Bicycle Network: Board & Governance

1) Zena Burgess

1. Personal statement

Cycling is an activity which provides an easy way to travel, is healthy, safe, adventurous and friend making. Cycling can build respect for both environment and people. I am keen to build a positive reputation for cycling, cyclists and encourage community engagement within the breath of cycling participation options.

2. Motivation to stand for the Bicycle Network Victoria Board, including what you will bring to the Board if you are elected.

My motivation to stand for a board position is to support Bicycle Network Victoria reach its aim of maximum community engagement and social change through increased cycling and health. I would seek to build the appreciation of the diversity of riders, all with equal validity and opportunity to ride. As a recreational can commuter rider I know that people have diverse reasons and rewards for riding and an inclusive approach to riding is fostered though Bicycle Network Victoria.
I bring to the board several years working directly in health and allied health industries, diverse board and senior leadership experience, as detailed below and an understanding of change processes through my professional background in psychology.
The vision and values of Bicycle Network Victoria is one that readily resonates with me and as a creative strategic, thoughtful thinker, suggest I hope to add to the existing skills of the board in a positive way.

3. Previous Experience of Boards/Committees

Australian Medicines Handbook Board member 2009 – current (not-for-profit medical publishing)
Country Fire Authority (CFA) 2005 – 2008
Mental Health Professionals Network 2011 – current
Australian Psychological Society (APS) 1996 - 2000

4. Board governance qualifications and experience or any other relevant qualifications and experience.

Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD 2009)
Leadership Victoria Skills Bank 2008
Waite International Board Orientation 2005

5. Previous experience in setting and guiding an organisation’s strategic direction

As a board member I have had several opportunities to work with senior management to create futures for organizations. Both the CFA and APS provided the opportunity to work in organizations for which volunteers are a critical part of the organisation. The views of those involved are vital to setting a realistic and aspirational direction for the organisation.

6. Current Employment

Chief Executive Officer, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Contact Details

Name: Zena Burgess

Email Address: Zena.burgess@gmail.com

Telephone Number: 03 8699 0517

Telephone Number: 0416 174 820

2) Geoff Schomburgk*

1. Personal Statement

A regular recreational rider, commuter and active in community sporting clubs, I am currently on the Board and bring international business experience in developing and executing strategies. I am passionate to make Bicycle Network Victoria stronger, more influential and inclusive so more people can enjoy the health benefits of cycling..

2. Motivation to Stand for the Bicycle Network Victoria Board, including what you will bring to the Board if you are elected.

My personal story is that of being converted to cycling, where over the last 3 years the absolute pleasure of cycling and the friendships made have improved my fitness, health and general wellbeing.
In business, I have over 25 years of international experience, and bring to the Board skills in the development of business strategies, execution of change programs and governance of major projects. I have successfully applied these skills in the context of a large multinational organization as well as for local community sports clubs.
During the last 12 months I have had the privilege of being on the BNV Board, filling a 12 month casual vacancy. I see my continued participation on the Board as an opportunity to further contribute to the continued growth and development of the cycling community in Victoria, by aligning the Board and the management to the strategic goals of the organization; driving behaviour change programs, facilitating infrastructure improvements and creating greater value for members.
My motivation is simple - to continue to work to make BNV a stronger, more influential and inclusive organization so that more people of all ages can enjoy the health benefits of cycling and thereby get more people cycling more often.

3. Previous Experience of Boards/Committees

4. Board Governance Qualifications and Experience or any other Relevant Qualifications

• Board Member of Bicycle Network Victoria, appointed in November 2011 for 12 month period. In this time I have been a member of the Audit & Risk sub committee and Beyond Victoria and Strategy working groups.
• Senior member of the global corporate strategy team for large multinational organization (Ericsson) since 2009;
• Committee experience with several community non profit sports organizations, 2004-20012;
• Specific experience in the development of the leadership and governance frameworks to support the execution of the organizational strategy;
• Undertaken governance roles of large, multimillion dollar IT&T infrastructure projects;
• Senior management experience, both within Australia and internationally; and
• Leadership Victoria Board Orientation Series, 2012;
• Kaplan-Norton Balanced Scorecard practitioner;
• Formal business qualification (M.B.A.).

5. Previous Experience in setting and guiding an organisations Strategic Direction.

In my role as Board Member of BNV I have facilitated a strategy working group, focusing on creating clear linkage between the organization’s vision and mission and the operational management.
Ericsson is a global company employing more than 40,000 people, with operations in 175 countries and annual turnover in excess of $30BUSD. I have been a senior member of Ericsson’s global corporate strategy team (Headquarters in Sweden) since 2009.
In this role I am based in Melbourne and support the executive management teams of Ericsson entities across Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South East Asia and Australia/New Zealand) to formulate the business strategy for their market conditions, then prioritise and execute strategic programs, using a structured change management methodology.
The role requires the development (and documentation) of methodologies and best practices for the complete strategy cycle; setting the strategy, aligning the stakeholders, executing key initiatives and tracking the performance. I have developed leadership and governance guidelines in relation to strategy and strategy execution and delivered several tutorials on these topics.
In the role I also act as coach/mentor for senior managers in the strategy community across Asia Pacific to support the execution of specific initiatives across a diverse market.

6. Current Employment

• Director of Strategy Management, Asia Pacific for Ericsson.
• Board Member, Bicycle Network Victoria

7. Optional additional statement

Married to Stacey for 21 years, with two teenage children, Mitch 19 and Connor 15.

Contact details

Name: Geoff Schomburgk

Email address: Geoff.schomburgk@bigpond.com

Telephone number: 0419 720 932
 

3) David Thompson

1. Personal Statement

I enjoy cycling. It’s social, fun, and sometimes a way I get to work. Over about 15 years, riding has made me much fitter; but I also enjoy a beer, tennis, hiking, swimming, and playing bad golf.
I’d like cycling to be safer, so more people are prepared to ride.

2. Motivation to stand for the Bicycle Network Victoria Board, including what you will bring if you are elected

Getting “more people cycling more often” is worth working for, and complex and challenging to make it happen.
I enjoy working to solve complex problems, and have skills and experience that can help.

3. Previous experience on Board & Committees

I’ve spent over 30 years in professional accounting, in banking, and in finance roles - including US and UK acquisition work, complex problem solving, managing the NAB’s business deposit book, and as the CFO of two key NAB divisions, and the Tasmanian Tote. During that time I’ve been on many Boards, Committees and working teams.
While at uni, I was the Treasurer of the Victorian Young Variety club, raising money and granting some fantastic wishes for sick kids. When my kids started at school, I was on their School Council, and we built a hall. And I’ve worked on several other not for profit boards, including in the US, raising the profile of housing needs for Latin American countries.
Currently I’m also on the Victorian Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants

4. Board governance qualifications and experience or any other relevant qualifications and experience.

My background and initial degree was in Accounting, and then a Graduate Diploma in Computing. Followed by a Masters in Applied Finance, and further Grad Dips in Company Secretarial studies, and in Corporate Administration.
Currently, I am a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, an Associate of the Chartered Secretaries of Australia, and a Fellow of the Strategic Management Institute.

5. Previous experience in setting and guiding an organisation's strategic direction.

Strategic guidance and direction setting has been part of most of my career - many roles have included direct responsibility for Strategic Planning.
As much as developing and setting strategy, I enjoy actioning and delivering on strategies we’ve developed.

6. Current employment

In August 2011, I set up a small consulting business - David Thompson & Associates. The business helps companies solve challenges.

7. Additional Statement

My family and I are fortunate to live near Beach Road, and my wife and both sons are also regular riders. We occasionally get our daughter out on her cruiser.
Melbourne is a great place to ride. I’m lucky to have met some fantastic people out cycling, and enjoy the rides and their company.
I’ve also spent a lot of time overseas. And I love the relaxed and integrated way some European cities treat their riding commuters. Some of that would be great to copy.

Contact details

Name: David Thompson

Email address: davidxthompson@me.com
 

4) Jeremy Brand*

1. Personal Statement

As a current Board member and Vice-President, I serve on 3 subcommittees; Audit and Risk, Remuneration and Constitution. I bring relevant commercial experience to the Board and work well with my co-board members. I enjoy contributing to the Board and its committees and I’m committed to Bicycle Network Victoria’s Success.

2. Motivation to stand for Bicycle Network Victoria Board,including what you will bring to the Board if you are elected.

Over the past 3 years I have gained tremendous insight and understanding of the operations, workings and goals of BNV.
BNV has more than 55,000 members and thousands of fantastic volunteers. It organises four major events in Australia each year, as well as assisting others to stage their own events. It is constantly – sometimes quietly and sometimes loudly – advocating for its members and for all riders. It is always undertaking community awareness programs. And importantly, BNV’s 55+ employees are hard-working dedicated people who actually make a difference. My motivation to put myself forward is to play a supporting role to further the mission and goals of BNV.
If re-elected I will use the knowledge and experience I have gained over the past 3 years for the benefit of BNV and its members.

3. Previous Experience of Boards/Committees

4. Board governance qualifications and experience or any other relevant qualification and experience.

Bicycle Victoria Constitutional Committee (2010/2011/2012)
LLB, BA, post grad Corporations Law
Accredited Specialist (LIV) Commercial Litigation

5. Previous experience in setting and guiding an organisation’s strategic direction

Current Vice President of BNV - extensive involvement in setting and guiding strategic direction together with the board and management.
Brand Partners Commercial Lawyers – successfully operation and positioning of legal business for over 15 years. As a commercial lawyer, I am regularly called on to provide our clients with practical business and legal advice to assist them achieve their strategic goals.
Managing director St Kilda Cycles - working with management to implement strategies for growth, both retail and wholesale.

6. Current employment

Brand Partners Commercial Lawyers – Director.
St Kilda Cycles/Bikes on Brunswick – Managing Director.
Premaydena Farming Enterprises - Managing Director

7. Optional Additional statement

I am a recreational and commuting rider having ridden in the GVBR for the past 11 years and also in a number of other rides organised by BNV. I have a particular interest in touring and folding bikes and especially working with people with physical constraints to be comfortable on their bikes and to able to enjoy riding safely.
BNV represents its members diligently, and in so doing, benefits its members and the greater community. As a not for profit, BNV relies on its hardworking staff together with its dedicated and wonderful volunteers to achieve its goals and deliver in areas spanning rides, membership benefits, advocacy for riders, ride facilities and for the community in general.
It has been a privilege to work for BNV and its members through my role with the Board over the past 2 years.

5) Neil Baird-Watson

1. Personal statement

• Strong change advocate - cycling safety is paramount.
• Integrate cycling with transport and urban design policy.
• Motorist /Cyclists education.
• Increase participation promotes positive health outcomes.
• Enabling initiatives - “bicycling boulevards”, re-instate “Bike Budget”.
• Trustee advisor - “not for profit”, investment, risk.
• 20+ years Director experience - growth strategies, finance, marketing.
• Ride 1,000+km/ month

2. Motivation to stand for the Bicycle Network Victoria Board, including what you will bring to the Board if you are elected.

I’m inspired by BNV’s vision of “More People Cycling More Often” and very positive about the prospect of the growth in participation. There are challenges to be overcome around “cycling safety” whilst the “health” benefits are huge.
I motivated to promote the concept of “Bicycle Boulevards” where road cyclists are separated and fully protected. Mothers, children and retirees should be able to ride to the local school and shops without fear of injury. Commuters need arterial, fully connected, safe lanes and paths. Recreational riders need to be the beneficiaries of intelligent road design. Education forms an important part of change management with motorists, cyclists and the general public all needing to be part of the conversation and integrated solution. Laws need to reflect the seriousness of sharing the road when things go wrong.
As a five day a week cyclist I come face to face with these realities first hand and I seek to contribute; new ideas, strategic thinking and oversight to the BNV organisation in pursuit of getting “more people cycling more often”.

I will advocate the following as a Bicycle Network Victoria board member:
Champion continued integration of cycling into State government transport policy.
Pursue stronger co-ordination and co-operation between local councils on cycling issues.
Encourage Health benefits of Cycling across the community.
Improved education around safety programs for cyclists, motorists and the general public.
Ensure policy positions and issue management be based on research data and benchmarks established and monitored to evaluate programme effectiveness.
Elevate the key issues including; road design and infrastructure, bicycle boulevards, bike lanes and paths and infrastructure projects.

I’m well qualified for the role because:
I ride most mornings in a bunch, ride long on weekends, riding 9th GVBR in 2012, occasionally commute to work, enjoy endurance events, especially hills and have held a racing licence.
Previously involved as an importer of cycling equipment.
Large network among cyclists and business associates.

Experience serving on a “not for profit” boards:
Charity board trustee advising on project investments, commercial issues and governance.
Involved in a number of school associations and committees

3. Previous Experience on Boards / Committees

4. Board governance qualifications and experience or any other relevant qualifications and experience

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Graduate School of Management, Macquarie University, 1991.
Graduate Diploma of Business (Marketing), Chisholm Institute of Technology / Monash University, 1990.

5. Previous experience in setting and guiding an organisation’s strategic direction.

I have worked as a management and marketing consultant assisting a range of organisations set strategic direction. I have led focus groups and market research projects to explore and define various strategic and positioning options.
During the 1990’s I guided several high growth companies to capitalise on market opportunities in the finance, telecommunications and convergent technologies sectors.
I’m a board trustee of a research charity charged with donating funds to further research and education in a range of projects, currently supporting a University of Sydney project initiative.

6. Current employment

Kyocera Document Solutions, State Manager, Victoria / Tasmania

7. Optional additional statement

I believe that riding a bicycle, whether it be for recreation or transport can and does make a huge difference to so many people in so many ways. I seek to represent Bicycle Network Victoria (BNV) members on the board to further these societal aims and assist in overcoming the significant challenges facing BNV in its quest to expand the bicycle network.
Bicycle Network Victoria has done much to improve many aspects of road cycling safety but I’m motivated to ensure that much more is achieved. Strong representation is required to re-instate the “Bike Budget” enabling cycling infrastructure to be expanded and integrated with urban planning. Cycling mobility within the local communities needs to be expanded and interconnected throughout the suburbs. Connecting Local councils should be collaborating and planning now.
I personally have a passion for cycling, some say an obsession. I have participated in numerous events over many years including; Around The Bay 200 & 250, High Country Challenge, last 8 Great Victorian Bike Rides, Audax Alpine Classic 200, Amy’s Ride, St Kilda Cycling Club and Caulfield Carnegie Cycling Club Criteriums.
I actively seek out understandings and information about how international organisations are integrating cycling within the community; Cycling Embassy of Demark, CA Cycling coalition, Biking Rules and Bicycle Oregon to name a few. I’m contactable on twitter: @neil_bike_wheel

If elected to the board I will assist and support BNV in;
• Improving safety, support and resources for all cyclists
• Expanding its membership base and event participation
• Lobbying and communicating at all levels of government
• Foster innovative bike friendly urban planning decisions
• Expanding and adding value to members benefits
• Connecting and collaborating between bicycle network entities
• Developing of bike boulevards, lanes, paths and trails
• Changing behaviours regarding health, fitness and the environment

Imagine…
I can imagine a future where; local communities are interconnected by a myriad of protected bike boulevards, paths, tracks and lanes – where seniors park their bikes outside the local shops in dedicated areas, where car drivers refuse to text, talk or twitter on their devices as they drive, where arterial bike lanes are 3m wide and segregated, where mothers ride with their kids to their local schools on designated family friendly road infrastructure, where bike commuters can claim a 100% tax deduction on equipment and attract carbon tax credits, where popular cycling roads gain priority status during heavy use times ………

8. Contact details

Name: Neil Baird-Watson

Email address: neil.bw@gmail.com

Telephone number: 0419 291 688

Twitter: @Neil_Bike_Wheel
 

6) Gordon Oakley

1. Personal Statement

Aside from my passion for cycling, my credentials are in my desire to strike the right balance across all forms of mobility. While cycling has obvious community benefits, it is important to manage perceptions that Victorians have in relation to cycling and to improve relationships with all stakeholders.

2. Motivation to stand for the Bicycle Network Victoria Board, including what you will bring to the Board if you are elected.

I am extremely excited about the prospect of continuing the great work that BNV has done in its advocacy for cycling. I believe I bring a strong commercial aptitude, excellent strategic skills, a commitment to the cause – as well as clear understanding of the BNV vision as it relates to the mobility agenda in Victoria.

3. Previous Experience on Boards / Committees

4. Board governance qualifications and experience or any other relevant qualifications and experience.

My involvement in the RACV Executive Committee for the past five and a half years has seen me involved in setting the strategic direction for the organisation across all disciplines: People, Product Strategy, Policy Development and Risk Management. I have been a strong contributor to the key agenda items for the RACV over that period.
Strong academic platform (Bachelor of Science, Diploma in Education, Diploma in Computing and Masters in Business Administration) have underpinned my professional career development. In addition, I have attended the Senior Executive Program at the London Business School to further enhance my leadership attributes.

5. Previous experience in setting and guiding an organisation’s strategic direction.

As a senior executive at Spotless Services and at Ansett I had carriage for the development of the organisation’s strategic direction during my time there, including new product and channel development.
In my current role, I am accountable for the development and implementation of the organisation’s mobility agenda. In strategic sense, I have been a key architect of the organisation’s growing commitment to the cycling movement (refer attached Royal Auto).
In addition, I was responsible for RACV’s involvement in the RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride as well as winning the tender – and operating – Melbourne Bike Share. My Department is also currently working on a number of cycling-related products and services, including bike inspections, bike safety checks and safe riding programs.
On a smaller – but important - scale; I have also cajoled my colleagues to ride to work and get more involved in riding with the RACV team on weekends. One measure of the success of this activity has been the growth in the size of the RACV Around the Bay team from around 30 riders several years ago to 60 in 2012.

6. Current employment

General Manager, Motoring and Mobility, RACV

7. Optional additional statement

I recognize that BNV has a large number of supporters in the Victorian community. Not surprisingly, there are also detractors. Of concern is the fact that a number of the detractors are Victorians who are passionate about cycling.
I believe BNV has the potential to unite Victorian cyclists, not necessarily in a militant fashion, but in order that we can have a clearer voice on matters of relevance, such as infrastructure, speed limits and fostering agendas such as congestion, health and fitness, and sustainability.
These are important stories to tell.

Contact details

Name: Gordon Oakley

Email address: gordon_oakley@racv.com.au

Telephone number: 0411 882 822