Bernadette is a board governance specialist and experienced Non-Executive Director and Chair, bringing over 30 years’ experience across business, government and not-for-profit sectors. She works with boards and leadership teams to build high functioning governance structures and strengthen decision-making and performance.
Experience:
Bernadette is a board governance specialist with Envisage HR Solutions, and an experienced Non-Executive Director and Board Chair. With more than 30 years’ experience across business, government and not-for-profit sectors, she works with boards and leadership teams to strengthen governance, performance and decision-making.
Bernadette holds a number of current board roles, including Deputy Chair of Latrobe Community Health Service, Deputy Chair of Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, and Trustee of Geelong Cemeteries Trust. She also chairs several board committees across audit and risk, quality and safety, and remuneration.
She has contributed extensively to the Geelong business community, including as a founding director of the Committee for Geelong where she served for 15 years, including more than four years as Deputy Chair. She has also served on the Telstra Victorian Regional Advisory Council and as a national and state judge for the Telstra Best of Business Awards.
Formerly Chief Executive of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Victorian Small Business Ministerial Council, Bernadette brings deep commercial and leadership experience. She founded and led a recruitment and human resources business for over 20 years, growing it from a Geelong-based start-up to a network operating across regional Victoria, Melbourne and internationally, including executive-level projects in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Bernadette’s experience spans governance, business leadership, human resources and recruitment. In addition to her board portfolio, she works with not-for-profits, social enterprises, family businesses and community organisations, providing governance advisory and mentoring to strengthen capability and performance.
Bernadette holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University and a Graduate Diploma in Organisation Change and Development from RMIT. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders.
In recognition of her contribution to the community, Bernadette was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2024 for significant service to the Barwon South West region. She has also received the Zonta Club of Geelong Outstanding Woman of Achievement Award and the Gordon TAFE Alumni Excellence Award.
