EDA Journal Vol 12. No.1 Autumn 2019 | Page 22

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA (EDA) BOARD EDA is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Paul Martins from Sunshine Coast Council and Susie Bower from the University of Tasmania recently retired from the EDA Board and we would like to thank them for their contribution to the national peak body for economic development professionals. REFLECTIONS FROM RETIRING BOARD MEMBERS Paul Martins, Head of Economic Development: Sunshine Coast Council “Economic Development practitioners shape outstanding business and community outcomes every day and EDA as their peer organisation helps connect best practice in this space around Australia. It’s been a terrific experience to work with the rest of the EDA Board and SPNs to increase engagement and partnerships across the network,” Susie Bower, Unit Coordinator: University of Tasmania “I joined the Board of Economic Development Australia in a phase when the Board was consolidating its efforts to build a strong financial base for the members. The Board members took on many responsibilities that would have normally been allocated to an Executive Officer in order to build that financial base. The Board achieved a strong financial position so that it could once again employ a CEO and the appointment of Jacqueline allowed the Board to concentrate on strategic matters.” “My aim for Tasmania was to establish a State Practitioners Network and finally after four years this was achieved. Having achieved this and being elected as a Councillor at the October elections in 2018 I felt it was time for someone else to take on the role on the Board and take Tasmania to the next level. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Board and the collegiality shown by fellow Board members under the leadership of Mark Holdsworth. I look forward to seeing the continued growth of EDA and the strong advocacy role that it performs and I am proud to have contributed in a small way.” Erin McGoldrick from Glenrochy City Council has been appointed as the Tasmanian Director following Susie’s retirement. All other Board vacancies will be advertised in due course and we welcome enquires from qualified professionals. VOL.12 NO.1 2019 | 22