Kerry Hayes BSc
Business Development Manager, Australian Synchrotron
In her current role of Business Development Manager for the Australian Synchrotron, Australia’s largest piece of stand alone scientific infrastructure, Kerry is responsible for establishing the Industry Engagement program, increasing commercial engagement and facilitating access by SMEs as well as larger national and multinational companies.
Utilising her background in healthcare, Kerry worked for Hill-Rom, a branch of Hillenbrand Industries, a Fortune 500 company and a leading manufacturer of healthcare equipment and medical devices, for 10 years in the United States on both a national and international level. Returning to Australia, Kerry managed the distribution network in North Asia before being appointed Managing Director for Hill-Rom Australia/New Zealand.
Prior to joining the Australian Synchrotron, Kerry was the Director of Business Development for the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau. In this role, Kerry was responsible for leading the team which identified opportunities and developed bid strategies to win major international conferences for the new Melbourne Convention Centre from within the medical, scientific, and business sectors.
Suzanne Ferguson B Ec
Manager Economic Development, City of Kingston
In her current role, Suzanne’s overarching responsibility is to strategically plan for a prosperous local economy, supported by the delivery of a diverse range of services, projects and programs which will ensure that the municipality is economically robust and attractive to businesses today and into the future. Suzanne has held this position for the past 16 years.
Prior to this appointment she worked for 5 years in a range of economic portfolios within the Victorian Government following 10 years of employment with the Commonwealth Government.
Specifically, Suzanne held a variety of positions in what is now the Department of Business and Innovation. She also worked for a period in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, State Superannuation Board and the Office of Regulation Reform.
Paula Brennan
Economic Development Coordinator, City of Greater Dandenong
Paula has 22 years’ experience in Local Government including roles in Risk and Facility management before moving to Economic Development in 2002.
Paula’s economic development role at City of Greater Dandenong is specifically focused on industry, with the manufacturing sector being a high priority. She also acts as editor for the development of the council’s quarterly business magazine, ‘Stakeholder’.
In her current role Paula has been heavily involved in the Melbourne South East (MSE) regional economic alliance of eleven local council’s working on strategic directions and projects of significance for the economy of the region.
Paula was part of the founding team for the South East Melbourne Innovation Precinct group (SEMIP) and has been an active supporter of the group throughout its existence.
