BOARD MEMBERS
JOHN HART OAM Chairman
John Hart OAM is Executive Chair of Australian Chamber – Tourism, Executive Director of Business Group Australia, and on the Board of Tourism Australia, the Australian Business Register, the Angus Knight Group and Food Standards Australia and New Zealand. John also sits on a range of Committees and Working Groups that set the direction for tourism and hospitality in Australia including the Labour & Skills Working Group (Chair), the Tourism Access Working Group, the Tourism Visa Advisory Group and the National Passenger Facilitation Committee.
Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson is currently the CEO of Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) who are the peak industry body representing the interests of hotel chains and individual venues across the sector. Michael has a unique and in-depth understanding of the hospitality industry in Australia and New Zealand, having over 35 years of experience managing four and five star business hotels, resorts and tourist attractions.
Jessica Keen
Jessica Keen is currently ATEC’s National Industry Development and Capability Manager and serves as as Non-Executive Director for the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and as a Councillor on North Sydney Council. Jessica is a business woman who has worked in the tourism sector for over 19 years which includes previously managing tourism marketing activities for Restaurant and Catering and managing relationships with State and Territory Tourism Organisations and Tourism Australia.
Melinda LArkin
Melinda Larkin is an innovative leader with extensive management experience in Tertiary Education, Industry led workforce and skills development, stakeholder engagement, policy and advocacy, business development and project management.
With over 25 years’ experience in Vocational Education and Training (VET), Melinda has managed national, state and industry-based projects within the Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Retail and WRAPS industries, Sport & Recreation, and other service industries with a key aim of improving workforce capabilities, industry professionalism and success.
Garry Stokes
Garry Stokes is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in the hospitality, tourism, and events industry. He has held a variety of positions, including chef at multiple establishments and event planner for both industry events and personal functions. In addition to his hands-on experience, Garry is also a leader in the industry, serving as President and Director of the Tourism Hospitality and Catering Institute of Australia (THCIA), Director of Tourism Training Australia (TTA), and a member of the Board of Hospitality Training Network (HTN). He is an active member of the Culinary Federation of Australia (ACF) and sits on the advisory panel for Skills IQ's travel sector. Garry is known for his innovative approach, strong commitment, and motivation.
Helen Tickle
Helen Tickle has served as deputy mayor of Tamworth Regional Council since late 2016. She has lived in Tamworth for 32 years and has spent the past 10 serving as a councillor. Helen arrived in Tamworth in 1986, to help establish TAFE’s tourism and hospitality department and became the first female president of the Tamworth Business Chamber.
SIGNIFICANT STAKEHOLDERS
Jon MacDonald
Jon MacDonald has a long association with Tourism Training Australia most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer. Jon has extensive corporate experience and currently serves as a member of the Board for Brio, Xoum Publishing and Xou Pty Ltd.