Committee for Geelong appoints first female chair Rebecca Bartel
A leading local advocacy group has new leadership at a board level, including the organisation’s first female chair since forming in 2001.
The Committee for Geelong has its first female board chair in it almost 25-year history following the resignation of Clive Pugh after six years in the role.
Rebecca Bartel, executive director of strategic partnerships at Deakin University, has been elevated after serving the last four years as deputy, a position now filled by GeelongPort chief executive and new board member Brett Winter.
The leadership appointments were formalised at the committee’s annual meeting on Thursday night.
Chief executive Michael Johnston said the pair were exceptional leaders with a deep understanding of the region’s opportunities and challenges.
“Their combined expertise will strengthen our advocacy and impact across the region,” he said.
“I look forward to continuing to lead the organisation under this new board leadership and am excited to have such high calibre individuals supporting me in my role.”
Mr Johnston thanked Mr Pugh for his service and said he would continue to be involved as a member of the organisation’s strategy and policy committee.
“Clive’s commitment to our city has been unwavering, and there would be few people who could match his commitment to positively shape Geelong’s future,” he said.
Ms Bartel is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and brings extensive experience across corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, with expertise in strategy and risk, stakeholder engagement, commercialisation and governance.
“Geelong’s future relies on good growth that is inclusive, sustainable and improves quality of life,” she said.
“By working together and maintaining a long-term focus, we can design Geelong’s best future and ensure our city grows well, not just fast.”
Mr Winter joins the board after finishing up as a G21 director earlier this year when the organisation transitioned to a new operating model.
He was recently named as a finalist in the Geelong Advertiser’s Future Geelong awards in the Connectivity category.
“It’s a privilege to join Rebecca and Michael in leading the Committee for Geelong at such a pivotal time,” he said.
“As our region continues to grow, it’s vital we harness strategic infrastructure, sustainability and collaboration to ensure that growth delivers lasting community and economic benefits.”
Barwon Health’s chief strategy officer Anna Burgess has joined the board following the retirement of Anne O’Loughlin, while existing director Richard Hill has been appointed chair of the committee’s finance audit and risk management.
Joe Ormeno, Paul Robson and Wes Self were re-elected to the board.
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Originally published as Committee for Geelong appoints first female chair Rebecca Bartel
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