Our staff
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 and D.
Kate Harvey - General Manager
photo to come
Kate has oversight of the GWRDC's internal business operations and is responsible for Program 1 - Market and Consumer Understanding.
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 and D Plan.
Keith Hayes - Research and Development Program Manager
Keith is responsible for managing R and 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 and D performance is achieved. Keith is principally responsible for R and D activities that fall within Program 2 - Winemaking Excellence and Program 3 - Grapes for Purpose. He is also the primary GWRDC contact person for GWRDC Regional activities carried out in New South Wales and Western Australia.
Troy Fischer - Research and Development Program Manager
Troy manages a suite of R and D projects within the GWRDC particularly in the area of sustainability of the industry, environments and community. His role includes ensuring that the R and 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 - Research and Development Program / Innovation Manager
(Melbourne)
Mark is responsible for ensuring that the GWRDC's research can be translated into practical hands-on tools or knowledge at an enterprise level. Mark is responsible for delivering the products of R and D and industry innovations to grapegrowers and winemakers via service provider networks (for example the 'Innovators Network'). Mark is responsible for managing a suite of projects within Program 5: Smart Science - Practical Solutions.
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 - Clarity Investment Management System (CIMS) Administrator
Helen is responsible for the development and implementation of the GWRDC Project Management System (CIMS). Other aspects of Helen's role include assisting with some research and development administration matters.
Joanne Watson - Research and Development Administration Coordinator
Joanne is primarily responsible for the administration of all research and development projects. Joanne also assists with various administration matters.
Amanda Moretta - Research and Development Administration Officer
Amanda is responsible for the administration of all research and development projects. Among other duties she takes committee meeting minutes and also assists with other administration tasks.
Michelle Hogg - Reception / Administration Officer
Michelle is responsible for a diverse range of administrative and key functional tasks within the GWRDC. They include: front desk duties, records management, event co-ordination, travel bookings for all staff, maintenance of the GWRDC website, preparing papers for Board meetings and providing administrative support to staff.
Rachel Beerworth - Reception / Administration Officer
As well as job-sharing reception duties, Rachel assists staff and management in an administrative support role. Rachel is also responsible for archiving GWRDC records, travel bookings for staff, updating the GWRDC website, the preparation of papers for Board meetings and maintaining the GWRDC corporate library.
