Governance

PRESIDENT

Ian has over 20 years’ experience in the ICT sector and, has led organizations with more than 300 people, delivering products and outcomes that have impacted hundreds of millions of people globally. He has held senior management roles in Europe and Australia as Director for Radio Access Performance at Nokia, Global Head of Sales Partnering (network software) at Nokia Siemens Networks, and then Divisional Chief and Flagship Director at CSIRO. Ian is considered a thought leader in the area of the Digital Economy and is a regular speaker on “Big Data”, broadband enabled services and the impact of technology on society. He has contributed to 6 books and co-authored more than 120 papers which have been cited more than 3500 times. Ian has an MBA from the University of London and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Telecommunications from Sydney University.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Yohan is an experienced executive with a strong track record of successful achievement of business outcomes leading high-performing teams in public, private and not-for-profit sectors for over fifteen years. Yohan is an Australian Public Service (APS) employee from Canberra. In 2017 Yohan was in San Francisco Bay Area as the Innovation Manager International Operations for Austrade. Previously he was the Head of Governance at IP Australia and National Manager of Assurance Services at Ecowise Environmental, Australia’s largest provider of integrated environmental consulting services at the time. Yohan is the Immediate Past President of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and the Secretary General of SEARCC – the Asia Pacific Forum for Information Communication Technology (ICT). Yohan is also an international Cricket umpire. A graduate of University of Canberra, with ICT, accounting and finance qualifications, he is also the recipient of the prestigious University of Canberra gold leadership award at the 2005 Blues & Leadership awards for his sporting achievements. He is currently authoring a children’s story book in his spare time.

VICE PRESIDENT - MEMBERSHIP BOARDS

Nick Tate is a Company Director, Adjunct Professor and Consultant and has considerable experience at the level of CIO in two London banks and at the University of Queensland (UQ). He is co-author of “A Director’s Guide to Governing Information Technology and Cybersecurity”, a book published by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and has 20 years’ experience as a Company Director in 16 Australian and 2 US companies. He is Chair of the Council of ICT Associations (CICTA) and chaired the World Computer Congress in 2010. He was the National President of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) in 2012/2013. Nick is also an adjunct professor in IT and electrical engineering at (UQ) and has written and presented widely on cybersecurity, cloud computing and big data. He worked on the development of antimissile systems and real-time air traffic control systems before spending 20 years working for investment banks in both London and Australia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, a Master’s degree in computer science, and a PhD in Cybersecurity. He is both a Fellow and Honorary Life Member of the ACS.

VICE PRESIDENT - COMMUNITY BOARDS

VICE PRESIDENT - ACADEMIC BOARDS

Michael is currently the Head of School, Software in the Faculty of Engineering & IT at UTS. He comes from Griffith University in Queensland where he has accumulated over a decade of experience in leadership roles including portfolio Dean (Research) of the Sciences Group and Head of the School of ICT. Michael has been ACS Gold Coast Chapter Convener and a Board Member of the Queensland Branch Executive Committee and has served on the Australian Research Council's (ARC) College of Experts on the Engineering, Mathematics and Informatics (EMI) panel. In 2009, Professor Blumenstein was named as one of Australia’s Top 10 Emerging Leaders in Innovation in the Australian’s Top 100 Emerging Leaders Series supported by Microsoft.

NATIONAL TREASURER

Arnold has enjoyed a long and successful professional career in the ever-evolving ICT services industry for over 30 years. He has developed extensive strategic leadership, governance, general management, customer service and business development skills in diverse industries, including technology, education, healthcare, and resources in public and private sectors across Australia, Asia, Europe and Americas. A Fellow of ACS, he serves as National Treasurer on the ACS Management Committee and is a member of the Branch Executive Committee in Western Australia. Currently in the role of Information Services Manager at Pilbara Ports Authority and Arnold also served as a member of the WA Government CIO Council and chaired the Conference Logistic Committee for the World Wide Web (WWW) 2017 Conference. As a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Arnold continues to actively lead and serve in a number of not-for-profit organisations and boards.

DIRECTOR - MEMBERSHIP ADVISORY BOARD

I have 25 years’ experience in the ICT services industry with continual dedication to making a difference through technology and passion for leading people through change to achieve improved business outcomes. I know how hard it is to break in to and remain connected in our industry given the rapid rate of technology changes occurring. I feel strongly that as Australia’s Professional Association for the ICT sector, we need to be more focused on enabling diverse opportunities through industry employment, government programs and education experiences to attract, develop and retain talent to ICT career pathways both now and for our future. I am actively engaged with various ACS committee as well as other industry initiatives. My LinkedIn profile provides a summary overview of my industry experience and voluntary activities. As a passionate and committed advocate, I believe ACS can enable greater opportunities by working more in the industry with our partners and engaging closely with business leaders and education to enable new technology and talent initiatives and deliver improved benefits to attract and retain our members. I am actively engaged with various ACS committee as well as other industry initiatives. My LinkedIn profile provides a summary overview of my industry experience and voluntary activities. As a passionate and committed advocate, I believe ACS can enable greater opportunities by working more in the industry with our partners and engaging closely with business leaders and education to enable new technology and talent initiatives and deliver improved benefits to attract and retain our members.

DIRECTOR - PROFESSION ADVISORY BOARD

Michael Johnson has been Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Macquarie University since 2002. He is also a Director of the Macquarie-DEC ICT Innovations Centre and a Director and Deputy Treasurer of Dunmore Lang College. Formerly he was the Head of the Department of Computing (1997-2000) and he served as Vice-President and Chair of the University's Academic Senate (2006-2008). In 1997 he was runner up for the inaugural Australian Award for University Teaching in all Science disciplines and he has held continuous ARC large/discovery grant funding for over 20 years.

DIRECTOR - TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD

Technology advocate dedicated to advances and the progression of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), and cyber security, combined with research and academic engagement in six main areas, Business, Information Technology, International Relations, Security, South-east Asia, and Governance. Fluent in South-east Asian languages

NSW CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

NSW CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Conni Marais is an IT professional with extensive experience in solution delivery and analysis, both in Australia and Africa. Her experience spans a wide range of private businesses and public administration bodies including Financial Services, Government, Utilities (Energy), Education, Manufacturing, Regulatory and FMCG sectors. Experienced in the delivery of ICT transformation programs, with responsibilities ranging from strategic analysis to business change management and service delivery operations. A long standing and active member of the ACS in NSW, as Vice Chair of the BEC and NSW Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair.

CANBERRA CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

An IT professional with several years of experience, Kevin's focus is on Business Analysis, System Design, Change and Quality Management as well as Project and Program Management with a very strong emphasis on Stakeholder Management, Analysis and Government. He is currently a Senior Manager in ACT Health managing their Critical Systems and Infrastructure Hub. Prior to that, he was a Senior Consultant with Infosys and primarily worked on the DHS Account. Before Infosys, Kevin was part of KPMG Australia's Technology Advisory practice with a primary focus on the Defence and Intelligence sector. Prior to KPMG, he worked at the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) as a Business Analyst and Change Manager concentrating on web-based projects, portals and middleware technology. Kevin is a keen volunteer in the Canberra Branch of the ACS, and has been involved with the society for over 10 years in various roles such as Young IT Representative, Honorary Branch Secretary, Conference Project Manager (2011 and 2012), Conference Chair (2012), Branch Treasurer and now - Vice Chair.

CANBERRA CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

NT CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Damien Charles is the Regional Manager for NEC Australia in the Northern Territory, with over 25 years of experience delivering ICT services. Having started in the Industry on the NTG’s Service Desk in the mid 90’s, Damien has progressed his career through all levels and multiple roles, and is now responsible for delivering service to NTG across a number of managed services contracts. NEC is the largest non-government ICT employer in the Northern Territory and under Damien’s local leadership has been named as the NT’s Employer of the Year for 2018 and 2019. As a long term Territorian with a keen interest in helping others to achieve success in the ICT industry, and also to develop the industry in the North of Australia, he has invested considerable time and effort in supporting the local university and students and is an active member of a number of the local associations and ICT Committee’s. He is a passionate advocate for the ACS and its role in providing guidance and support.

NT CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

QLD CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Currently the Director, Frontline Communication & Response for the Public Safety Business Agency providing ICT (and other corporate) services to the front-line operations of Queensland Police, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and providing IT services to Queensland Ambulance Services. Mike is a fellow of the ACS, is the Chair of the Business Assurance Committee. Mike has also been a member of the Queensland Branch of ACS for over 6 years in roles of Vice Chair, Honorary Secretary and general committee member.

QLD CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Beau has over 20 years’ experience in senior leadership, advisory, and consultancy roles in the technology sector in Australia and the APAC region. Having spent many years living and working in the Pacific, Beau has seen how technology and innovation can change lives. Along with his roles on several ACS boards and committees, Beau is also the Treasurer for the Australian Smart Cities Association (ASCA) and a founding independent review member for the Internet Society Foundation. Beau is also on several University advisory boards. He is passionate about how technology can change lives and mentoring the next generation of tech leaders

SA CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Jo has over 25 years’ experience in the IT field some of which were spent as CIO in the Utilities space, and 18 in the Information Security arena. She underpins her information technology and security background with her qualifications in education and management. Jo specialises in consulting in information security issues with a particular emphasis on governance in both the commercial and operational areas of businesses. Jo provides strategic advice to organisations across a number of industry sectors including banking and finance, utilities, automotive manufacturing, tertiary education, retail and government. Jo is actively involved with the Australian Computer Society, at state and national level, and she is currently serving as an Elected Director on ISACA’s international Board of Directors and is Chair of its global women’s leadership initiative.

SA CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Chris has over 40 years Information Management and Technology experience working collaboratively and innovatively across the Private, Public and Non-for-profit (Welfare) sectors. Current role since 2009 as the Associate Director of SA NT DataLink, a nationally leading collaborative partnership across the University Research and Government sectors, operating an authorised facility for South Australia and the Northern Territory to safely share de-identified data for approved use and unit record level analysis. Chris specialises in collaborative partnerships to unlock the public's value from data, supporting innovative research, planning, monitoring, evaluation and analysis, enabling greater value and accountability from organisations and government resources. Chris has professional qualifications in information security, and deep experience in data governance and privacy protection protocols.

TAS CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Ray has significant experience in senior management—from industrial, multinational companies to the genesis of the technology driven economy in Tasmania. Prior to joining the ACS, he managed Netspace Online Systems Tasmanian services for 10 years, where he was involved in change management and the construction of the DSL and fibre networks for Tasmania. Ray has significant involvement in start-ups as a founding associate of Tasmania’s largest Telecommunications and Data Hosting Company. Rays knowledge gives him a unique perspective into technology driven economies; he is a trained facilitator with expertise in brokering relationships across all sectors of the economy. Ray is currently Vice Chair of the Tasmanian Branch Executive and Tasmanian Chair of the Pearcey Foundation. As ACS member and CP Ray recognises the challenges and opportunities to unlocking the economic and social benefits of the technological transformation, he is actively involved with government, business, education, research and development, and the wider community.

TAS CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

VIC CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Maria Markman is the Chair of the ACS in Victoria and a member of the national ACS Management Committee. In the industry Maria is a connector, known for bringing people, ideas and technology solutions together across the ICT sector. She has domain expertise across disruptive technology trends, as well as software implementations in various industries. Career highlights include working on large projects undertaken by ASX 300 corporations. Maria is a passionate advocate for increased representation of women in IT, as well as broadening the general diversity of professionals working in technology.

VIC CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Ghislaine Entwisle is an Associate Director at Protiviti, a global advisory company specialising in Technology consulting, Risk management and Internal audit. Ghislaine co-leads the IT Advisory practice focussing on Digital Transformation, Strategy and Data Governance services. Ghislaine has over 15 years consulting experience applying a unique mix of broadly based strategic, risk and information technology skills, across a wide range of operational and financial areas. One of her focus areas is advising clients (across industry) on data governance, data quality, data management and risk mitigation relating to data use. Having spent 5 years working in London and Europe, and more recently projects on Digital transformation and strategy in Asia, Ghislaine has a strong reputation working and succeeding in challenging and changing environments. Ghislaine is a mother of two who is active in the Victorian ICT Women network and a member of the Catherine Circle for McAuley Community Services helping women and their children who are escaping family violence. She mentors students from the University of Melbourne, and, having been born in South Africa, was recently accepted into the Culturally Diverse Women social enterprise.

WA CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Michelle has 20 years experience working in Tech for global companies that include IBM and Microsoft. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is now the Chairman of the ACS in WA. Michelle sits on various advisory boards and speaks at international conferences. She is an advocate for the games industry, for diversity, accessibility and inclusion and is regularly invited to speak to the next generation in tech at University STEM Events and Careers days.

WA CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Following an 11-year stint at Engineers Australia as the Executive General Manager of Professional Standards and Practice, Grayston held roles at the Office of Professional Standards Council and the Australian Property Institute. Grayston holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Engineering Management.