The global skills and competency framework for the digital world
Speaker profiles - Australia and New Zealand SFIA 9 launchhttps://sfia-online.org/en/sfia-9/sfia-9-launch/australia-and-new-zealand-sfia-week/speaker-profiles-australia-and-new-zealand-sfia-9-launchhttps://sfia-online.org/@@site-logo/sfialogo-outlines.svg
Speaker profiles - Australia and New Zealand SFIA 9 launch
Anthony Beitz is the Branch Head of Scientific Computing for the Department of Defence (DoD). He leads the development and operation of digital research infrastructure, which is enabling Defence researchers and their strategic partners to innovate faster, research securely, collaborate effectively and deliver greater impact. He has been with DoD for more than 7 years, and has led the establishment of DoD’s Scientific Computing Research Environment (SRCE) and the transformation of DoD’s research ICT workforce into a leading eResearch capability. Previously, he was the inaugural Director of eResearch at the University of Cape Town, General Manager of Monash’s eResearch Centre, and a Principal Researcher in Telstra’s Research Labs.
Ann-Marie Cavanagh
Deputy Chief Executive, Digital Public Service (NZ)
Ann-Marie is Deputy Government Chief Digital Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Digital Public Service - Te Kōtui Whitiwhiti. Previous roles have included Chief Technology and Digital Services Officer at the Ministry of Health. Prior to moving to New Zealand in 2016 she was Head Digital Strategy at Novartis Pharma AG for the Medical Affairs function based in Switzerland. Originally from the UK and a Clinical Pharmacologist by training, Ann-Marie is based in Wellington New Zealand
Chris Fechner
CEO Digital Transformation Agency (AU), Head of the APS Digital Profession, SFIA Board Member
Chris Fechner is a fierce champion for digital transformation and digital professionals in the Australian Public Service (APS), and in the Asia Pacific region more generally. As CEO of the Digital Transformation Agency, Chris is responsible for leading the delivery of the Australian Government’s digital transformation agenda. As Head of the Digital Profession, Chris guides the attraction and development of digital talent in the APS, and helps them prepare for future challenges. As a SFIA Board member, Chris represents the interest of SFIA users in the Asia Pacific region and helps to ensure SFIA continues to develop and adapt to the needs of its users. Chris has extensive experience in state government services, focusing on large scale digital and ICT reform and transformation programs as well as implementing contemporary investment, contestability, and governance frameworks. Before joining the Australian Public Service, Chris was the Queensland Government Chief Customer and Digital Officer throughout 2020 and 2021. Chris was previously the Chief Digital and Product Officer at Service NSW. Prior to that, Chris held a number of senior positions across the NSW and Queensland governments as well as in freight and rail organisations. Chris holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Applied Science and Computing, both from the Queensland University of Technology.
Penny Coulter
Penny is an independent Accredited SFIA Consultant who has worked with SFIA since 2017. She is an active member of the SFIA Council and SFIA Global Design Authority where her focus has been the development of the Behavioural Factors in versions 8 and 9. With a background in Consulting, IT Resource Management and IT Talent Acquisition, Penny has assisted organisations with the implementation of SFIA in organisational design, role design and profiling and skills assessment. She has a view that SFIA can not only benefit an organisation but also an individual, a win-win for both an employer and employee. Penny’s experience extends to voluntary industry participation where she is presently on the Board of the Australian Computer Society Foundation. She was former Chair of the National ICT Careers Week and former President of ITCRA (IT Contracting and Recruitment Association of Australia) for 4 years and an ITCRA Board member for 8 years.
Phil is an Independent Accredited SFIA Consultant and Assessor, helping individuals and organisations profile skills and build capability. An active member of the SFIA Council and SFIA Global Design Authority, he has focused on Behavioural Factors in Versions 8 and 9. Phil draws on professional experience in Systems Development, Quality Assurance and Resource Management combined with an optimistic view of human potential to deliver skills capability insights. He works closely with individuals, building trust, assessing skills, and providing analysis and role design recommendations. His professional affiliations include - Certified IT and HR Professional (MACS CP and CAHRI) and member of the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA).
David Masters
Head of Global Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Atlassian (AU)
David Masters is the Head of Global Public Policy at Atlassian and Independent Director of the Future Skills Organisation (the Jobs and Skills Council for finance, technology and business). David is also on the Advisory Boards for the Tech Policy Design Centre at the Australian National University, the Human Technology Institute at the University of Technology Sydney and the Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University. He has previously been ICT Industry Reference Committee Chair, Corporate Affairs Director for Microsoft and a public servant and Ministerial adviser on a range of technology policy issues.
Daniel Merriott
Managing Director, Digital Skills Agency (NZ), SFIA Design Authority Member, SFIA Global Council Member
Daniel is passionate about bringing people and technology together. He believes success in the digital world means keeping tech focussed on the humans who use and deliver it. Daniel specialises in helping organisations make the most of their peoples’ digital capabilities. He founded the Digital Skills Agency in 2018 to do exactly that with a vision to support digital teams and the people within to succeed and thrive in the modern world. Daniel is a leading global expert in SFIA – the Skills Framework for the Information Age. He represents NZ users on the SFIA Global Council and Design Authority Board – helping to steer and shape the future of digital skills at a global level. He is a SFIA Accredited Consultant, and one of less than 15 SFIA Accredited Assessors around the world. Daniel’s earlier career includes roles in IT infrastructure, IT architecture, project management and senior business leadership positions. He holds an Executive MBA from London Business School and a Joint Honours degree in Psychology and Electronics.
Siobhan O'Sullivan
Chief Operating Officer, Australian Computer Society (AU)
With over 25 years of experience in fintech, mortgages, logistics, and retail, Siobhan is a prominent leader in Australian innovation. As Chief Operating Officer of ACS, she drives strategic initiatives to advance the tech sector. Siobhan serves on the boards of Wych (Banking as a Service) and Silicon Beach Australia and mentors at the Australian Film, Television, and Radio School. She also advises SP Jain Global School of Management and BrainSTEM. With an MBA from Macquarie, a Diploma in Project Management, and a Black Belt in Hap Ki Do, she exemplifies leadership and discipline across industries.
Lisa Syrek
Workforce Development Manager, Australian Computer Society (AU)
Lisa Syrek is a seasoned leader in training and development, with experience spanning various industries, including ICT businesses, corporate, and government organisations. At ACS, she supports members and partner organisations in implementing SFIA through skills profiling and tailored professional and career development opportunities. Lisa specializes in designing learning and development programs that align with both organizational business plans and individual professional growth, ensuring quality and value. Based in the ACT and Capital Region, she manages ACS Capability on a national scale and is a SFIA Accredited Consultant, demonstrating her deep expertise in workforce development.
