MEET THE SMART ENERGY TEAM
The heads up on who’s who and what they do in the organisation where everyone shares a commitment to sustainability and the growth of smart energy systems for a better future.
JOHN GRIMES Chief Executive Having been at the helm since 2008, John Grimes has built up the profile and influence of the Smart Energy Council. He is a bold advocate for the smart energy industry and sits on several expert reference committees and boards providing advice to state governments and the energy sector. John is regularly called upon by the media to provide
WAYNE SMITH External Affairs Manager Wayne is a political strategist who helps develop campaigns for the Smart Energy Council. A professional lobbyist and policy advisor, Wayne also plays a wider role in guiding the Smart Energy
relevant and independent comment on all aspects of smart energy. After a career as an officer in the Air Force John went on to found and grow a number of companies, including a start-up he took to a successful listing on the ASX with a market capitalisation in excess of $30m. His most recent company was in the environmental sector with operations in Australia, the US and the Middle East.
across the organisation. He has held senior roles in the renewables industry for over a decade, working and consulting for some of Australia’s leading renewable energy companies and industry bodies. Wayne has been a senior adviser for several Federal
Council policy and presenting industry submissions.
Shadow Ministers and has previously worked for the
As manager of external affairs, Wayne is responsible
Federal and ACT Governments, as well as several
for policy, advocacy, strategy and campaigning
peak non-government organisations.
SHARON OLIVER Financial Controller Sharon brings a strong background in accounting, extensive budgeting, auditing and financial
managerial jobs over many years. In that time she has gained a reputation for her strong organisational skills. Clocking up seven years with the Council,
management knowledge to her role. With a diploma
she has multi-tasked, organising several annual
in Accounting, Sharon has managed the finances of
Exhibitions and Conferences, and she continues to
various small businesses and has held a series of
contribute to numerous areas of Council operations.
ALETHIA BARCEINAS ACT Renewables Hub Project Leader and Business Development
experience is predominantly on developing relations
Alethia, who has been deeply involved in business
on environmental and sustainability issues in the ACT
innovation for many years, today supports the
as Policy and Planning Manager of the Renewables
events and sales teams and is also focused on
Innovation Hub. During 2020, Alethia played a crucial
strengthening the Renewables network in the ACT.
role in the transition to a virtual intensive platform
With a Masters in Public Policy and Public
and was events manager staging online events for
Administration, and a second one in Accounting, her
several months. alethia@smartenergy.org.au
between the private and public sectors for the creation of social welfare. For two years she worked
AGNES BURRELL Digital Communication and Marketing
urbanisation and climate change. Agnes holds a
Agnes’ creative expertise spans more than ten years
and MSc in Digital Innovation & Management.
of experience for companies worldwide. Having
Thriving on problem-solving, Agnes finds freedom in
lived for almost a decade in the world’s front-runner
structure and navigating complexity, which comes
smart city, Copenhagen, she is passionate about
in handy when juggling work, family, travel, and
how digital innovation and smart technologies
slipping in some high altitude climbing whenever
can be used to handle challenges of economy,
she can. agnes@smartenergy.org.au
NICOLA CARD Smart Energy magazine editor Having assembled the Council’s magazine over several years, Nicola has witnessed the speed of development in what is an essential transition towards a low carbon economy. After living in many
and a Bachelor in Digital Concept Development
in personnel, lobbying, media and communications for various organisations and publishers. She has contributed to or edited numerous business and industry newsletters and magazines. Nothing more important or fascinating, however, than Smart Energy and reporting on the key drivers of the emerging
developing nations and gaining an hons degree in
energy landscape.
the UK, Nicola migrated to Australia and has worked
nicola@smartenergy.org.au
60 SPRING 2021
diploma in Multimedia Design & Communication
