Dr Alex Nicholson is currently Vice Chair of the ACS NSW BEC and is standing for re-election. With comprehensive professional qualifications and broad industry experience, Alex brings fresh ideas to the BEC – focusing on improving member services and creating sustainable change for advancement of the ACS and the ICT profession.
Alex believes in supporting professionalism of students and graduates through ACS membership, promoting the SFIA framework, and sees growth of professional standards development as key to addressing some of the issues experienced in ICT today.
During his tenure on the BEC, Alex has contributed to setting core strategies, governance, and operational planning of the Branch. He helped establish the Terms of Reference of the Risk Committee and is a current member. More recently, the Branch and NSW Government are collaborating on initiatives involving PPP’s and small and medium enterprises which Alex is particularly passionate about.
Alex is also nominating to be re-elected as Vice Chair. In this position, Alex effectively supports the Executive and State Manager and recently acted as Chair. He has strong working relationships within the Executive and ACS staff enabling him to get things done. With the capability and enthusiasm for supporting our BEC, Alex seeks your backing for re-election.
Mrs. Benni Pagdanganan, ACS Senior Member Certified Professional, is currently Honorary Treasurer, lead in the Students Engagement Portfolio of NSW Branch and NSW Branch member in the Professional Development Board. A team player, Benni has delivered the Branch budget resulting in healthy surplus in the last two financial years. She has acquired valuable knowledge of ACS policies, strategies, processes, products and events. Her goal is to see that ACS NSW Branch continues to be in a healthy state with membership professional development at its core.
Benni is a proprietor and carer, and candidate for Master of Research at Macquarie University. The treasurer of Punchbowl Conference of St Vincent de Paul Society, she does home visitation providing needed emergency assistance.
Benni has Master of Information Technology at Macquarie University, Master of Science in Mathematics Education, Bachelor of Arts, (Mathematics), and Diploma on the Post Graduate Training Course for Science Information Specialists in Southeast Asia. She has over fifteen years experience in the ICT industry in the application development doing various roles of manager, team leader, analyst, programmer, tester, support person and others. Benni is also a teacher, a lecturer, a tutor and a mentor.
http://au.linkedin.com/in/bennipagdanganan/
Mrs. Benni Pagdanganan, ACS Senior Member Certified Professional, is currently Honorary Treasurer, lead in the Students Engagement Portfolio of NSW Branch and NSW Branch member in the Professional Development Board. A team player, Benni has delivered the Branch budget resulting in healthy surplus in the last two financial years. She has acquired valuable knowledge of ACS policies, strategies, processes, products and events. Her goal is to see that ACS NSW Branch continues to be in a healthy state with membership professional development at its core.
Benni is a proprietor and carer, and candidate for Master of Research at Macquarie University. The treasurer of Punchbowl Conference of St Vincent de Paul Society, she does home visitation providing needed emergency assistance.
Benni has Master of Information Technology at Macquarie University, Master of Science in Mathematics Education, Bachelor of Arts, (Mathematics), and Diploma on the Post Graduate Training Course for Science Information Specialists in Southeast Asia. She has over fifteen years experience in the ICT industry in the application development doing various roles of manager, team leader, analyst, programmer, tester, support person and others. Benni is also a teacher, a lecturer, a tutor and a mentor.
http://au.linkedin.com/in/bennipagdanganan/
Cindy is one of the NSW ACS Women members that developed the ACS Women NSW Framework document explaining the Committee’s strategic direction in-line with the ACS corporate strategic direction. She has been a committee member for 18 months.
Cindy holds degrees in ICT and management from the University of New South Wales and Macquarie University. Cindy has a keen interest in the role financial management plays with supporting the policy and direction of an organisation. She is currently with the CBA Group, a globally renowned bank and a great supporter of innovation in the ICT industry in NSW and Australia.
Cindy’s valued contributions and can-do attitude invariably translates to success. She is enthusiastic about the future of technology and our collective part towards its development. With this as the underlying motive, being able to look down the road to find financial options and partake in decisions needed for longer term goals and initiate discussions to connect finance and mission is a valuable contribution she can make.
Cindy believes everyone can contribute through each individual’s strength and is an advocate of diversity. She networks across several forums but believes that the ACS is central to the delivery of ICT policy solutions.
I’ve been an ACS member and IT professional for 20 years, Startup & Small Business SIG Convenor for 5 years, and a BEC member since July 2014. I’m a strong believer in IT professionalism, and making best use of the society’s volunteer culture, together with our outstanding professional staff.
I’d like to increase my involvement with the society via the Treasurer role. I have previous experience as Treasurer in another professional society (AFSMI - Association for Service Management International), and have held board positions on other not-for-profits.
I own two technology businesses – Shoeboxed Australia and StartNest. Prior to this I held management positions at multinational companies including DoubleClick, Citect and BlueFreeway.
Through trends in the industry, to cloud accounting and lean startup methodologies, there is much we can learn to improve the society. Specifically, using data to drive better outcomes - improving budgets & reporting to stakeholders - BEC, SIGs and staff.
The IT industry is one of continuous change. Businesses and careers will be very different in a decade, and the society must adapt to this. The branch has significant cash reserves, part of which should be invested in navigating this change.
Simon Foster – Vote for passion, skills and experience.
Mrs. Benni Pagdanganan, ACS Senior Member Certified Professional, is currently Honorary Treasurer, lead in the Students Engagement Portfolio of NSW Branch and NSW Branch member in the Professional Development Board. A team player, Benni has delivered the Branch budget resulting in healthy surplus in the last two financial years. She has acquired valuable knowledge of ACS policies, strategies, processes, products and events. Her goal is to see that ACS NSW Branch continues to be in a healthy state with membership professional development at its core.
Benni is a proprietor and carer, and candidate for Master of Research at Macquarie University. The treasurer of Punchbowl Conference of St Vincent de Paul Society, she does home visitation providing needed emergency assistance.
Benni has Master of Information Technology at Macquarie University, Master of Science in Mathematics Education, Bachelor of Arts, (Mathematics), and Diploma on the Post Graduate Training Course for Science Information Specialists in Southeast Asia. She has over fifteen years experience in the ICT industry in the application development doing various roles of manager, team leader, analyst, programmer, tester, support person and others. Benni is also a teacher, a lecturer, a tutor and a mentor.
http://au.linkedin.com/in/bennipagdanganan/
Thank you for taking the time to vote for your representatives on the NSW Branch Executive Committee (BEC). I have been involved with the ACS since joining in 2007, recently as the Young IT (YIT) Chair for NSW, and more recently as the Deputy Director for YIT and a BEC member. I am committed to seeing ACS continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of its members whilst retaining those things we value. I am seeking improvements to the ACS online platform via engagement with NSW Branch / National Office to improve the delivery of electronic content for local and regional members. A significant value of the ACS membership is the power of our professional networks - I see maintaining and improving networking opportunities, and bringing this online to the ACS platform and social media channels as a key priority.
Outside of the ACS I work full time for the Federal Government in an ICT and contract management role, and hold a Bachelor ICT and Master of Business. In my spare time I enjoy running and cycling. I welcome the opportunity to serve you on the BEC for a further term should you select me as your representative.
Cindy is a committee member with the NSW ACS Women group for the last 18 months. She was one of the members that developed the ACS Women NSW Framework document explaining the Committee’s strategic direction in line with the ACS corporate strategic direction
Cindy is enthusiastic about the future of technology and our collective part in its development to further enhance lives. Her valued contributions and can-do attitude invariably translates to success. Throughout Cindy’s career she has been an influencer for change and improvement. She has participated in professional forums and encouraged younger graduates in their career pathways.
Cindy is ITIL certified. She holds degrees in ICT and management from the University of New South Wales and Macquarie University. Her current employer is CBA, who is a great supporter of the ICT Industry in NSW and Australia.
Cindy believes everyone can contribute through each individual’s strength and is an advocate of diversity. She believes women add a valuable dimension to any ICT activity and that it is important that ACS Women works to get more women into the industry. She networks across several forums but believes that the ACS is central to the delivery of ICT policy solutions.
Industry and professional bodies will be more effective when relevant to the wider community and industry communities of practice. As such, the ACS is relevant in the industry as it works to visibly address relevant issues such as diversity, education and skill shortages.
I have been working in the ICT industry for more than 20 years and have been associated with several professional bodies during that time, organisations in different sectors and performing a variety of roles from analyst programmer, business analyst, IT service delivery to project manager.
As a member of the ACS for a number of years, I have participated as mentor in the ACS Mentoring Program and volunteered on the ACS Women Committee in NSW, supporting the efforts of the ACS in providing a supportive network to female members in NSW.
If I were elected to the NSW BEC, I would work to provide value to the membership by working towards the following:
My career in ICT spans more than 20 years in South Africa and Australia and I am currently working as an ICT Consultant in Sydney. I have experience across a number of industries from FMCG, Utilities, to Government and Financial Services. I am a member of several professional bodies, such as the IIBA, ITSM and certified in ITIL and as a PRINCE2 Practitioner.
My professional profile can be viewed on LinkedIn - http://au.linkedin.com/in/connimarais
John Krebs, EMBA, AFAIM, MACS CP – Consultant | IT Management Executive| Project Manager
John is an ICT Professional with almost 20 years of experience in the ICT industry, both in Australia and the UK. John’s experience ranges from hands-on technical to operational and team management to project management.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Newcastle, Australia, and completed an Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) at the Cass Business School, City University, London UK. He has performed a variety of technical and managerial roles across portfolios, projects, operations, and strategic initiatives.
John has a keen interest in leadership, developing teams, developing, mentoring and coaching others in the ICT industry. He is a strong advocate of increased recognition of ICT and the value that ICT delivers to the enterprise.
John has worked across a broad range of markets, including Property and Real Estate, Financial Services and Banking, Mining, Manufacturing, Utilities, Government, Outsourcing, and Professional Services.
He has been a member of the ACS since 1999, completed the CIO Executive Council Pathways Program. In his current role he provides independent and impartial technology and management advice to a variety of organisations.
I have been involved in Information Technology since 1974 and have been a Software Developer, Data Base Administrator, System Administrator, an IT Manager and Head of an IT Department. Most of my experience has been in NSW working in the Telecommunication, Building Services, Industrial Relation and the Energy Sectors. I have been involved in National reform projects in the Telecommunication, Industrial Relations and the Energy sectors at a senior level contributing to the success of the reforms to deliver productivity and competition.
Currently I am involved in a number of not for profit organisations and charities, providing management and technology advice. I have been an ACS member since 1992 and actively participate in ACS events. I hold membership in Australian Institute Managers and Australian Institute of Company Directors. I am a Justice of the Peace for NSW.
I would like to contribute to ACS members by working with the ACS Brach Executive committee, to continue to promote the role that ACS plays in the NSW ICT. To deliver services and opportunities for all members of ACS that would enable them to enhance their knowledge and careers. Promote the use of technology to assist participation of all members at ACS events.
Education Achievements
2012 - UNSW PhD in Internet and mobile banking adoption between Australia and India
2002 - Master of Science & Technology Commercialisation, University of Adelaide
1998 - Master of Business Administration MBA - Southern Cross University
1990 - BEng (Hons) - Middlesex University
Statement of Goals
Always wanted to contribute my experience to a growing ICT industry in Australia through the experience developed over the years across a range of industries.
Would like to be part of encouraging more migrant ICT entrepreneurs to tap into their latent experience so they too have the opportunity to benefit Australia in a similar manner to how migrants have benefitted the US in particular Silicon Valley.
Business & Technology Consultant
Mobile, Messaging, Middleware, Cloud, Crm
Paul is seeking re-election for the 2015-2016 New South Wales Branch Executive Committee. He has been a member of the current Branch Executive Committee since April 2104, and is Team Leader for the ‘Get Members’ Sub-committee. This team is tasked with assisting the New South Wales Branch in driving member recruitment across a number of key demographics e.g. Industry Leaders, SME, Enterprise, Entrepreneurs, Young IT, and Students. Paul has been an active professional member of the ACS for many years, and before migrating to Australia was a member of both the Irish and British Computer Societies (including attaining Chartered Engineer status). In looking forward to the next two year term, Paul (if elected) is excited about continuing his work with the ‘Get Members’ team, and playing his part in helping to ensure that the ACS continues to lead the way in professional ICT development, is a voice for our industry, and the go-to organization for Government, Business, and Education.
Paul is a Principal Consultant with 9Box Consulting, and works with a number of International software companies helping them incubate and grow their businesses in the Australia & New Zealand region. He holds an honours degree in Computer Science, and is a Justice of the Peace.
A Vote for Me is a Vote for Innovation
This note is about what I stand for and why you might want to vote for me to represent your interests on the ACS NSW Branch Executive. Who am I?
I am a Senior Director at Deloitte who works for a variety of organisations in the Technology, Media and Telecommunication (TMT) industry. I'm committed to innovation and the opportunities for Australia through the digital economy and would like to assist Australian IT lead on a global stage through the Australian Computer Society.
Innovation has been a major theme during my career. Within Deloitte I have been working on the development of global innovation programs. I regularly speak and publish on actual IT related developments, most in crowdfunding, innovative applications of data analytics and ESOP in Information Age.
These are topics that are relevant in the current digital era. I believe Australia has a unique opportunity to make a difference in the global IT industry. I strongly believe that ACS can and should play a role in this.
Active involvement in the TMT industry has always been very important to me. Prior to becoming a member of the NSW BEC of ACS, I have had the privilege to be a member of the AICPA Information Technology Executive Committee in New York. Later on I became Chairman of the Broadband Financial Committee of the Wireless Communications Association International in Washington D.C. where I worked with representatives of various entities dealing with developments and aspects of the American Telecommunications Industry.
I think that my experience of working with a variety of entities and people from different backgrounds will be beneficial to ACS to help realise its goals and ambitions.
My name is Robert Estherby and I have been serving on the BEC for the last six months. As a member of the BEC I am committed representing your interests as members as we grow the society. I am especially interested in how we can raise the profile of the ACS and canvas your views as members and present them to State and Federal Governments make informed decision relating to Technology and the ICT Industry.
In addition to my work on the BEC I am the Chair of the NSW Young IT Committee and a Member of the National Young IT Board which are responsible for providing the ACS services targeted at members at the beginning of their careers in addition to providing advice to the wider ACS on how it can engage with emerging demographics.
I currently work as a Network Engineer at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and have worked on several national infrastructure projects in both a technical and team leadership role. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Information & Communication Technology from the University of Wollongong and am a Certified Technologist by the ACS. When I get a chance enjoy sailing on Sydney Harbour.
Timothy Y Larcos is a senior, board experienced, IT executive with a decade worth of Asia Pacific experience. His experience in the IT industry spans over two decades. He has held positions in Australia, Asia and Europe across Healthcare/Medical, Internet Service Providers, Financial Services and Media & Entertainment, most of which were ASX or NYSE listed. He carries post-nominal MACS (Snr) CP with ACS and MAICD with Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being ITIL v3 certified.
Statement of goals:
Having served on the Branch Executive Committee NSW over the past year, I’m keen to continue my contributions in helping ACS and the greater NSW member base expand and grow. Leveraging my experience with application development and social media, I’m excited to bring on board a number of social media style platforms to ACS.
I aim to provide a more engaging and beneficial experience to the ACS member base by helping in developing tools that not only help members engage with other members and their colleagues, but also that open new channels and opportunities in the IT space.
The ACS community has gone from strength to strength over its decades in existence and I’m looking forward help ACS maintain its strength as one of the core IT industry bodies. Working with senior C suite executives to demonstrate the value that ACS brings to the community. I’d like to make ACS a “household name” to the Australian IT industry and the greater community globally.
I’m excited to be working with my fellow ACS Branch Executive Committee members and deliver initiatives that we all would like to see as part of this tremendous group of individuals.