The Corporation's ten staff members are based in Adelaide and are located at 67 Greenhill Rd, Wayville.

John Harvey- Executive Director
As the Executive Director of the GWRDC, John Harvey has the primary responsibilities of acting on decisions of the Board and leading the staff of the Corporation. A significant part is played in framing general policies, fostering useful links with various components of the industry and promoting the value of investing in R&D.
Sam Hellams - General Manager, Business and Strategy
Sam is responsible for the business operations of the GWRDC at both the strategic and operational levels. She oversees the legal, financial, corporate governance and general management of the GWRDC'c operations.


Geoff Crook - Finance and Compliance Manager
Taking on the role of Finance and Compliance Manager with GWRDC is Geoff Crook. He brings qualifications in mathematics and accounting as well as experience in the management of financial and human resources at senior levels with companies in Australia and England.

Keith Hayes - R&D Program Manager
Keith is responsible for managing R&D projects and working with industry and researchers to help prioritise research needs. His role includes reviewing and assessing project applications and reports, to ensure that the outcomes are focused appropriately and that a high level of R&D performance is achieved. Keith is also responsible for regional extension and research programs including RITA and RDI.

Troy Fischer - R&D Program Manager
Troy manages a suite of R&D projects within the GWRDC particularly in the area of sustainability of the industry, environments and community. His role includes ensuring that the R&D is aligned with industry priorities as well as making sure the research is delivered in a timely manner and that the grape and wine industry benefit from the outcomes.

Mark Krstic - R&D Program / Innovation Manager - Based in Melbourne
Mark is responsible for ensuring that GWRDC’s R&D investment into innovation and other key sources of viticultural knowledge can be translated into practical hands-on tools or knowledge at an enterprise level. Mark will be responsible for delivering the products of R&D and industry innovations to grapegrowers and winemakers via service provider networks (i.e. ‘innovation network’ - grower liaison officers, industry suppliers, industry development officers, private consultants, etc) and through GWRDC’s website. Mark will also be responsible for collaborating closely with the National Extension Coordinator in Wagga Wagga, NSW, who in contrast to Mark will focus primarily on coordinating national extension activities via the traditional State Government and industry association extension channels. Mark may assist in the production of innovation products (knowledge and/or tools) that can then feed into the National Extension Coordinators program. In addition, Mark is responsible for managing a suite of projects within the Program 5: Smart Science – Practical Solutions area.

Brenda Kovaleff - Administration Manager
In addition to supervision of staff and management of office matters, Brenda ensures that the GWRDC Board is provided with the information it requires (such as statistics and reports) and that accurate minutes are taken at Board meetings. Brenda is also Dr John Harvey's Personal Assistant. Other duties include assistance with reporting requirements, including preparation of the Corporation’s Annual Operational Plan, Annual Report and 5 Year R&D Plan.

Jenny Browne - Finance Officer
Jenny assists the Finance and Compliance Manager with the payment of accounts and projects as well as the monitoring of industry levies and Commonwealth matching funds.

Helen O'Brien - Research & Development Administration Officer
Helen is responsible for the development and implementation of the GWRDC Project Management System. Other aspects of Helen's role include assisting with various R&D administration matters.

Joanne Watson- Research & Development Administration Officer
Joanne is primarily responsible for the administration of all research and development projects. Joanne also assists with various administration matters.

Michelle Hogg - Reception / Administration Officer
Michelle enjoys a varied and supportive role including front desk reception duties. Some of her responsibilities include maintenance of the GWRDC website and corporate library and providing administrative support to staff.