JOSHUA FIELKE Industry Development Officer
Josh was appointed in October 2015 as an Industry Development Officer . Josh has been involved in the horticulture industry since 2010 working with a variety of crops . Josh began as a farm hand at QFM Productions , and then completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science at the University of South Australia . During this three-year period he worked as a supervisor / farm hand at Cooinda Mixed Farm gaining experience in growing practices . Josh then gained a post-graduate job at the Mitolo Group as an agronomist . This role was based around nutrition , and pest and disease management .
LOUISA MARTIN Marketing Officer
Louisa Martin was appointed to the position of Market Development Officer with the ABA in August 2019 . Lou has a Bachelor ’ s Degree in Marketing ( Business ). Her role is to promote the consumption of almonds to Australians and educate consumers about the many health benefits of regularly eating almond products . This involves managing the ABA stand at food , health and fitness exhibitions throughout Australia , liaising with health and fitness professionals and working closely with various industry stakeholders to prepare materials promoting almond consumption . Lou is responsible for the ABA ’ s social media and digital platforms .
SHANNON HARKINS Finance & Business Manager
Shannon has been the Finance & Business Manager of the Almond Board of Australia since 2011 . Shannon holds tertiary qualifications in Business and Training & Assessment with a background in finance and accounting that spans over 20 years . Shannon ’ s role with the Almond Board of Australia involves oversight of the organisations management and financial accounting responsibilities including forecasting and budgeting , internal financial reporting , project financial management , financial acquittals , auditor liaison , industry statistical analysis , management of legal financial obligations and general organisational management .
DEBORAH McMAHON Administration & Finance Officer
Debbie has been employed by the Almond Board of Australia since 2008 . Her role includes general administrative and finance tasks and work in support of the Chief Executive Officer , Finance & Business Manager , and Market Development Manager . Debbie has a Bachelor of Education , Diploma of Teaching ( Primary ) and an Associate Diploma of Editing and Proofreading .
JOSEPH EBBAGE Marketing Manager
Joseph is engaged by the ABA to manage the Almond Market Development Program . Based in Melbourne , Joseph has worked with the ABA since 2003 and is the principal of “ Consumer Insights ”, a market research and consultancy agency . Joseph works with industry marketers to promote almonds on the domestic market and build awareness of the Australian almond brand internationally .
JANE KUERSCHNER Communications Officer
Jane joined the ABA in August , 2021 . She has a background in journalism , having worked at a newspaper based in the Riverland for six years prior to beginning with the Almond Board . Jane oversees the In A Nutshell publication and the monthly e-Newsletter Almond Bytes , and various other publications . She also co-ordinates the Almond Board ’ s emailing marketing and mailing lists .
2021 / 22 ABA ANNUAL REPORT 13