Proud Bidjara man and prominent lawyer Damien Barnes has been appointed co-chair of Supply Nation.

The founder and managing director of YIMBA Legal & Consulting has replaced outgoing co-chair and board director Michelle Deshong.

Ms Deshong was also the acting chief executive for nine months in 2023.

Mr Barnes, the chair of NSW Aboriginal Housing Office and Westpac's Indigenous Advisory Council and a member of Westpac's Stakeholder Advisory Council will join forces with current co-chair, Penny Bingham-Hall.

Ms Bingham-Hall said the appointment of Mr Barnes demonstrated the strength and diversity of the Supply Nation board.

"Damien joined Supply Nation's Board a year ago and is an experienced non-executive director," she said.

"He brings firsthand experience as both an Indigenous business owner and a trusted advisor to numerous Indigenous communities and businesses."

Ms Bingham-Hall said she regretfully accepted Ms Deshong's resignation.

She said Ms Deshong brought extensive experience in leadership to the board but wasn't able to continue in her role as co-chair due to other ongoing business and governance roles.

"For over seven years, Michelle has made significant contributions to the leadership, governance and operations of Supply Nation as well as the growth of the Indigenous business sector more generally," she said.

"Michelle has helped steer the organisation to achieve significant milestones, as acting CEO, co-chair and board director.

"We are excited for Michelle to pursue her next chapter."

Ms Deshong said it was an honour and privilege to be involved with Supply Nation.

"Supply Nation continues to fulfil a critical role in the growth of the Indigenous business sector," she said.

"I am proud to have been associated with the success and achievements of this unique organisation."

Mr Barnes is also a director of SEC Victoria and is the Australian Government's First Nations co-representative on the Indigenous People Economic Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

He has been a director of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, Bangarra Dance Theatre, the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre, chair of Nguluway Design Inc, a founding board member of Ngalaya Indigenous Lawyers Association, and a member of both the NSW Law Society Indigenous Issues Committee.

Supply Nation is a not-for-profit organisation which provides Australia's leading database of verified Indigenous businesses and works to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector through the promotion of supplier diversity.