Having joined the Institute in 1996, Fiona Gainsford was awarded fellowship in 2015 in recognition of her leadership, commitment, length of service and ethical practice within the environment profession.

Fiona is a leading practitioner in environmental impact assessment in NSW, applying her expertise across government and industry in a broad range of sectors. She continues to be a strong advocate for professional development and raising the standards of environmental practice across the profession. This role has included convening and presenting industry events on environmental ethics, Land and Environment Court/expert witness, biodiversity and climate change. She is also a strong proponent in encouraging industry networking, further growing and developing the environment profession.

Fiona has been a long-standing and active member of the Institute and has undertaken various roles including the following:

• President, NSW Division
• Inaugural Chair, Advisory Council, including representation on the Human Resources Sub-Committee
• Institute Councillor for the NSW Division
• Key member 2012 Institute Annual Conference Organising Committee

In 2016, Fiona was awarded the Mary Lou Morris Award for outstanding service to the Institute.