There was recently a call for expressions of interest in serving on the EIANZ Board in a casual vacancy that had been created by the resignation of Claire Gronow FEIANZ, CEnvP who will be well known to many members through her activities in environmental impact assessment and leadership roles in the Institute.

After a process of evaluation involving the EIANZ Advisory Council, I am pleased to tell you that Dr Helen Monks MEIANZ, CEnvP has been appointed to fill the position of Ordinary Member of the Board.  In that capacity she will chair the Communication Committee of the Board.

Helen is no ordinary member.  She operates a consultancy in town planning, regional development, approvals project management, mediation, and management of new and non-profit businesses.  Her projects have included environmental plans, development studies and impact statements, feasibility studies, market surveys, submissions to government, demographic research and occasional university lecturing.

In a pro bono capacity, Helen has contributed as an expert panel member for the NSW Environmental Defender’s Office.  She is a voluntary contributor to the NSW Wildlife Atlas, and is serving or has served as Chair, Deputy Chair, Director or member of many committees and boards.

The Board welcomes Helen to its membership for the remainder of this term which concludes in October this year.  Elections for all positions on the Institute Board, and for positions on the Australian Chapter Divisions and New Zealand Chapter Executive Committees will be conducted in August and September this year.  Members are encouraged to think about these opportunities for leadership of their professional association.  Whether you work as an environmental practitioner in government, industry, consultancy, education or a community based organisation, demonstrations of leadership are a key part of any career; and help build your profile amongst peers and in the organisations that you work for.