australian Federal Police, Department of Human Services, Department of Defence, Child Support Agency, EDS Australia and by Cap Gemini in the Netherlands, I gained exposure to organisations in a wide range of industries, from public service through to educational organisations and large corporate companies (including a large financial organisation). 

During the last 10 years in Canberra I have provided as an IT Professional consulting services across a wide range of Federal Government Departments and IT Service Providers. This has enriched my experience within the Canberra ICT market and I believe my experience, professionalism and reputation will be highly valuable to the ACS Branch.

Mr Kyrill Brent, MBA, MMIT, MACS 

I would like to become a member of the ACS Branch Executive Committee to foster and promote the aims of the ACS and assist in the management of local ACS activities.  

I have some thirty years’ experience in the ICT industry as a programmer, software development team leader, architect, ICT project manager, ICT program manager, Director ICT, Principal Consultant, National Manager, Assistant Secretary, in organizations such as Department of Foreign Affairs, BHP and Defence. 

Mr David Burt 

David has been an ACS member for over 21 years and has always actively promoted the ACS both in Australia and overseas. He will work to ensure that the ACS is seen as a professional body that is effectively representing the members’ interests and meeting your requirements. 

David brings infrastructure, software development, transition, COTS application (HR, Payroll, Budget, Finance, & Facilities Management) and senior ICT management experience; coupled with a proven history of establishing and leading ICT support teams to success.  

He is a resourceful, business focused, determined, and forward thinking manager and enterprise/solution architect with strong analytical and problem solving skills and an extensive infrastructure and software development background complemented with strong ICT business management and project management experience. David is an enthusiastic, knowledge hungry, hard working person always trying to improve performance through innovative solutions and improved organisation. He believes in a positive and supportive approach to all people. 

His experience includes over twenty years in Australian and International Senior ICT management and advisory roles including leading the development of enterprise / solution infrastructure & application architectures as well as ICT project management in multiple public, educational, and private organisations. 

Mr Russell Tibballs 

I am an ICT professional who has worked in and around computers since leaving Year 12 in 1974. My first programs were written at the beginning of 1975. With a few initial deviations in my career I moved into the AIDAB statistical team and discovered SQL and SAS and have worked with large complex databases, analytics, MIS, and Data Warehouses for the majority of the following years. 

Over the years I have been active in several Special Interest Groups outside the ACS and served on the committee for the PCUG, the Oracle User Group, and managed a Linkedin Group related to the ACS. 

My interest in joining the committee for the ACS is driven by my desire to contribute to the future directions of the industry with the interests of the ICT workforce in mind. I have mentored several junior staff over the years and enjoyed watching them grow to achieve their potential.

Having worked overseas, I have always taken an interest in migration. I am especially interested in the wellbeing of ICT staff who arrived under the Global Skilled Migration program. 

Ms Lingli Pan 

I am interested in applying for Ordinary Committee Member (Two year term or One year term).

I am currently a YIT committee member for the Australian Computer Society (ACS). I am frequently required to coordinate large scale institutional and industry sponsored conferences and networking events for industry professionals and graduates. My roles include assistant of booking of facilities, advertising the events through email and the internet and on Campus, confirmation of the participant list and the agenda. My role in coordinating ACS events requires me to prepare all aspects of large scale meetings of up to 30 people. I am experienced in minute taking and the circulation of comprehensive outcome notes to committee members.

My qualifications in IT and Software Engineering have required me to become highly proficient with the use of the internet and email. I have conducted extensive internet based research during my studies and frequently use email for communication and planning purposes (including managing tasks and organising meetings etc.).