ABA Staff Profiles - as at June 30 , 2024
Ella Henson Industry Development Officer - Sustainability
Ella was appointed to the position of Industry Development Officer - Sustainability in May 2022 . Ella completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science ( Honours ) at Deakin University in Melbourne . Her role is to drive efforts to ensure that sustainability is integrated into best management practice and adopted by the industry . This involves identifying sustainability champions , disseminating good news stories , and collaborating with researchers and industry paricipants on relevant sustainability projects . Ella works closely with the Industry Development , Makreting , and Communications teams .
Peter Jealous Industry Development Officer
Peter was appointed to the position of Industry Development Officer ( IDO ) with the ABA in March 2023 . He has a Master ’ s Degree in Agricultural Sciences ( Horticultural Production and Plant Protection ) through the University of Queensland . His responsibilities include working closely with almond growers and stakeholders , designing effective education programs , conducting research projects , providing technical support and staying informed about industry developments .
Kellie Hollingworth Communications Manager
Kellie joined the ABA in September 2023 . She has a background in journalism , having worked for the ABC in Mildura for 15 years . Kellie has a Bachelor of Arts ( Public Relations ) from Deakin University . She manages the communications program including the In A Nutshell publication , the monthly e-newsletter Almond Bytes , social media and is part of the team that updates the website and ABA database .
Louisa Martin Marketing Officer
Lou was appointed as the ABA ’ s Market Development Officer in August 2019 . She holds a Bachelor ’ s Degree in Marketing ( Business ). Her role involves promoting almond consumption and educating Australians about the health benefits of almonds . This includes managing the ABA stand at food , health , and fitness exhibitions across Australia , liaising with health and fitness professionals , and collaborating with industry stakeholders to develop promotional materials .
Deidre Jaensch Industry Development Manager
Deidre joined the ABA in October 2019 as Industry Development Manager . She holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and has worked in irrigated horticulture within the government , industry and private sectors for over 30 years . Deidre manages the research and development program working with growers , researchers , suppliers and service providers as well as industry collaborators to generate the knowledge , skills and technologies required to enhance industry ’ s competitiveness and further development in line with the almond industry strategic investment plan .
Courtney Temple-Fechner Finance Officer
Courtney was appointed as Finance Officer with the Almond Board of Australia in September 2023 . Courtney recently completed a Diploma of Accounting and has extensive experience in both almonds and finance , coming from Century Orchards after 9 years .
Anthony Wachtel ACE Orchard Farm Manager
Anthony ( Wocky ) joined the ABA to manage the 60-hectare experimental and demonstration orchard at the Almond Centre of Excellence in Loxton . With extensive experience in almond production from his role as Assistant Farm Manager at Century Orchards , he collaborates with researchers to ensure trial management programs are followed . He oversees the orchard ’ s infrastructure development , aiming to create a world-class facility . Anthony is part of the ABA ’ s Industry Development team .
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