Mike Addicott FAIM

General Manager, TheCyberInstitute

Mike is General Manager of TheCyberInstitute, an ICT company specialising in the delivery of on-line training solutions to the business, corporate and government sectors. TheCyberInstitute, owned by the Australian Institute of Management Qld/NT, has developed over 600 hours of business and qualification aligned e-Learning content that it licenses to a wide variety of organisations both locally and overseas, together with specialist development for a wide range of clients. In addition, TheCyberInstitute is at the forefront of developing and deploying Rich Media, Web 2.0 and Mobile solutions to support Adult learning.

As General Manager, Mike is responsible for setting TheCyberInstitute's strategic direction and for delivery of its business performance targets and has assisted the business to develop strong local and international partnerships.

With over 20 years experience managing ICT projects both locally and globally, Mike commenced his career as a Production Engineer with British Aerospace working on the Airbus A320 Aircraft before arriving in Australia to establish what was to become one of Australia’s largest ‘Multimedia’ distribution companies in the early 90's.

In the Education sector, Mike has developed a large number of ICT professional development programs, including the award winning ‘Multimedia Boot Camp’ designed to assist educators of all levels to understand and adopt the fundamental building blocks of ICTS within the modern classroom. Such was the success of this program that it was developed into a range of training materials used around the globe.

"I bring to AIIA a wealth of business experience at both the SME and Corporate levels and have been fortunate enough to manage and pioneer a range of innovative ICT solutions across the globe. My experience of the ICT industry, together with an extensive understanding of how to project manage and implement ICT projects at a variety of levels.

For over five years I acted as a consultant assisting individuals and organisations, of all sizes, to leverage easy to use and accessible technologies, such as digital video, multimedia and the internet, to develop cost effective communication vehicles for delivering sales, marketing and training materials.

Within my current role, I have gained a valuable insight into the ever growing range of ICT platforms upon which to successfully serve ICT based training solutions and perhaps more importantly have helped re-engineer and grow a small ICT business into one of Australia's leading providers of on-line training services and solutions."

Michael Bowser

Queensland General Manager, Data#3 Limited

Michael’s background started in the technical trade of Radio and TV and moved to Computer Services repairing the early Commodore and IBM personal systems. He has been with Data#3 for over 20 years and his experience covers the areas of Technical services, Services Management, Sales, Pre-sales Management and Business Management for the group. He has been responsible for the creation and development of the Data#3 Outsourcing Solutions, introduced and developed the Data#3 Networking Services and has worked in and managed the Data#3 Consulting Services group.

As a member of the Senior Management Team in Data#3, Michael is the current Queensland General Manager with other direct responsibilities that include the Managed Account Group, Solution Specialists and National Tender Management.

“My value to the AIIA members is applying the experience that I have to help address the broader industry matters that impact or improve ICT related businesses. Additionally I have a passion to assist the industry in becoming a more attractive prospect for anyone considering a career in Information & Communication Technology.

Cathy Ford

Managing Director, Avaelis

Cathy Ford is Managing Director of Avaelis, a professional services firm providing a range of strategic and operational services in management and technology to the Infrastructure and Government sectors. Cathy has a number of years experience in leading and managing professional service organizations within the Queensland market.

Her previously held positions include Chief Operating Office of McCormick Rankin Cagney, a specialist engineering firm and Regional Director, Queensland for SMS Management & Technology. In this capacity she was responsible for managing all aspects of SMS's consulting business throughout Queensland including strategic direction, business development, financial planning and human resource management. During her leadership she grew the SMS business in Queensland many fold.

Cathy has a Graduate Diploma in Computing Science from Queensland University of Technology, and was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree with first class honours from the University of Queensland. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Director’s.

Her expertise and experience in the ICT sector is recognised by her inclusion on multiple boards and focus groups advising on various aspects of business management & technology.

Cathy is a Director on the board of Queensland Motorways and is Chair of the Free Flow Tolling Committee which has been established to oversee the introduction of new tolling technology for the $1.88 billion Gateway Upgrade Project. She is a member of both their Business & Development and Audit & Risk Management Committees.

“I am passionate about our sector and am committed to developing the ICT industry. I believe the best way to do that is to provide leadership in our market, to help drive innovation and growth and to promote ICT as a key enabler of business and the economy. Over a number of years I have worked hard to drive initiatives to this end and am committed to making AIIA more valuable to its membership.

For the past 2 years I have been Chair of the AIIA Committee here in Queensland and have been active in shaping many of AIIA’s initiatives. If re-elected I will bring the following to the AIIA:

· Wide ranging understanding and insight into the business and Industry

· Significant experience in the AIIA

· Extensive Board experience”

Kirsty Garrett

Director, Valintus

Kirsty has been an active member of the AIIA QLD Committee since 2004. She has been a champion of growing local companies and led the Local Industry Action Group for a number of years and launched the inaugural AIIA CollabIT Partnering Forum where over 50 SME ICT companies had the opportunity to meet all the major multinational ICT companies in a one day speed dating event with the support of the Queensland Government. She has recently taken up the challenge of the skills agenda where she is working with Ministerial, Government, Academic and Industry players to develop an integrated strategy to build ICT workforce capability in a shrinking QLD resource market with a poor industry image.

Professionally, Kirsty has held executive positions with responsibility for general management, business development, international marketing, communications and public relations with organisations including HP, Mincom and Fujitsu. In 2006 she established Valintus, an independent ICT advisory business, with two business partners. Valintus is providing consulting services to large government and commercial organisations seeking to gain value from their ICT investments. The business has enjoyed strong growth over the past two years with extensive work in Queensland and the ACT.

Martin Lack

Director, ConferenceIT

Martin joined the computer industry in 1968 and worked on some of the earliest multi-access computer systems. They serviced 25 research institutions across the whole of southern England. We had 256K RAM, 30Mb of hard drive and used 80cps remote teleprinters; technology has progressed a little since then.

Over those 40 years, Martin enjoyed a number of distinct careers. Initially it was sales support in the UK research sector, then project management of large computer systems in Australasia, as marketing manager at the beginning of the PC revolution, commercialisation of ICT research at Queensland universities, a period as a self-employed consultant and now managing leading-edge computer conferences across Australia, more so than any other company.

Martin became an inaugural committee member of the Queensland Branch of the AIIA on its formation in 1997. He has continued to work with AIIA to grow the industry and increase dialogue between all stake holders. For most of the time Martin has been Honorary Secretary, but also had a stint as Branch Chair and in November will complete a three year term on the AIIA Federal Board. For two of those years he was a member of the Executive, a key operational committee at the federal level.

“I bring passion, commitment and endless enthusiasm to my roles with AIIA. Equally, I speak bluntly and have no tolerance for fools and self-serving players. My special interest is growing the market and engaging local companies in our success.”

Chris Lowe

Queensland State Director, Telstra

Chris is a Graduate Engineer (Electronics) who has worked in the ICT industry in both Europe and Australia for more than 20 years. He worked for ICL, NATO and NASA designing communication systems in Europe before joining the Australian Satellite Company as a Senior Engineer in Sydney.

Chris has held sales and sales management roles for the past 15 years with both Optus and Telstra. In 1995 he was seconded to London to assist with establishment of the Telstra’s UK retail operations. For the last five years Chris has been responsible for the management of Telstra’s Queensland corporate and Government retail accounts. Chris is currently the Queensland State Director for Telstra’s Enterprise and Government Division.

He has continued with his academic studies having completed his Graduate Diploma of Marketing Management from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM) amongst other postgraduate work with the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), he remains on the MGSM and AGSM Alumni. Chris has also recently completed his MBA from the University of Southern Queensland. Chris remains on the MGSM and AGSM Alumni.

Chris is married to Tracey with two children, and enjoys golf and tennis.

“I would like to nominate to continue my participation on the AIIA committee for the following reasons:

· I am passionate about developing a relevant QLD based ICT industry

• I believe strongly that the ICT industry provides an excellent career journey, however the industry has been misrepresented by the media and broader employment culture
• I have skills and resources that can make a material difference to the strategic intent of the committee “

Stefanie Maragna
Marketing Manager, Mincom

Stefanie Maragna has over 13 years corporate sales and marketing experience across a number of industries including FMCG, Not for Profit and IT. She has spent the past 3 years of her career working for Mincom, an international company headquartered in Brisbane providing business solutions to asset intensive industries such as government, mining, transport, utilities and defence. She has built strong relationships with the Queensland Government and Mincom clients including Ergon Energy, QBuild, Energex, Tarong Energy, Brisbane City Council here in Queensland and is also well respected among clients and IT business partners in NSW, Victoria and WA.

"The QLD Committee provides an opportunity to enhance collaboration and trusted relationships between the ICT industry and QLD Government. I have a genuine interest in the Australian ICT industry, and enjoy assisting organisations like the AIIA to continue being advocates for the promotion and championing of relations between local IT corporations. I see a number of clients that benefit from IT solutions that could proactively seek membership with AIIA to stake out a position of influence within the community and to strengthen the overall message of IT collaboratively.”

“I have been involved and actively sit on a number of not for profit committees including the Mincom Leukaemia Board, Lady Mayoress Community Charity and am actively involved in the recently announced AIIA Marketing Committee. I have a strong events background and understand the essentials in what professionals expect at events.”

Ross McLeish
State Sales Manager - Government Queensland, SingTel Optus

In a career that has included sales and marketing in systems integration, hardware and software systems and for the past 11 years telecommunications with Optus, Ross has been involved with ICT systems and services now for 30 years.

Ross has been on the AIIA executive since its inception and brings a balanced but passionate view on the broadband debate and its impact on the Australian economic development environment. Ross particular passion for infrastructure development in Queensland and he has been intimately involved with the development of Optus communications network in Queensland bringing competition to regional and rural areas of the state.

“The broadband debate and the outcome of the intended network development by the Australian Government needs to be led by the industry to supporting competition which brings with it competitive pricing, product differentiation and network reach.”

“This will underpin the economic development of both the SE corner of Queensland and the regional centres throughout the State of Queensland. Government support is vital to ensuring this objective is achieved. Industry direction should be clear and supportive of this goal if we are to achieve universal access to broadband services to allow the delivery of electronic services to our population.”

Jill Price

Queensland Manager, SkillSoft Asia Pacific

Jill has worked with SkillSoft (Nasdaq: SKIL) for the past four years working with many organisations and Government Bodies to provide e-learning and performance support solutions to the ICT Industry. SkillSoft enables business organisations to maximise business performance through a combination of comprehensive e-learning content, online information resources, flexible learning technologies and support services to IT Professionals.

Her role on the AIIA Queensland committee has enabled Jill to learn about the needs and the challenges of the Queensland ICT Industry and provide a voice to the members. Jill’s achievements for role as committee member on the Leadership team focusing on Skills for 2008 has since AIIA offer a full schedule of speakers to the Qld Government second year Graduation Program, foster relationships with other ICT industry associations such as ACS, WIT and Group X to address the common issues faced by all those in ICT. As part of the committee, Jill has also participated on the Ministerial Advisory Group to review how Industry bodies can work together with Queensland Government to offer their support and provide a strong implementation plan to assist with the Skills shortage to address the actions that need to be taken for now and into the future.

Jill is excited to have the opportunity to continue on the AIIA committee to continue the momentum of the 2008 committee for Leadership and skills.

“AIIA Qld has been extremely rewarding from the perspective of networking with Industry and Government as well as understanding the challenges and issues faced in the ICT industry. I have had found that the staff and the attendees over the last 24 months have been very warm and personable and are very willing to offer assistance and network you with AIIA members.”

Mark White

Business Development Executive, Workstar Pty Ltd

Mark is an experienced Queensland-based consultant who brings to AIIA 18 year’s experience in the fields of multimedia publishing, writing, design, and eLearning. His experience includes working with government, non-profit and corporate sectors in such areas as Internet strategic planning and policy development, content development, multimedia project management and consulting.

Over his career in Queensland, Mark has worked with leading organisations such as the Brisbane City Council, Rio Tinto, Queensland Government, Department of Defence and Origin Energy on the strategy, design, implementation and evaluation of technology based learning systems, processes and content.

Before joining Workstar, Mark was Senior Project Officer with the Brisbane City Council corporate website team, a finalist in the prestigious international Webby Award 2004 – one of three government sites in the world so nominated.

Mark has also managed the development of innovative new multimedia projects such as Queensland Health’s ICE touchscreen project (winner of the Qld iAward for Education in 2008). Mark has worked as a technology journalist for Exchange Asia, a respected Sydney newsletter, covering the Internet and telecommunications industries in the Asia Pacific region, as a web publishing trainer working with long-term unemployed people for InfoXchange Pty. Ltd.

Prior to this, Mark gained experience as a corporate communications manager for an ASX listed software company and worked professionally in publication design and production, information architecture, event management and promotions, publishing and graphic design.

In 1999 Mark was a founding Director of First Tuesday SEQ, a highly successful monthly forum for 1500 technology entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and new media industry people in Brisbane. In 1998 he led concept development and information design for Australia’s first online business-to-business trading exchange, OZePrint.

Simon Williams

General Manager – Queensland, Oakton

Simon's current role is the State General Manager – Queensland, with Oakton Limited. Oakton has been in operation since 1988 and since listing on the Australian Stock Exchange [ASX:OKN] in June 2000, has rapidly grown to be one of Australia's leading technology and business consulting services companies, with over 1200 employees.

In 2005, Simon established the Oakton office in Queensland. The role involves overseeing all aspects of professional service delivery across the Queensland operations. This includes recruitment, Partner/Vendor management, marketing and business development, delivery assurance and governance. Over the past 3 years, the Queensland office has employed over 40 Queenslanders.
 

Simon has been continuously learning about, and delivering, ICT solutions for almost 20 years.

Possessing a dual qualification in Accounting and Computer Science, Simon has built a career around consulting to business on IT Strategy, ERP, CRM, and reporting solutions.

Simon has also been passionate, and involved, in the Queensland ICT industry development. Working as a committee member through AIIA, Simon has been involved in a number of initiatives which has both improved the knowledge of ICT professionals and assisted the community at large.

These initiatives have included being prominent in the establishment of the Green IT Special Interest Group, and participated in University and K-12 programs, to support the next generation of ICT professionals.

Since joining the AIIA committee this year, Simon has been an active participant in all committee meetings held. He has played a leading role in developing the AIIA’s initiatives in the sustainability domain, by organising events, speakers, and promoting how small businesses can get connected with events around sustainability.

“Looking forward to next year, I would like to continue my involvement in the Sustainability and ICT Education forums I am currently involved in. I would also like to add a focus around connecting Queensland AIIA members to the significant activities and government advisory work the AIIA is asked to be involved in. There is a significant amount of information available and I would like to improve how we get this information to members so that they can be more involved in influencing the policy outcomes."

"If I am elected as your AIIA committee member again this year, I will commit to working hard to focus on these outcomes, and be available at any time to open doors for our Queensland AIIA members, through my networks within Queensland, and Nationally.”