NEW BOARD ANNOUNCEMENT

The Committee welcomed newly elected Director Burcak Sezer, Executive General Manager of Marketing and Communications, Newcastle Airport, for a term of three years. We congratulate re-elected Directors Morven Cameron, CEO of Lake Macquarie City Council, and Rodney Henderson, Managing Director and CEO of Ampcontrol. 

Leanne Holmes has been appointed as Director, representing Hunter Workers on the Committee Board. Joining Candice Crawford, Director Brokenwood Wines, and Dylan Shoesmith, Youth Committee for the Hunter representative, who were also reappointed to the Board. 

The Committee farewelled outgoing Director Wayne Johnson, CEO of the Australian Rail and Track Corporation (ARTC), acknowledging his valuable contributions to the Board and civic leadership of the Hunter region including as Patron of the Committee. 

As Newcastle Airport's Executive GM of Marketing and Communications, incoming Director Burcak Sezer champions regional growth, engaging across governments and key business and tourism organisations to enable our wider communities. Burcak has recently been appointed to the Newcastle Business School Advisory Board, and represents one of the most important economic assets in the region. 

The Committee, a leading body that works across sectors and the Greater Hunter to providing advocacy, thought leadership and a unified voice for the region, has been well served by an experienced, diverse and dedicated board since its inception in late 2019.     

Committee Chair, Richard Anicich, said, “On behalf of the Committee for the Hunter Board and our members, congratulations to our elected and appointed directors. They each bring knowledge, influence and valuable connections to the Hunter, ensuring that the Committee and our members lead effective advocacy and secure partnerships to help build a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.’’ 

Director Rodney Henderson was re-appointed for another term, maintaining his valuable contributions to the Board.   

“I’m incredibly honoured to be offered another three years on the Committee Board. I believe the Committee has never been more important to the Hunter. Member confidence in the Committee plays a critical role in our success, and I’m looking forward to doing all I can to continue to offer my leadership to the Committee and our members, said Mr Henderson.    

Chair Richard Anicich AM says on the new Board, the Committee “... are entering an exciting phase of growth in the Hunter where we can build on the solid foundations laid over the past five years.”  

Committee for the Hunter CEO Alice Thompson added that the Committee has found its ‘convening power’ and believes the board has “a role, and indeed an obligation, to drive thought leadership on a vision for the future of the Hunter region and its economy and secure the partnerships we need to deliver for our communities and economy.”  

 

The new Committee Board:  

Richard Anicich AM, Chair 

Katie Brassil, Deputy Chair, Non-Executive Director 

Markus Brokhof, Chief Operating Officer, AGL Energy  

Morven Cameron, CEO, Lake Macquarie City Council 

Candice Crawford, Director Brokenwood Wines,  

Hennie du Plooy, CEO of Port Waratah Coal Services 

Rodney Henderson, Managing Director and CEO, Ampcontrol 

Leanne Holmes, Hunter Workers representative 

Burcak Sezer, Executive General Manager, Marketing and Communications, Newcastle Airport 

Dylan Shoesmith, Youth Committee representative 

Bradley Webb, CEO, Castle Personnel 

Alex Zelinsky AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of University of Newcastle 

 

The positions of Chair and Deputy chair will be considered at the first meeting of the new Board on 3 December.