They will replace retiring directors James Hattam and Tim Hughes who were first involved with ALCA as founding member representatives.
ALCA Chair, Vic Marles AM, said that as the private land conservation sector continues to mature, and expand its reach and influence, the Board is continuing to diversify its skills.
"The incoming directors will help broaden the Board's representation of organisational and skill-based diversity, and further bolster ALCA's ability to support positive, long-term impact for people and nature," she said.
Nerida brings extensive experience in the private land conservation sector, including through previous roles with the Queensland Trust for Nature and the Australian Land Conservation Alliance. Nerida has expertise in policy development, strategy, management, corporate governance and negotiation, and will also contribute significant markets expertise. Nerida currently leads GreenCollar's strategic and Indigenous partnerships, government engagement and policy development teams as Chief Impact Officer.
Liz O'Brien's multi-sectoral career has spanned pure and industry-applied research, Queensland public sector agricultural policy and investment roles; and university research management, partnership brokering and research commercialisation. Liz has sat on ALCA's Policy & Government Relations Committee since 2022 and currently leads the Queensland Trust for Nature as CEO. Her Queensland-focused knowledge and agile leadership will be invaluable.
Through its Board, ALCA harnesses a wealth of experience to drive the organisation's vision and purpose, of which the current and incoming Directors have strong lived experience and identification with.
Vic thanked outgoing directors James Hattam and Tim Hughes for their dedication to ALCA's vision, and said "Their knowledge, capability, and leadership has helped ALCA grow to be the organisation that it is today."
James has been a Founding Director since 2019 and Chaired ALCA's Sector Development Committee since its establishment. Through his leadership of the Committee, he has contributed to developing ALCA's conference programs and other critical sector events like the Conservation Finance Intensives and Landholder Forums. Under his guidance two major career and leadership initiatives were designed. ALCA and the Board have greatly benefited from his innovation, humor, and thought leadership.
"It has been a privilege to be involved in ALCA as a director, member, and conservationist for so many years. ALCA has supported the growth of our sector, providing a national voice to the dedicated people who are contributing locally to conservation efforts across Australia. The ALCA community has also supported me in my journey; building, expanding and fostering lifelong connections both professionally and personally," said James.
Tim Hughes, a long-standing member of ALCA's Policy and Government Relations Committee, and Chair for the past year, has brought a strong political and economic perspective. He has been a staunch advocate for progressive policy and nature protection and has contributed deeply to progressing policy development at Federal and State levels. Tim has been involved in ALCA since it was only an idea back in 2009, and the Alliance has benefited greatly from his long-term vision and commitment. ALCA and the Board thank him for his dedication, passion, and support to our management team.
