Robert Lawler was appointed CEO in April 2008 to restructure AUSVEG for the future of industry.

Robert has an extensive background in financial management and 20 years experience across a number of industries, including most recently the shipping sector.

Robert has a Bachelor of Business and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). He is based full-time in Melbourne.

Toni Davies was appointed in 2006, and is the Communications Manager responsible for managing and implementing all communication projects, including publications. Toni has extensive experience in all areas of the communications process.

In previous roles she has managed public relations campaigns, media relations, member services, publications and strategy development in the health and tourism related sectors.

Toni works to ensure the communication needs of vegetable growers and commercial stakeholders are met, and that R&D outcomes are effectively conveyed. Toni is undertaking post graduate studies in public relations and works full time in the Melbourne office.

Helena Whitman was appointed as Environmental Manager in March 2005 to give solid direction to the industry owned environmental management program - EnviroVeg.

EnviroVeg is a practical environmental management program to ensure any environmental issues in the vegetable industry are addressed. The program will also avoid unrealistic regulations and constraints being imposed on the industry.

Helena Whitman has extensive experience in many areas of horticulture, and joins AUSVEG following a period from running her own consultancy, working with growers in food safety training and facilitation on farm. One of her previous roles was as Executive Manager of the Western Australian Fruit Growers Association. Helena works full time from Romsey in Victoria.

Hannah Burns joined the AUSVEG team in June 2006.

Hannah works closely with the Communications Manager to deliver the national vegetable and potato industry communication strategies. She is project manager of the national communication strategy for growers from a language other than English (LOTE) background.

Hannah has coordinated a range of communication activities and events for the industry, including the successful 2007 Australian Vegetable Industry Conference and 2008 Australian Vegetable Industry Awards.

Hannah has a Bachelor of Social Science (Public Relations) from RMIT, and is studying part-time for her Masters in Professional Communication. Her previous experience includes event management, sponsorship and fundraising management, and program coordination in the small business and educational sectors.

Jim Thomson was appointed Editor of Vegetables Australia magazine in June 2007.

Vegetables Australia is a bi-monthly, full colour magazine distributed to all vegetable levy payers to communicate advances in research and development in the industry.

Jim has a Bachelor of Arts from Melbourne University and extensive experience producing not-for-profit specialist publications for professions and industries. Previously, he also worked as a freelance writer. Jim is based in the AUSVEG office on a part time basis.

Jenan Taylor was appointed Editor of Potatoes Australia in March 2008.

Potatoes Australia is a bi-monthly, full colour magazine distributed to all potato levy payers to communicate advances in research and development in the industry.

Jenan has an Honours Degree in Communication from Monash University and a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing from Chisholm Institute. Her experience includes twelve years at The Age and Sunday Age newspapers in varied editorial administration and publishing roles. She has written, produced and edited content for a range of professional, educational and not-for-profit organisation projects. Jenan is based part time in the Ausveg office.

Lucy Jarman joined the AUSVEG team in August 2007 as Communications Officer and works on communication projects such as magazine articles, website development and the implementation of the National Communications Strategy.

Lucy has a Bachelor of Social Science (Media) from Swinburne University and a Diploma of Communication and Media from RMIT University.

Lucy's previous employment was working in Communications at Monash University where she gained valuable experience in communications and administration duties. Lucy works full time from the AUSVEG office.

Ajitha Athithan was appointed Accountant in April 2008 to manage all financial accounting and administration.

Ajitha has eight years experience in financial accounting, with qualifications in Management Accounting and Financial Accounting. She is also a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).