MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 6 February 2024
New Board Members & New Observer Announced
Forestry Australia has announced the appointment of two new board members, South Australia’s Monique Blason and Victoria’s Ruth Ryan.
Forestry Australia CEO Jacquie Martin said Ms Blason and Ms Ryan would bring exceptional experience in filling the casual vacancy positions.
“Monique and Ruth’s experience in softwood plantations, fire management, stakeholder engagement, policy and regulation will make a valuable addition to the board’s skillset,” Ms Martin said.
“Monique has a 30-year career covering policy and regulation development, focused on public land, fire and biodiversity management, community and stakeholder engagement as well as developing and coordinating whole of government emergency management, crisis resilience, public safety regulation in South Australia.
“Ruth is a Forestry Australia Fellow and has more than 40 years’ experience in forestry and fire in Australia, with a focus on commercial softwood plantation management in Victoria, and was appointed to the European Union funded FIRE-RES research project and The Commonwealth’s Wildfire Resilient Landscapes Network.”
Monique Blason said: “I am honoured to have been asked to join the Forestry Australia Board. I look forward to contributing to the collective knowledge and leadership of the Board to advocate for sustainable forest management and to support and develop our members.”
Ruth Ryan AFSM FFA said: “I have been a long-time member of Forestry Australia and proud to be amongst the early cohort of Registered Forestry Professionals. I have always believed in the sense and purpose of the organisation to promote professionalism and dialogue to ensure wise management of our forests. I am excited by the recent revitalisation of the organisation and look forward to growing Forestry Australia’s future.
Forestry Australia has also announced the appointment of Emily Post as an additional Board Observer.
Ms Martin said the Board Observer position provides a broader point of view and diversity at Board meetings, as well as facilitating pathways for younger members with an interest gaining executive level experience and developing their leadership and governance skills.
“We look forward to incorporating and capitalising on Monique, Ruth and Emily’s contribution as we work to increase recognition of the value of sustainable forestry in modern Australian society,” Ms Martin said.
Emily Post said: “Forestry Australia and the broader forestry community have shown me unwavering support throughout the formative years of my career. I am humbled and delighted to have been offered an opportunity to contribute to the continued success of Forestry Australia and the professionals it represents.”
ABOUT FORESTRY AUSTRALIA – Forestry Australia is an independent professional association of more than 1,200 forest scientists, managers and growers who work in and care for native forests, plantations and provision of environmental services. Its members are committed to the principles of sustainable forest management and applying these principles to generate environmental, social and economic outcomes in all types of forests and land tenures.”
To download a picture of Monique Blason, click HERE
To download a picture of Ruth Ryan, click HERE
To download a picture of Emily Post, click HERE
Media contact:
Danielle McKay
Danielle.mckay@fontpr.com.au
0438 390 273