It is my pleasure to introduce our next NAWO Board Chair Sophie Ray and Board Secretary Kerry Pronk.
Sophie is a life long and passionate supporter of women in every facet of life. A Non-Executive Director and business owner who previously spent fifteen years as a corporate lawyer at PwC in Sydney and London, Sophie has acted for Australia and international operational businesses in sectors including pharmaceuticals, yeast manufacturing, pulp and paper processing, retail and consumer goods. Currently, Sophie is an executive director of her family’s agriculture and tourism business, Silos Estate. She is also Chair of RSL NSW; Deputy Chair of the Shoalhaven Women’s Resource Group; and a Non-Executive Director of Big Fat Smile Group and Peak Care Equipment Pty Ltd. Sophie says:
“I am delighted and honoured to join NAWO to work on the issues that matter to our members. I look forward to supporting our member organisations with their inclusion and diversity strategies and also the women in our membership to build their careers and thrive in operations. I see this as a great moment to step into the role of NAWO Chair to work alongside our wonderful volunteers to continue to bring value to our members; and achieve our vision to see gender diversity valued and balanced at every level in operations.”
Kerry Pronk also joins us as Board Secretary. Kerry has been a long standing supporter of NAWO as a mentor since 2019. Kerry has extensive experience leading and transforming operations across a range of industries. She is passionate about helping people be their best selves and about equipping organisations to effectively support their people. In addition to her work with Versent, Kerry is an active coach and mentor, with a particular focus on upcoming female leaders.
Our current Board Secretary Tania Montesin will remain on our Board as our NSW Board sponsor.
It is with sincere and heartfelt thanks that we farewell Megan McCracken as Chair. Megan has dedicated eight volunteer years to NAWO, investing many hours and passion into her role as a Committee, then Board Member, and as Chair for the last four years. Megan leaves a great legacy and I wish her well with her next important Chair role with the Freight and Logistics Council of WA.
Kylie Fraser also steps down after six years as a Board Member. Kylie started with NAWO as a volunteer executive mentor, and we were delighted when she joined the board in 2016. An exceptional leader and role model to so many in our network, we thank Kylie for her super contribution.
Please join me in warmly welcoming Sophie and Kerry to the NAWO network.
