About the board

From 2010 to 2018, David was Mayor of the City of Burnside. During that time, he was elected to the board of the Local Government Association, the LGA Executive Committee and as an LGA Vice-President. Prior to local government involvement, he served for five years as the Chair of Council of Pembroke School and eleven years in total on the Council. David was an economic and business consultant with state and federal government, corporate and private clients and a senior corporate executive. He served on the boards of five public companies and numerous private companies.

In his business career David has travelled widely and lived interstate and abroad, but always returned to Adelaide.

Associate Professor Susan Hazel is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Ethics in the School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide. She is a veterinarian, current President of the Welfare & Ethics Special Interest Group of the Australian Veterinary Association and active in animal welfare and behaviour teaching and research. Susan has a particular interest in the human-animal bond and the use of evidence-based strategies to enhance our relationship with companion animals in the community.

Karen Rokicinski is the Director of Corporate and Customer Service for City of Victor Harbor. Karen has extensive experience in risk management and process review, specialising in service review/service planning and managing change within a Local Government setting. She has a strong public and environmental health background with broader skills and knowledge in the areas of environmental policy and strategy, risk management, investigation and enforcement, animal management, council by-laws, fire prevention, HR, customer service, libraries, information management, ICT, project management and governance. Karen has post graduate qualifications in business administration, with majors and interests in both local government and human resources management.

Tegan McPherson is the Manager Strategic Projects for City of Mount Gambier. Tegan joins South Australian Local Government after relocating from Victoria where she worked at RSPCA Victoria as Head of Operations. With expertise in pound and shelter operations, customer service and adoptions, local government and community partnerships and veterinary services, Tegan is committed to improving animal management and community outcomes. Currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration, her postgraduate qualifications in Psychology and Change Management complement her managerial skills. Tegan's diverse expertise spans change and risk management, HR, strategic planning, policy and advocacy, project management, customer service, ICT and governance.

Brenton Thomass is the Manager of Community & Environmental Health at City of Port Adelaide Enfield, where he has been employed as the Community Safety Leader and Manager since 2015. Brenton has extensive local government experience. He was City of Salisbury' General Inspector for 8 years and City of Burnside's Team Leader of Ranger Services for 2 years. Brenton has been a board member of the South Australian Local Government Authorised Persons Association (APA) since 2012. He is also president of the Australian Institute of Animal Management, a position held since 2019. Brenton is passionate about improving dog and cat management to deliver outcomes for the animals and the community.

Jamie has 18 years experience in Local Government, starting off as an Environmental Health Officer at a number of different metro Councils before becoming the Manager of Health and Public Safety at Mount Barker District Council in 2012. Cat management is an area of interest for Jamie especially the role Council can play in addressing welfare, nuisance and environmental issues. Prior to working in Local Government Jamie has had many diverse roles ranging from labouring to working in an oyster hatchery.

Emily was born and raised in Adelaide, graduating from the University of Adelaide in 2019 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to studying veterinary medicine, she completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Emily enjoys all aspects of small animal work, with a particular interest in caring for hospital patients, practicing fear-free handling, and reducing in-clinic stress for patients and their owners. She also has a passion for mentoring veterinary students and new graduates, and currently works as a casual academic tutor for the Veterinary Bioscience and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students at the University of Adelaide. When she is not working, Dr Emily enjoys walking, reading, travel and spending time with her family and friends.

Jane is a veterinarian with a passion for veterinary public health – the interrelationship between human and animal health – in which she has completed a Masters, PhD, and veterinary specialist memberships. Over her career thus far Jane has had the opportunity to work across a wide range of roles and projects, primarily with university and government, including research, teaching, veterinary diagnostics, curriculum development, information technology, and biosecurity. Outside of her position with the Board, Jane is the Manager of Epidemiology and Risk for the South Australian state government veterinary service. She also has two very spoilt chihuahuas – Teddy and Franklin.

Emma is managing director and principal consultant of Kindling Solutions, offering strategic management, people, governance and risk management services. Emma has worked with private companies, public sector organisations and not-for-profit entities (big and small) to set strategies and priorities that lead to ongoing success. Emma has a wealth of expertise with setting strategies, social policies, people management, equality and program development, in Australia and the United Kingdom. Emma's strengths are making connections, her 'can-do' attitude and creativity. She has qualifications in law and graduated with honours.