Meet the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust team

Board member since January 2021, appointed Board Chair June 2022.

Niall Blair has more than 20 years' experience across the government and private sectors, specialising in risk management, agribusiness, circular economy solutions and sustainability. 

Mr Blair served as a senior member of the NSW Parliament for 9 years. During his tenure he was appointed Minister for Primary Industries, Water, Lands, Trade and Industry and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

Board member since December 2022.

Christine Barrett has practiced environmental law for 37 years and was formerly the Independent Chair of the Assessment Review Committee – Native Vegetation. Ms Barrett was also a member of the Environment Protection Authority Board for 7 years.

Board member since April 2024.

Professor Leslie 'Phil' Duncan is a member of the Gomeroi/Gamilaroi Nation with a strong connection to the Wiradjuri Nation. Professor Duncan has a background in natural resource management and community engagement with extensive experience providing policy and leadership advice to Indigenous organisations and government agencies.

Board member since October 2018. 

David Freudenberger has experience in senior leadership roles in environmental research at CSIRO, and natural resource management at Greening Australia. He was a senior lecturer at Australian National University (ANU) and remains an Honorary Fellow at the Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU.

Board member since December 2020.

John Pierce is a senior advisor to governments in the areas of energy and climate change policies. Mr Pierce is currently Adjunct Professor of Economics at Griffith University. He has previously been Chairman of the Australian Energy Market Commission and is a former Secretary of the Federal Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.

Board member since December 2022.

Tim King is the CIO and co-founder of Melior Investment Management and has an extensive executive career in investing and ESG. He is currently a Senior Advisor to the Gold Standard Foundation board and a member of the investment committee of the Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation.

Board member since April 2024. 

Fiona Simson is a farmer and experienced policy, governance and strategy non-executive director, with a career in agricultural advocacy and policy development. Ms Simson has a focus on good policy, governance and strategy to support rural and regional communities. Ms Simson was the first female Chair of the National Farmers' Federation and now serves on a number of Boards and Advisory Committees.

Board member since February 2026.

Angela Schuster is an experienced non-executive director with expertise in governance, risk, integrity standards and sustainability across agriculture. She is Chair of the Agricultural Business Research Institute and has held national and international leadership roles including chairing global work on data-driven agrifood systems with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Ms Schuster has led major reviews and reforms in compliance, assurance and sustainability for government and industry and is involved in the management of a mixed farming enterprise in Central West NSW.

Dr Erin Giuliani has held several executive leadership roles in the NSW Government over the past 7 years. As an Executive Director at the NSW Department of Education, Dr Giuliani led policy and delivery reform for the department and oversaw financial management and governance of a multi-billion dollar program. Prior to a career with the NSW Government, Erin was Senior Associate at the global consulting firm Korn Ferry.

Mick O’Flynn was appointed Director Programs of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust in July 2022. Mick’s career spans more than 25 years in environmental management with experience in local government, the NSW Environment Protection Authority, the NSW Environmental Trust, WaterNSW and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Prior to joining the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Mick led the NSW Government’s sustainability and emission reduction programs.

Emily was appointed NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust Director Strategy and Finance in February 2021. In 2025, her role transitioned to Director Strategy, Governance and Risk, aligning with the organisation's focus on strategy, governance and risk management. Emily commenced her career as a policy graduate at the Environment Protection Authority. Her career in the NSW public sector has included policy and governance roles across a range of portfolios including the environment, consumer affairs, criminal justice and government procurement. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Government, a Masters of International Development and Graduate Certificate in United States Studies.

Kate was appointed Partnerships and Investments Co-Director in October 2022. Kate led development of programs to implement NSW Government investment of $350 million in private land conservation and has worked within the private land conservation sector since 2005, holding a leadership role with the Nature Conservation Trust of NSW.

Holly was appointed Partnerships and Investments Co-Director in October 2022. Holly has worked in strategic policy and environmental program delivery for 20 years, with roles within NSW Parliament, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, including National Parks and Wildlife Service and Environment Protection Authority. Holly has a Bachelor of Law with Honours in Environmental Law, Bachelor of Science and a Master in Environmental Science and Law.

Connect with Holly via her LinkedIn profile.

Teresa is an experienced finance professional with more than 25 years across commercial and government sectors. Most recently, as the Director, Finance and Business Partnering at Transport for NSW. Teresa brings extensive expertise in financial control, risk management and strategic business partnering across operational environments, infrastructure, property and government portfolios overseeing multi-billion-dollar programs.

Teresa holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accountancy) and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).

Wayne is a former Chief Financial Officer, with over 25 years of Board and Executive experience across the commercial, infrastructure and for-purpose sectors. He is a Non-Executive Director of boards, including Port Authority of NSW, City West Housing (affordable housing) and independent member of the Australian Dental Council’s Risk and Audit committee. His previous CFO roles include a range of leadership positions. Wayne currently chairs CPA Australia's Centre of Excellence for Ethics & Professional Standards.

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Lizzie Borwick is a senior not-for-profit executive with international fundraising, marketing and communications experience. She is the Director for Fundraising and Philanthropy at Amnesty International Australia. Lizzie serves as Director on the Love Mercy Foundation Board and was previously a Director on the Fundraising Institute of Australia Board.

Roewen Wishart is the High Value and Strategy Director of Xponential Group, advising not-for-profit organisations on big gift campaigns and philanthropic fundraising strategy. Mr Wishart sits on the Board of Conservation International Australia, Diplomacy Training Program UNSW, and the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA). Roewen has a life-long interest in conservation, and served as the fundraising director for Bush Heritage Australia for a long period.