Following our announcement of the Women in Defence Awards 2024 finalists, ADM will be introducing each of our amazing finalists across the categories in more detail. Today we are focusing on the finalists in our Project Management category.
In this category, judges were looking for entries that demonstrated outstanding achievements, milestones and deliverables during 2023 in the field of Project Management, with additional evidence of having overcome personal challenges to do so.
The winners and Hall of Fame inductee will be announced at a gala dinner at The National Arboretum, Canberra, on 17 October 2024. Book your tickets here – we hope to see you there!
Allison Allen
Technical Program Manager
Anduril Australia
In 2023, Allison lead the BlueSentry project for Thales through two Autonomous Warriors with Warfare Innovation Navy. She was also elected by the “Alliance” of Warfare Innovation Navy, Ocius and Acacia Systems to provide Project Management to the team to co-develop the overall solution in Maritime Domain Awareness. Her integration roadmap played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the system, relying on negotiation and clear communication to garner support and agreement from all stakeholders. Additionally, she a displayed resilience, adaptability, and strong leadership skills by driving the project forward, making necessary adjustments as needed, and guided the team through challenges.
Michelle Baker WINNER
Program Manager, Boeing Autonomy Capability Hub for Australia and New Zealand
Boeing Defence Australia
After more than 20 years of stewardship, Boeing handed the Defence High Frequency Communications Support Contract and Network and Operational Support Contract back to Defence and their incoming service provider. Michelle led the DHFCS team of 100, spanning six Australian locations. Throughout the transition, she ensured that the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and morale of the team was of paramount importance, which was key to the continued outstanding delivery of this important program for Defence.
Michelle managed the hand back of a contract, never an easy task, displaying exceptional leadership skills and emotional intelligence; demonstrating support, kindness, empathy, humility, respect, guidance, gratitude and clarity while her team worked through the stages of grief and loss. She maintained outstanding relationships with Defence and suppliers, despite the often difficult but necessary conversations. Michelle became the first Australian appointed to the Boeing Enterprise Board of the Boeing Women Inspiring: Leadership business resource group and was also a member of the BDA Gender Working Group, which drove the introduction of a Domestic and Family Violence Policy and the review of Parental Leave provisions.
Dee-Ann Jackson
Lead Test & Evaluation Officer and acting Deputy Program Director, Armoured Fighting Vehicles Branch
Department of Defence
During 2023 Dee-Ann led the successful conduct of the Boxer CRV air transportability testing on Airforce’s C-17 capability and the effective conduct of Boxer CRV Counter Uncrewed Aerial System assurance testing. At times during the year, she was acting in roles two ranks above her current rank. She led a multi-service team comprising approximately 50 Australian Army, Australian Public Service and Contractor members. All the while focusing on the well being of her team, facilitating a valuable Branch workshop focusing on the achievement of optimal mental health outcomes.
Lee Ann Jones
Director Hydrographic System Program Office (SPO) within Maritime Systems Division, Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group
Department of Defence
In 2023 Lee Ann professionally managed the Navy Leeuwin class vessels (an aging capability near to its planned withdrawal) and achieved decommissioning of the Paluma class vessels, as well as managing the sustainment of other capabilities including the Army Marine Craft and effectively delivering availability outcomes in Defence. She was influential in organisational changes to strategically implement contractual arrangements and achieve outcomes towards the Maritime Sustainment Model. Challenged with a diminishing workforce, she maintained a high level of team moral in a significant change environment.
Alecia Millard
Program Manager for LAND 8116 - Protected Mobile Fires
Hanwha Defence Australia
In a single week in 2023, Alicia saw the sign off on both the Detailed Design Review and Production Readiness Review for the LAND 8116 - Protected Mobile Fires contract. Alecia is managing the very first Transfer of Technology program between the Republic of Korea and Australia. Alecia is key in navigating these new waters that will provide valuable lessons learned for not only LAND 400 but other future projects. She was involved with The Future Through Collaboration mentoring project.
Natasha Williams
Navy Capability Infrastructure Sub Program Project Director within Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Branch, Infrastructure Division / Security and Estate Group Department of Defence
Department of Defence
Managing, leading and delivered 22 geographically dispersed infrastructure projects throughout Australia, Natasha played a pivotal role in bolstering the Australian Defence Force’s Future Force posture. This included the completion of the 12,910 m2 Land Based Test Site at St Kilda South Australia. She has managed these projects using compassion, courage, and leading by example, which has been instrumental in influencing executive decisions.
