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 DEECA.
Our Directors
Luke Wilson (Chair)
Luke is an experienced public sector leader and advocate, with a long career shaping primary industries and natural resources policy and regulation in the Victorian, South Australian and Commonwealth public sectors. He was Victoria’s first Cross Border Commissioner from 2018 to 2024, advocating for communities and businesses along Victoria’s state borders. In 2025 he received the Public Service Medal for contribution to regional communities.
Luke holds a Bachelor of Forest Science from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Economics from La Trobe University, a Graduate Diploma in Management from Australian Catholic University and an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Luke is Chairperson of Dairy Food Safety Victoria and Board member of Wodonga TAFE and Victoria’s Game Management Authority. He is an Adjunct Professor at the La Trobe University Business School and a member of several advisory boards with La Trobe University, including the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture & Food.
Luke was appointed to the North East CMA Board in October 2025.
Dr Ashlen Francisco (Deputy Chair)
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Ash is the engagement lead at Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership and ensures the Centre and its services remain responsive to business and community wants and needs. Her interests span from historically guided restorative justice to amplifying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurial spirit through shared experiences. Ash is a proud Wiradjuri woman, published researcher, lecturer and engagement lead at the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership at the University of Melbourne and Melbourne Business School. She has a PhD in NSW Aboriginal History from the Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle and is an inaugural member of the Yuma Yirramboi Victorian Aboriginal Economic and Employment Council, a board member for Ganbina, and an advisor of Richmond Football Club’s reconciliation advisory group and MCA's Bangawarra Art Yarns Reference Group. She lives and works on Taungurung Country in regional Victoria and is committed to advancing regional business connection and opportunity.
Ash was appointed to the North East CMA Board in October 2023.
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Annaleigh is a lawyer with experience working in community legal work and government litigation.
She is deeply involved in local Landcare, having led projects focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use and waterway health. Annaleigh is passionate about grass-roots environmental stewardship and working with First Nations people to honour cultural values and improve land and water outcomes.
Annaleigh is based in North East Victoria, where she is raising a young family and also has a farm.
She holds qualifications in law, public policy and governance.
Annaleigh was appointed to the North East CMA Board in October 2025.
Dr Cassandra Schefe is a soil scientist with over 25 years’ experience in identifying and addressing soil constraints in agriculture, with expertise and experience spanning from fundamental research through to soil pits and corporate board rooms. Cassie works with farmers, industry, and academia to support sustainable agricultural systems, bringing a local to global perspective.
Cassie has authored over 20 scientific journal papers, holds an Adjunct Associate Professor position with Charles Sturt University, and is accredited as both a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) by Soil Science Australia, and a FertCare accredited advisor.
Cassandra was appointed North East CMA Board in October 2025.
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Elisa is a technical specialist driving evidence-based and practical action for people and nature. She is committed to working with local communities to improve Australia's natural capital and build resilience to adverse events.
Elisa has worked with farmers, First Nations people, research organisations, corporates, government and not-for-profit organisations to develop strategy, build strong partnerships and deliver on-ground action.
Elisa is currently the CEO and Founder of an environmental consultancy and previously held roles in academia, government, not-for-profit and consulting organisations. She has a PhD and Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Melbourne University, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Garden Design and is currently studying Natural Capital Accounting. Elisa is currently on the Advisory Board of the Sustainable Floristry Network and an Associate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Elisa was appointed to the North East CMA Board in October 2023.
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Jennifer Wolcott
Jennifer Wolcott has had a long career in the Victorian public sector with a focus on environmental and natural resource management and rural and regional development. Jennifer has led significant policy, legislation, regulatory reform and strategy programs holding executive positions with Environment Protection Victoria, Parks Victoria, Regional Development Victoria, Emergency Management Victoria and several departments. Jennifer has been a member of the Victorian Coastal Council and a board director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Trust for Nature and the Institute of Public Administration Victoria. Jennifer is currently a member of the Victorian Environment Assessment Council.
Jennifer has a degree in forest science, is a graduate of the AICD and a fellow of IPAA Victoria.
Jennifer was appointed to the North East CMA Board in September 2024.
Thomas Giltrap
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Thomas Giltrap is a Wagyu cattle producer based in Mitta Mitta, Victoria, where he operates Giltrap Pastoral alongside his family. With a strong focus on sustainable grazing systems and feed efficiency, Thomas has introduced innovative forage solutions to improve livestock performance and land management outcomes.
Thomas is a current member of the Young Farmers Advisory Council for Agriculture Victoria, contributing to strategic discussions around the future of farming and rural leadership. He brings practical experience in livestock production, pasture management, and agribusiness, along with a commitment to supporting young people in agriculture.
Thomas was appointed North East CMA Board in October 2025.
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