|
|
The ABA has a small dedicated staff, primarily based in the ABA's Berri Office in the Riverland, South Australia.
CEO - Ross Skinner
Ross Skinner has joined the ABA from his former position of Industry Services Manager at Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), and has worked in the horticulture industry for 26 years. He has qualifications in economics and accounting and has been responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans through research and development and marketing programs for the almond, pistachio, citrus, table grape, olive and dried fruit industries. Ross has worked closely with the Australian almond industry and the Almond Board of Australia over the past few years in his role with HAL.
Industry Liaison Manager - Ben Brown
Ben Brown was appointed as Industry Liaison Manager in May 2007. Ben is responsible for working with almond growers, ensuring industry issues are identified and addressed in the R&D strategic planning process. He oversees a broad range of communication activities to assist in the transfer and uptake of research outcomes. Ben also has management responsibility for the almond industry’s budwood site, located in Monash South Australia.
Marketing Program Manager - Joseph Ebbage
Joseph Ebbage of Consumer Insights is engaged on a part-time contractual basis to manage the Australian Almond Marketing Program. Based in Melbourne, Joseph has been working with the ABA since the inception of the Marketing Program in 2003.
Finance Manager - Shannon Harkins
Shanon Harkins was appointed as Finance Manager in January 2011. Shannon is responsible for managing the ABA's financial and legal responsibilities. He also provides secretariat services to the ABA Board and the Almond Industry Advisory Committee.
Industry Development Officer - Brett Rosenzweig
Brett Rosenzweig was appointed as a full-time Technical Officer in April 2007, following previous contract employment since August 2006. In this role Brett is responsible for day-to-day management, data collection and operations of the CT Optimisation Trial, located at Clark Taylor Farms’ almond property in the Riverland. As of July 2010, Brett's role transitioned into Industry Development Officer (IDO), assisting industry uptake of research findings.
Communications Coordinator - Jo Ireland
Jo Ireland was appointed as Communications Coordinator in July 2007, previously holding the role of Administration and Finance Manager with the ABA since May 2006. She is responsible for preparing a range of industry communications, website updates and administrative arrangements for the Annual Almond Industry Conference.
Receptionist - Debbie McMahon
Debbie McMahon was appointed as Receptionist in June 2008. Debbie provides reception and administrative support to the Almond Board of Australia (ABA), the Australian Nut Industry Council (ANIC) and Growsmart Training.
