The University of Queensland School of Economics Advisory Board advises the School on matters pertaining to School strategy development and implementation as well as on specific initiatives.

Goals of the Advisory Board

Advisory Board members are leaders in business, government or the wider community who seek to facilitate the achievement of the School’s objectives by leveraging their professional networks, profile, reputation, experience and influence to:

  • Serve as a source of independent advice to the Academic Dean and Head of School, and the School Senior Leadership Team, with regard to strategy development and implementation as well as on specific initiatives, in the context of education, student employability, research, external engagement and fundraising;
  • Increase two-way engagement by the School with business, government and the wider community;
  • Increase mutually beneficial engagement by the School with its alumni;
  • Build links between the School and its stakeholders;
  • Raise the profile of, and build, the School brand and reputation.

Mode of operation

The Advisory Board meets twice per year (face to face or dial-in) and may occasionally break into ad hoc committees and working parties as required from time to time. These smaller committees play a more ‘hands-on’ role with strategic initiatives.

Where interested in a greater contribution, Board members may be invited to participate in one or more of the following activities:

  • Participating on curriculum review panels which provide advice on enhancing the economic, business, policy relevance and employability attributes of School programs;
  • Recruitment of future students or executive education clients;
  • Helping to host events such as symposia, student careers, alumni networking and professional development events; and
  • Participating in fundraising and sponsorship activities.

Membership

There are up to ten external members of the Advisory Board plus the Academic Dean and Head of School, who serves as Chair, and the Advancement Officer. Advisory Board members are appointed by the Academic Dean and Head of School in consultation with the Executive Dean, Faculty Business, Economic and Law. Although Board members may be alumni, this is not a prerequisite for nomination. Members are appointed for three-year terms, which may be renewed. The Chair oversees the organisation and affairs of the Board and is responsible for keeping the Board informed on all relevant matters.

Current Advisory Board members

Mrs Deb Barnes
Managing Director, Capital Markets Risk OMERS

  • Bachelor of Economics (2005)
  • Bachelor of Information Technology (2005)
  • Alumni Ambassador Council Brisbane
  • The Dean's Society (BEL) Annual Member
  • UQ’s Sandstone Society

Ms Karen Chester
Deputy Chair ASIC

  • Bachelor of Economics (Hons) (1986)
  • Doctor of Economics (Honoris Causa) (2017)
  • Emeritus Ambassador Council Melbourne

Dr Vincent FitzGerald AO
Senior Associate ACIL Allen Consulting 
Director of ETFS Management (Aus) Ltd and ETFS Metal Securities Australia Ltd

  • Bachelor of Economics (1969)
  • Doctor of Economics (Honoris Causa) (2015)
  • PhD from Harvard (1976)
  • Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) from Monash (2013)
  • Alumni Ambassador Council Melbourne
  • The Dean's Society (BEL) Bronze Member

Mr James Kalokerinos
Non-Executive Director InterHealthcare Pty Ltd

  • Bachelor of Economics (1981)
  • The Dean's Society (BEL) Annual Member

Mr Loh Hoon Sun
Senior Advisor Phillip Securities Pte Ltd

  • Bachelor of Economics (Hons) (1964)
  • Diploma of Commerce (1963)
  • Associate in Accountancy (AAUQ) (1962)
  • Alumni Ambassador Council Singapore
  • The Dean's Society (BEL) Annual Member

Professor Rand Low
Assoc. Prof of Quantitative Finance, Bond Business School

  • Doctor of Philosophy (2013)

Mr Kwok Yen Wong

  • Bachelor of Economics (Hons) (1988)
  • Alumni Ambassador Council Singapore

Ms Ranjini Shome-Nicolau
Principal Consultant, NTT DATA

  • Master of International Economics and Finance (Advanced) (2008)