Niki Ford has been appointed as AgForce's next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and she has plans to strengthen the Queensland farming organisation.Ms Ford, who grew up on the Darling Downs, is a former Chair of the Australian Food Network, Board Director of Ag Institute Australia and CEO of Australian Organic Limited. She’s also worked as an Agriculture Consultative Industry Representative to the A-CCC.
In her first 100 days in the role Ms Ford says her first priority “is to listen - to members, to the team and to partners across Queensland.”
“At the same time, I’ll be focused on strengthening financial resilience and ensuring AgForce is delivering visible value,” she said.
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“In five years I see AgForce as a respected leader in agricultural advocacy, financially strong and member driven.
"My role is to help make AgForce modern, agile and influential, while always staying true to its members."
Ms Ford replaces Mike Guerin who stepped down after eight years in the role and will start the role on September 29.
General President of AgForce, Shane McCarthy, said the announcement completes the smooth transition process that Mike Guerin had envisioned when he announced he would leave the role earlier this year.
“We had a lot of nominations for the role and a lot of outstanding nominations but Niki rose to the top," Mr McCarthy said.
He also paid tribute to Mr Guerin’s contribution and leadership.
“He’s had a substantial impact on the organisation and industry during this time,” he said.
“He has been our longest serving CEO and leaves the organisation in strong shape and with our collective best wishes.”
Mr Guerin is currently serving as Acting CEO of NSW Farmers.
In other agriculture leadership news, the National Farmers’ Federation continues to search for a new chief executive following the sudden resignation of Troy Williams, just four months into the job.
Former NFF Deputy CEO Charlie Thomas, started as Victorian Farmers Federation CEO in July.
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