About our Board
Our Board operates according to the Board Charter: Board Charter
Our Directors have extensive experience and knowledge of land protection, water resource management, primary industry, environmental conservation and local government. More than half are primary producers.
Each year, directors not only meet to undertake their governance role, they also work with management to formulate organisational strategy and meet with members of the community to ensure they are informed of natural resource management issues throughout the North East Catchment.
The Board has established sub-committees who meet regularly to oversee the specific areas of audit and risk, remuneration, and engagement and partnering.
For more information on what our board has accomplished during the year, refer to our latest Annual Report.
Information on becoming a board member is available from DELWP.
Our Directors
Chris Cunningham (PhD), Chair
Christine (Chris) is an experienced Non-Executive Director and Chairman with more than 15 years experience on health, social enterprise and education boards. She is currently Deputy-Chair Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Board, Chair of the Quality and Population Health Committee and Chair of the Workplace Culture Review Committee. Chris is also Chair of the Merriwa Industries Board, a NFP providing all-abilities employment. Chris was previously the Chair of Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW, 2009 – 2014) and a past member of a TAFE board. She operates a boutique research, evaluation and governance consultancy for government, NFP and private sector organisations. Chris is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors with a PhD from the University of Melbourne and a Master’s Degree in Science (Applied Statistics). Chris is also a primary producer with a farm on the King River.
Chris was appointed to the North East CMA Board in October 2021.
Dr Lee Baumgartner
Lee has a strong background in the science behind fisheries issues, having undertaken research into the migration ecology of native fish, aquaculture, stocking success and fish benefits of environmental flows. Lee has extensive experience in natural resource management from both government and university sectors and currently sits on a range of national and international scientific advisory panels.
Lee was appointed to the North East CMA Board in 2015.
Miriam comes from a five generation farming family with connections to north east Victoria. She brings a depth of knowledge and experience to North East CMA with studies in law, management, environment & planning, science and practice in commercial law. She is a supporter of community engagement and enjoys farming with her family in north east Victoria.
Miriam was appointed to the North East CMA Board in 2017.
Maureen is an environmental economist and primary producer. Her 1997 PhD thesis explored the role of the precautionary principle in determining water allocations for the environment. She was also a founding member of the Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities at LaTrobe University. Her work expanded into working with small towns and local artists to create sustainable futures. Maureen lives in Wooragee managing her 100 acres according to regenerative agriculture principles of building soil.
Maureen has been a North East CMA Board member since 2011.
Judith McDonald is a proud Gunditjmara woman who has been living and working in the North East since 1991. With an Honorary Doctorate of Letters (La Trobe University), Master of Social Work (thesis), Bachelor of Social Work and as an an alumni of the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program, Judith brings a wealth of knowledge to the Board. Judith's experience includes the community, health, education and justice sectors. Judith is a member of the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, is an active member of the Wodonga Aboriginal Community, and in 2015 Judith was inducted into the Victoria Aboriginal Honour Roll
Judith was appointed to the North East CMA Board in October 2019.
Euan has qualifications, and over 40 years of experience, in forestry, fire and fuels management, community engagement and emergency management leadership. He also has qualifications in public administration and business administration and has held several senior executive roles with government agencies, as well as being a member of several boards and committees.
Euan has strong policy and planning skills and a keen interest in team leadership.
Euan was appointed to the North East CMA Board in October 2019.
Donovan Jacka is a self-employed farmer, and with his wife, he owns and operates Tolpuddle Goat Cheese and Farm Foods, an agri-tourism business in Tarrawingee. Prior to moving to north east Victoria, Donovan was employed in a range of senior Industrial Relations and Human Resources positions within the Australian Council of Trade Unions, and the Victorian State Government.
Donovan Holds a Graduate Diploma of Industrial Relations, and a Graduate Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. He is also currently serving as Board Chair for Alpine Health.
Donovan was appointed to the North East CMA Board in October 2021.