New Chair and members appointed to Lord Howe Island Board

Naomi Stephens, Executive Director of Park Operations Coastal, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Lord Howe Island Board by the NSW Minister For Environment Penny Sharpe.

Ms Stephens took over the role on 1 July this year and has held several senior executive roles for NPWS including Executive Director of Park Operations Coastal and Director of the Fire and Incident Management Branch.

Ms Stephens will be joined by two new Board members, Ms Margy Osmond and the Hon Nathan Rees, who bring extensive experience from both government and the private sector, representing tourism and conservation interests respectively.

Their leadership and expertise will be invaluable in guiding the Board’s work to support the island’s community and protect its unique environment.

Ms Osmond is a highly respected senior executive in the tourism industry. She is Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism and Transport Forum Australia – the peak industry association for tourism aviation, infrastructure, events and transport industries.

As the former Premier of NSW, Nathan Rees added significant new reserves to the national park estate and protected the River Red Gums in southern NSW.

Currently head of Government Relations and External Affairs for insurer MetLife Australia, Mr Rees and has a deep understanding of governance, community engagement and development, and financial management.

The Lord Howe Island Board reports to the Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water.

The Board manages the island’s land, environment, community services and sustainable tourism, ensuring the protection of its World Heritage values while supporting local residents.

It is comprised of four elected and three Minister appointed members. Islanders are elected to the Board by the local community every three years.

Quotes attributed to NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe:

“Since coming to government I have worked closely with Ms Stephens, and I am confident her expertise in conservation and emergency management will be a major asset in safeguarding the island’s unique environment.

“With over 20 years at the frontline of conservation and incident management experience, Ms Stephens offers extensive knowledge and real-world experience that will support the island’s resilience and sustainability."