Following our announcement of the Women in Defence Awards 2024 finalists, ADM will be introducing each of our amazing finalists across the categories in more detail. Today we are focusing on the finalists in Executive Management.
In this category, judges were looking for entries that evidenced success in executive management in 2023, as well as a clear effort to promote Defence above and beyond the scope of their roles or to promote inclusion within their organisations. In addition, judges also looked for entries that evidenced the overcoming of personal challenges on their way to success.
The winners and Hall of Fame inductee will be announced at a gala dinner at The National Arboretum, Canberra, on 17 October 2024. Book your tickets here – we hope to see you there!
Kate Gascoyne
General Manager for Mission IT and Security Solutions
KBR
In 2023, Kate was promoted to lead KBR’s Mission IT and Security Solutions line of business. In the role, she’s performed well, securing contract extensions and new contracts across the Defence, in particular with Defence Space Command and Joint Capabilities Group. Under her leadership, the Mission IT and Security Solutions line of business also successfully integrated several acquired companies, bringing them within KBR’s structure. Outside of Defence, Kate runs community-based music classes for adults, drawing on her previous experience as a school teacher.
Michelle Hogan
Chief Operating Officer
Core Defence Australia
In 2023, Michelle drove a significant increase in business for Core Defence Australia while simultaneously modernising and reforming the company’s culture and its Employee Value Proposition. During the year, Michelle helped increase Core Defence Australia’s client base by 37.5 per cent with an accompanying 34 per cent growth in revenue. Due to her reforms, most notably the introduction of a menstrual leave policy, female participation in Core Defence’s workforce grew by 25 per cent, with women now making up 40 per cent of the company’s workforce. In addition to making structural changes, Michelle personally mentored several new employees, helping to bring them up to speed about the company and defence more broadly.
Katherine Richards
Head Nuclear Powered Submarine Regulatory Design
Royal Australian Navy
In 2023, Katherine was assigned the responsibility of designing and preparing the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator by the Chief of the Defence Force and Secretary of Defence. Throughout the year, she’s engaged with dozens of regulatory authorities - both civil and military - around the world, as well as with the regulated community in Australia. Katherine also completed a Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Regulation, graduating with high distinction. In addition to her work, Katherine took time out to mentor and counsel people across Defence, including young female engineers just beginning their careers in the Australian Defence Organisation.
Cassandra Ryan
Alliance General Manager for the Warship Asset Management Agreement
Saab Australia
In 2023, Cassandra was appointed as the first woman to lead the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA), a partnership between the Commonwealth, Saab Australia, BAE Systems and Babcock Australia and New Zealand which is responsible for sustaining the Anzac class frigates. During the year, she successfully managed the WAMA team through the end of Program 2 and the beginning of a re-imagined Program 3. In her role, Cassandra negotiated with the Commonwealth to restructure the Program 3 agreement into an alliance model. She also undertook work to map out a path for WAMA’s workforce post-2026, when the agreement is set to be replaced by a new sustainment model. Cassandra also maintains a network of mentees, who she aims to engage with daily, in addition to her roles.
Nicole Seils
Manager Government Relations & Legislative Affairs and Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Space Committee
Northrop Grumman Australia
In 2023, Nicole led a concerted campaign via her role as the Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce Space Committee to get Australia to sign a Technology Safeguards Agreement with the US. Her efforts culminated in the signing of the agreement in October 2023, pending its endorsement by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties. Nicole undertook the work in addition to her day-to-day responsibilities as Manager Government Relations and Legislative Affairs at Northrop Grumman Australia, and during difficult personal circumstances. Throughout the year, she also took the time to mentor her network of mentees, and lead by example as a female executive in the defence industry.
Danielle Whiting
Defence Projects Lead for South Australia
Laing O’Rourke
In 2023, Danielle returned from maternity leave and immediately jumped into work, working on Laing O’Rourke’s bids for the Woomera redevelopment project and leading the company’s team for the RAAF Richmond program of works effort. Whilst caring for a newborn and toddler, Danielle successfully led a multi-billion dollar bid which culminated in a tight five-week long request for tender process. On top of her professional and personnel responsibilities, Danielle also took the time to mentor and support a young engineer based in a remote location as they dealt with difficult personal circumstances.
