The National Youth Science Forum is pleased to announce Kerri Hartland as the new Chair of the NYSF Board.
Kerri joined the NYSF Board on 26 March 2021 as Deputy Chair and officially starts as Chair of the Board today, 30 July 2021.
Kerri is a strong supporter of the NYSF and has participated in a range of NYSF initiatives.
Most recently, Kerri featured in a panel for an NYSF Connect professional development webinar on leadership in STEM that was made available to 13,000 NYSF alumni.
“I was thrilled to join the NYSF Board a few months ago because I deeply believe in connecting young people with their future, but particularly their STEM future given the diversity of jobs emerging today. I am passionate about helping find and nurture Australia’s future STEM workforce, so this appointment is a great honour,” she said.
“The NYSF and its programs have gone through much change recently following the 2020 Bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m incredibly proud of the work the Board and staff have done already to innovate and ensure the programs are of the highest quality and exciting for the students.”
“I can’t wait to lead the organisation into the next phase of its life in this new world, especially as we head towards the 40th anniversary of the NYSF in 2023.”
Kerri brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role.
As the first woman appointed as Deputy Director-General of ASIO, Kerri championed diversity in the organisation.
Kerri went on to the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business and Industrial Relations, and led the Department as Secretary from 2017 to 2020.
Following the bushfires in the summer of 2019/20, Kerri worked on BizRebuild, the Business Council of Australia’s initiative to support businesses following the bushfires.
Kerri is now a Principal Advisor with Proximity and a Council Member of the National Security College at the Australian National University.
Very active in her community, Kerri also holds board positions with the Canberra Hospital Foundation and Canberra Girls Grammar School.
NYSF Chief Executive Officer, Dr Melanie Bagg, said “Kerri’s experience and knowledge across so many sectors makes her the perfect fit for the next stage of the NYSF’s development. We are delighted with this appointment, and I look forward to working together even more closely.”
“As the new NYSF Chair, Kerri brings a wealth of expertise and skills to the leadership of the NYSF. Her strategic input, leadership experience, and wise counsel will be invaluable to the future growth of the organisation and to our broader alumni community.”
“I look forward to working with Kerri, the Board, and the corporate team to build and improve on the NYSF’s success.”
The NYSF would like to thank the outgoing Chair, the Hon. Kate Lundy, who will resume her role as Deputy Co-Chair, along with Dr Geoff Garrett AO.
Please join us in welcoming Kerri into the new role!