National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Chief Executive, Sal Petroccitto, today announced three new appointments to the NHVR leadership team following a nation-wide search for the best available skill, expertise and experience to drive regulatory reform for Australia's heavy vehicle industry.
"These appointments bring new skills and capabilities to our leadership team and ensure one of the key building blocks of the NHVR's new organisational structure is in place," said Mr Petroccitto.
"On behalf of the NHVR Board, I am delighted to welcome these talented individuals to our organization, as we embark on a new phase of stabilization and delivery in collaboration and partnership with industry and government," Mr Petroccitto said.
- Executive Director (Productivity and Safety) – Mr Geoff Casey
- Executive Director (Engagement and Partnerships) – Ms Karen Vohland
- Executive Director (Regulatory Compliance) – Mr Tony Kursius
"Geoff, Karen and Tony will join the NHVR over the coming weeks with all new executives on deck and ready for the year ahead by late February.
"For me, last year's priorities were to build relationships with industry and key government agencies and restore their confidence in our ability to get the job done," said Mr Petroccitto.
"This year, the NHVR leadership team will deliver on those key initiatives that industry has been calling for, such as improvements to Australia's heavy vehicle maintenance and accreditation regimes, fatigue management options tailored to industry needs and more consistency in roadside enforcement.
"With strong support from our industry and government partners , I am very proud of the momentum we achieved last year and am looking forward to a very successful 2015," Mr Petroccitto said.
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Media contact: Orla Thompson | 0419 092 510
NHVR 2015 Executive appointments
Mr Geoff Casey
Executive Director (Productivity and Safety)
Geoff Casey has an extensive background in regulatory compliance, risk management, the establishment and implementation of safety management systems and related government policy in safety-critical industries.
He has significant experience in regulatory and government roles within the highly-regulated aviation industry including Airservices Australia and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Geoff comes to the NHVR from his most recent role as the Manager of Operational Safety, Investigations and Risk, within the safety department of Qantas Airlines, where he has responsibility for monitoring and maintaining operational risk management practices and standards, investigations, data analysis and the communication of safety-critical information to the Executive, Board and various regulatory authorities.
Ms Karen Vohland
Executive Director (Engagement and Partnerships)
Karen Vohland has held senior executive roles in the public and private sectors with more than 25 years' experience in media, public relations and stakeholder engagement.
Karen currently holds the role of Director (Tourism and Stewardship) with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and has been instrumental in shaping the agency's tourism and stakeholder engagement activities, including its Tourism Reef Advisory Committee, 12 Local Marine Advisory Committees, three regional offices and the highly successful Reef Guardian Stewardship Program which includes commercial fishers, farmers, local government and schools. Before this, Karen was the Communications and Education Director for GBRMPA for seven years.
Karen has also held senior communication roles in the public health sector, emergency services and the television media, and has operated her own successful marketing company.
Mr Tony Kursius
Executive Director (Regulatory Compliance)
With over 20 years' experience at senior executive-level in regulatory and service delivery roles with the Queensland Government transport portfolio, Tony Kursius' expertise spans corporate human resource management, land transport (including registration and licensing), road safety, rail safety, road use management and transport compliance functions.
In recent years, Tony assisted the NHVR to establish its regulatory and compliance function, holding the temporary position of Director (Compliance Transition) in 2013-2014.
Tony has worked closely with other road transport authorities across the country in the years leading up to the establishment of the national Regulator and has extensive knowledge and practical understanding of the strategic and operational challenges in achieving national regulatory reform.