ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RISING STAR LEADERSHIP AWARD sponsored by Monitor CRMS This award recognises outstanding achievement by a young , emerging leader in the economic development profession .
RECIPIENT : Karishma Kodavali
Successful nominations will have had a significant impact on revitalising communities , and will have been at the forefront of developing and delivering projects that drive innovation and change . They will have played a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development .
RECIPIENT : Dr Ian Martinus
Karishma Kodavali is a dynamic economic development leader , currently serving as the Economic Development Officer for the City of Launceston , Tasmania . Karishma ' s transition from Melbourne to Launceston highlights her personal dedication to fostering sustainable economic initiatives and her passion for making a meaningful difference in the community .
As an emerging leader , Karishma brings both enthusiasm and strategic insight to her role . Her expertise in problem-solving and strategic planning is evident . She has proven expertise in positively engaging with local businesses and stakeholders to drive economic progress in Launceston .
Karishma ' s academic background includes a Master of International Finance from Deakin University and a Master of Arts in Economics from SNDT University , where she achieved outstanding results excelling with distinction and an A + grade , respectively . These qualifications provide her with a deep understanding of economic principles and a robust analytical skillset .
THE PETER CHAFFEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD This award is named for the late Peter Chaffey who was the recipient of the economic development agent of change award in 2017 . This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exemplary performance in the economic development profession .
Dr . Martinus is a local and international economic development professional with over a quarter century of experience .
He has extensive government and private sector experience in economic development initiatives including starting a businessto-government local business procurement portal ; delivering a co-working space at an outer metropolitan TAFE ; conceptualising a youth automotive car recycling project with disaffected young people called ‘ Eco-Detour ’; and working with a Japanese multinational developing a ‘ greenfield sustainable city ’ in Perth ’ s outer metropolitan .
Dr . Martinus has managed trade and investment implementations in the Marshall Islands , Iraq , Pakistan , Afghanistan , South Africa , for former Soviet countries , Indonesia and within the public and private sectors in the United States , Japan and Australia .
His current role is Head of Commercialisation and Impact for the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre with the objective to promote Australia ' s capability in cyber security-related products and services created by Australia ' s best cyber security researchers in partnership with industry .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL VOL 17 NO 3 2024 37