Supply Nation has announced the appointment of Jenni Collard and Katie Wyatt as new board directors. Their addition aims to drive the sustained growth of Indigenous businesses across Australia.
Ms Collard, a proud descendant of the Yadhiagana, Wuthathi, and Guringji peoples, brings to the role years of experience across Indigenous affairs, social policy, program management, and regional development.
"Supply Nation continues to play a critical role in supporting the growth of Indigenous business and economic empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," she said.
As General Manager at Rio Tinto, Ms Collard has over 25 years of experience in the public service and mining sectors. At the company, she oversees the internal group audit function, ensuring compliance with appropriate standards of governance and ethics.
"I look forward to contributing to the Board to enhance and grow the Indigenous businesses we serve, particularly in my home state of Western Australia," she said.
Ms Wyatt, a Noongar and Yamatji woman and Head of Diversity & Inclusion at BHP Group, provides significant leadership and organisational development experience.
"I am very pleased to join the Supply Nation Board. Supporting the growth and success of Indigenous-owned businesses through procurement and commercial collaboration has proven to generate positive social outcomes," she said.
Ms Wyatt previously served as Head of Culture and Inclusion at Coles Group, bringing valuable retail and supply-chain insights. She also worked in senior roles at BHP, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Accenture, Australia Post, and Social Traders.
"I hope my expertise across various industries will benefit Supply Nation and all our suppliers and members," she said.
Supply Nation is a major non-profit organisation committed to growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector through the promotion of supplier diversity. Since 2009, it has partnered with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and procurement teams across government and corporate Australia to nurture the Indigenous business sector, while also operating the leading database of verified Indigenous businesses.
"We are extremely pleased to welcome Jenni and Katie to the Supply Nation Board," said Damien Barnes, Co-Chair of the Supply Nation Board.
"Both appointees possess significant experience in Indigenous affairs and business. Their appointments will bring fresh perspectives and expertise at a critical time for Supply Nation and the Indigenous business sector as we explore opportunities in a changing global economy."
Penny Bingham-Hall, fellow Co-Chair, said Supply Nation "deeply values expertise in diversity and inclusion initiatives and the positive impact these bring to Indigenous communities".
"We are delighted that Jenni and Katie have accepted our invitation to join us as we embark on ambitious initiatives to support the growth of Indigenous businesses across Australia."