With the start of a brand new year, NACC also welcomes a brand new Chair of its Board, Dr Rob Keogh.
Dr Keogh’s move to the Chair’s seat comes with the resignation of Dr Jill Wilson, who has stepped-down after many years’ service to the organisation.
In announcing her resignation to the Board at their December meeting, Jill said her main reason for resigning “is purely to do with succession planning.”
“NACC is going very well, I have served for several years, and it seems like an appropriate time to step down and allow someone else to take the helm,” she said.
“I am still expecting to be active in various issues and activities, but am looking forward to a bit of a change.”
See NACC CEO Richard McLellan’s column for more on Jill’s departure.
Mr McLellan said that although Jill will be “sorely missed”, he was looking forward to Dr Keogh taking the reins of the organisation.
After a year on the Board of NACC and with a passion for flora, fish and farming in the Northern Agricultural Region, Rob said he is committed to NACC and the region, and looks forward to his new role.
“Dr Wilson has left NACC with a competent and cohesive Board and a highly capable and committed staff, so well lead by Richard McLellan,” he said.
“Agriculture has been part of my professional life for 40 years, and the local flora and coastline have become important parts of our lifestyle in the Northern Agricultural Region.
“I have a strong commitment to the Northern Agricultural Region (NAR) having been a rate-payer in the Shire of Coorow and a part-time resident of Green Head for more than 15 years.”
Dr Keogh’s professional background is in the agricultural and environmental fields with a PhD in an Agricultural Science discipline (plant pathology) and he has an extensive career in agriculture and biological sciences, environmental impact assessment and biosecurity management.
Dr Keogh has had much experience in management and corporate governance, within the Wesfarmers organisation and has broad expertise as a senior manager and director in a not-for-profit enterprise in the agricultural sector.
Rob is also a Patron of the Kwongan Foundation for the Conservation of Australian Biodiversity and a member of the Green Head Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.
But off the field, fitness is what makes him tick.
“My other passion is fitness, particularly cycling,” Dr Keogh said.
“I have cycled for many years and average about 10-12,000 km/ per year including on the roads around Green Head and Geraldton.”
NACC welcomes Dr Keogh as the incoming Chair of the Board. His role will be effective from 1 January 2017.
Message for Jill – Thanks for taking me under your wing, especially in the early days of my involvement. You are always welcome to come down to ‘Boojerrabba’ Carnamah and stay in the flat for a few days – AC and a comfy bed after a fill up on landscapes, birdlife, Western Greys, Pete’s wine cellar and my cooking. Oh, and the orchard! Bring your chap if you are inclined. I’m sure you’ll have a good year and develop the time to stare, as they say. Good luck for your farming and the myriad of endeavours you’ll now be able to finish as well.
Paulina Wittwer