The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jo Sheppard as the new Chief Executive Officer.
Ms Sheppard joins QFF with a depth of experience across multiple industry sectors supported by strong advocacy, stakeholder, community engagement and government relations skills.
Most recently serving as Director of Stakeholder Engagement at the University of Southern Queensland, Ms Sheppard’s previous roles also include the CEO of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Director on the board of Sunwater, and previously an elected Councillor and Mayor of Paroo Shire Council in South West Queensland.
Her passion for agriculture, and regional and remote communities, as well as experience across multiple sectors will ensure success in representing the interests of peak state and national agriculture industry organisations, and more than 13,000 primary producers across the state.
“Advocating on behalf of Queensland’s farmers is a significant responsibility and, given the importance of the agriculture sector to the state’s economy and regional communities, effective representation is critical,” Ms Sheppard said.
“Despite facing ongoing challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, rising input prices, biosecurity incursions and climate change, Queensland farmers continue to produce world class food, fibre and foliage.”
“I look forward to supporting and striving for a better deal for Queensland’s farmers to strengthen their productivity and profitability into the future.”
QFF President Allan Dingle thanked outgoing CEO Dr Georgina Davis who has moved on to new challenges and welcomed Ms Sheppard to her new role.
“Jo has demonstrated clear leadership and advocacy skills throughout her career, and her organisational and stakeholder engagement experience will be crucial assets for QFF, our industry members and the state’s farmers.”
“Under her direction, QFF will continue to progress a broad range of economic, social, environmental and regional issues of strategic importance to improve the operating environment for Queensland’s farmers.”
Ms Sheppard will commence work with QFF on 14 February 2022.