DR. VICKI GARDINER APPOINTED AS NEW COO OF CANBERRA CYBER HUB

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News
POSTED ON 03-September-24

Dr. Vicki Gardiner has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of the Canberra Cyber Hub, effective from 3 September 2024. Dr. Gardiner, a chartered chemist with a distinguished career in academia, government, SMEs, and not-for-profit organisations, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

 

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Gardiner served as the Canberra Branch Manager of the ACS. Her leadership in science promotion was recognised in 2012 by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Throughout her career, she has held senior management and board positions, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving educational and employment outcomes in STEM fields.

 

“I am thrilled by the opportunity to contribute to building Canberra’s reputation as a centre of excellence in cyber security,” said Dr. Gardiner. “What excites me most is the chance to enhance cyber capacity and capability in a way that uplifts the broader community.”

 

Dr. Gardiner has been a driving force behind several initiatives aimed at increasing diversity within STEM and ICT. She developed the first profession-based workforce plan supported by the Tasmanian Government and authored the Tasmanian Women in Engineering Strategy. Most recently, she led a Skills Canberra-funded project that helped women transition into ICT careers, with a quarter of the participants successfully securing employment.

 

Her new role at the Canberra Cyber Hub aligns with her passion for diversity and inclusion in the workforce. As COO, Dr. Gardiner will be responsible for overseeing the Cyber Hub’s operations and contributing to its mission of fostering a robust and diverse cyber security industry in Canberra.

 

“We are delighted to welcome Vicki to the role,” said Dr. Michael Frater, Chair of the Canberra Cyber Hub. “Her extensive experience in workforce development and her commitment to diversity will be invaluable as we continue to build Canberra’s standing as a leader in the cyber industry.”

 

Dr. Gardiner’s appointment is expected to further strengthen the Canberra Cyber Hub’s efforts to position the city as a leader in cyber security, both nationally and internationally.