Meet our Board
The Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board is elected and nominated from eligible members at our annual general meeting.
Each elected executive position is a two-year, voluntary term. Those joining the board as invited Special Purpose Executive Members may serve as per resolution of the board.
We commend our past and present volunteer executives for their passion and commitment to the advancement of our association – and the region.
Interested in joining our board? Check out ‘Discover what’s involved’ or contact one of our current Board Members now.
Todd West
President
Todd West is the CEO of Glass Co WA, a leading glass and aluminum business within the West Australian building industry. A qualified glazier for 30 years, business owner and operator for the past 25 years. Todd was born in Geraldton and his family dates back 3 generations in the region. A father of 3, married to Angie and an avid sportsperson both on water and land.
In the last decade Todd has played a role within the regional development community.
Firstly, on MWCCI board (2010–2014) as Vice President then followed by a 6-year stint with the Mid West Development Commission, 3 years as Chairman (2017 – 2020). He currently is Vice President of Pollinators Inc, a Midwest social enterprise curating an ecosystem nurturing and enabling entrepreneurs and innovators. Another current focus area is Cluster Development through the Midwest Chamber of Commerce. Working with the MWCCI to develop and promote the Hydrogen Industry with-in the Midwest.
Todd also holds roles within his community as a very active committee member of the Drummond Cove Progress Association. The association is a leading voice enabling a healthy connected community.
As a dedicated business owner in the Mid West he is passionate about pursuing the regions strengths and expanding the Midwest through smart specialization.
Member Via: Glass Co (Over 25 years)
Executive member since: 2021
Term expiring: 2025
Megan Kipling
Treasurer
Megan brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role as Treasurer of the Board of the Mid West CCI. With 20 years of experience as a tax accountant, Megan’s professional journey took her from Adelaide to Geraldton in 2012, where she embraced new opportunities and expanded her understanding of the financial landscape. Her expertise in tax accounting, combined with her passion for supporting small businesses, enables her to provide valuable guidance to clients, helping them navigate their financial challenges.
In addition to her professional work, Megan has a strong commitment to her community. She enjoys presenting DIY self-care workshops for adults and hands-on natural classes for children and caregivers in the Midwest. She’s also actively involved in her children’s school Parent & Community Associations (P & C) and Parent & Friends Associations (P & F), demonstrating her dedication to both personal and professional growth.
Megan’s approach to accounting is anything but typical. She focuses not only on the numbers but on offering a listening ear and a helping hand for any life challenges people may face. Her warm and approachable nature makes her someone you can always count on for a chat and a cup of coffee, adding a personal touch to her professional expertise. If successful in being elected as Treasurer, Megan is excited to continue supporting the Chambers members and their future goals, using her technical skills and heartfelt commitment to the community.
Haley Morris
Board Member
Haley is a qualified chef and manager of her successful family business in Geraldton, Skeetas Restaurant – started by her Mum and Dad in 1991.
Having also been a member of the MWCCI since 1991 (29 years!), Haley has represented Skeetas at several of our annual Business Excellence Awards and is an active participant in MWCCI networking opportunities including Business After Hours, Economic Forums and learning events.
As testimony to her leadership, Skeetas won the prestigious 2018 Mid West Business of the Year award on top of many other accolades over the recent past. With a focus on Mid West tourism, Haley’s drive for regional growth permeates through her business and contributions to our board.
Whilst a serious businesswoman and self-confessed taskmaster, Haley is about as down-to-earth as we come. She’s an avid boxer, camper and is known to indulge in fine food (nearly) as often as she prepares it.
During her time on our board, Haley hopes to build onto existing members benefits by introducing a discount booklet – which will feature members and be exclusively available to members.
Qualifications: Qualified Chef
Member via: Skeetas Restaurant
Executive member since: 2018
Term expiring: 2024
Also a member of: Cruise Geraldton
Lana Gill
Board Member
- Qualified General Insurance Broker
- 25 plus years in the insurance industry working across multiple sectors.
- Recent position held is Principal Broker at Marsh (International Broker) in the Corporate Division, with more recently commencing my own business Coral Insurance Services locally here in Geraldton at the end of 2022 with a focus on commercial business.
- Passionate about the success of our region and how we can achieve that.
- Currently a board member of Desert Blue Connect.
Courtney Ackland
Board Member
Courtney’s strong work ethic developed thanks to his early life spent on the family broadacre farm in Badgingarra. After attending boarding school and university in Perth, Courtney spent the first part of his career working in the medical and allied health fields within Darwin, Perth and Broome, before transitioning to the mining industry in 2007. Courtney worked for Rio Tinto Iron Ore in the Pilbara, before moving to Geraldton in 2014 and commencing with Iluka Operations. He undertook a number of senior leadership roles with both companies, focusing on production, health and safety, and processing. In 2016, Courtney was promoted to the role of Operations Manager with Iluka Resources, based at Narngulu. He was responsible for all aspects of operations, logistics, supply chain management and strategic planning. A highlight of his leadership at Iluka was overseeing the successful integration of a new monazite processing facility at Eneabba, making it possible for the company to diversify into the exciting rare earth elements sector.
In February 2023, ready for a new challenge, Courtney joined the Mid West Ports Authority Executive team as Chief Operating Officer, diversifying his skillset in the marine industry. He was responsible for both landside and marine operations, port maintenance, the asset management and engineering functions and strategic planning. In September 2024, Courtney commenced as General Manager for Red Dust Holdings, a Geraldton based civil construction company delivering civil, mining and haulage services across Western Australia. Courtney is enjoying being back in the fast-paced private sector and using his strong commercial acumen to continue the growth of this local family-owned business.
Courtney is known for his collaborative leadership style, and his ability to foster engagement, positive culture and diversity within the workforce. He holds a Bachelor of Science, a Post Graduate Diploma of Science, and has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Course. Courtney brings a wealth of experience to the MWCCI Board from working across multiple sectors and at various organisational levels in private, publicly listed and government trading entities.
Stephanie Johnson
Board Member
Owner – Rogue Pony
Stephanie began her career in hospitality and administration before entering the retail sector as a Europa Saddlery franchisee in 2008. She later rebranded and developed Rogue Pony from November 2013, taking over as sole proprietor in July 2015. With more than a decade leading Rogue Pony and close to 18 years in small business, she brings extensive hands-on experience across retail, operations, and customer engagement.
She has become a strong advocate for both the equine sector and the broader Mid West community. Not content with operating solely a bricks-and-mortar store, she continues to travel across Western Australia to support a wide range of events and remains closely connected with industry participants. Her expansion into a premium men’s and women’s clothing line has added further momentum to the Rogue Pony brand.
She is keen to contribute to the Mid West CCI, bringing deep industry knowledge, retail insight, and proven business acumen to help strengthen local commerce and support sustainable regional growth.
Ben Newton
Board Member
Executive Manager
Commonwealth Bank – Regional & Agribusiness Banking
Ben moved to the Mid West 18 months ago and have made a deliberate commitment to building a long-term life and contribution here. I bring experience in leading teams, developing people and supporting businesses to grow through clear thinking and execution. My focus is on practical problem-solving, accountability and helping create the conditions for local enterprises to thrive. I’m keen to play an active role in strengthening the region’s business community, supporting collaboration and championing opportunities that drive shared prosperity. I’m motivated to bring my skills, energy and perspective to the Chamber and contribute to its work for members.
Ben Newton
Board Member
Ben moved to the Mid West 18 months ago and have made a deliberate commitment to building a long-term life and contribution here. I bring experience in leading teams, developing people and supporting businesses to grow through clear thinking and execution. My focus is on practical problem-solving, accountability and helping create the conditions for local enterprises to thrive. I’m keen to play an active role in strengthening the region’s business community, supporting collaboration and championing opportunities that drive shared prosperity. I’m motivated to bring my skills, energy and perspective to the Chamber and contribute to its work for members.
Executive Manager
Commonwealth Bank – Regional & Agribusiness Banking
Courtney Ackland
Board Member
Courtney’s strong work ethic developed thanks to his early life spent on the family broadacre farm in Badgingarra. After attending boarding school and university in Perth, Courtney spent the first part of his career working in the medical and allied health fields within Darwin, Perth and Broome, before transitioning to the mining industry in 2007. Courtney worked for Rio Tinto Iron Ore in the Pilbara, before moving to Geraldton in 2014 and commencing with Iluka Operations. He undertook a number of senior leadership roles with both companies, focusing on production, health and safety, and processing. In 2016, Courtney was promoted to the role of Operations Manager with Iluka Resources, based at Narngulu. He was responsible for all aspects of operations, logistics, supply chain management and strategic planning. A highlight of his leadership at Iluka was overseeing the successful integration of a new monazite processing facility at Eneabba, making it possible for the company to diversify into the exciting rare earth elements sector.
In February 2023, ready for a new challenge, Courtney joined the Mid West Ports Authority Executive team as Chief Operating Officer, diversifying his skillset in the marine industry. He was responsible for both landside and marine operations, port maintenance, the asset management and engineering functions and strategic planning. In September 2024, Courtney commenced as General Manager for Red Dust Holdings, a Geraldton based civil construction company delivering civil, mining and haulage services across Western Australia. Courtney is enjoying being back in the fast-paced private sector and using his strong commercial acumen to continue the growth of this local family-owned business.
Courtney is known for his collaborative leadership style, and his ability to foster engagement, positive culture and diversity within the workforce. He holds a Bachelor of Science, a Post Graduate Diploma of Science, and has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Course. Courtney brings a wealth of experience to the MWCCI Board from working across multiple sectors and at various organisational levels in private, publicly listed and government trading entities.
Courtney Ackland
Board Member
Courtney’s strong work ethic developed thanks to his early life spent on the family broadacre farm in Badgingarra. After attending boarding school and university in Perth, Courtney spent the first part of his career working in the medical and allied health fields within Darwin, Perth and Broome, before transitioning to the mining industry in 2007. Courtney worked for Rio Tinto Iron Ore in the Pilbara, before moving to Geraldton in 2014 and commencing with Iluka Operations. He undertook a number of senior leadership roles with both companies, focusing on production, health and safety, and processing. In 2016, Courtney was promoted to the role of Operations Manager with Iluka Resources, based at Narngulu. He was responsible for all aspects of operations, logistics, supply chain management and strategic planning. A highlight of his leadership at Iluka was overseeing the successful integration of a new monazite processing facility at Eneabba, making it possible for the company to diversify into the exciting rare earth elements sector.
In February 2023, ready for a new challenge, Courtney joined the Mid West Ports Authority Executive team as Chief Operating Officer, diversifying his skillset in the marine industry. He was responsible for both landside and marine operations, port maintenance, the asset management and engineering functions and strategic planning. In September 2024, Courtney commenced as General Manager for Red Dust Holdings, a Geraldton based civil construction company delivering civil, mining and haulage services across Western Australia. Courtney is enjoying being back in the fast-paced private sector and using his strong commercial acumen to continue the growth of this local family-owned business.
Courtney is known for his collaborative leadership style, and his ability to foster engagement, positive culture and diversity within the workforce. He holds a Bachelor of Science, a Post Graduate Diploma of Science, and has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Course. Courtney brings a wealth of experience to the MWCCI Board from working across multiple sectors and at various organisational levels in private, publicly listed and government trading entities.
Courtney Ackland
Board Member
Courtney’s strong work ethic developed thanks to his early life spent on the family broadacre farm in Badgingarra. After attending boarding school and university in Perth, Courtney spent the first part of his career working in the medical and allied health fields within Darwin, Perth and Broome, before transitioning to the mining industry in 2007. Courtney worked for Rio Tinto Iron Ore in the Pilbara, before moving to Geraldton in 2014 and commencing with Iluka Operations. He undertook a number of senior leadership roles with both companies, focusing on production, health and safety, and processing. In 2016, Courtney was promoted to the role of Operations Manager with Iluka Resources, based at Narngulu. He was responsible for all aspects of operations, logistics, supply chain management and strategic planning. A highlight of his leadership at Iluka was overseeing the successful integration of a new monazite processing facility at Eneabba, making it possible for the company to diversify into the exciting rare earth elements sector.
In February 2023, ready for a new challenge, Courtney joined the Mid West Ports Authority Executive team as Chief Operating Officer, diversifying his skillset in the marine industry. He was responsible for both landside and marine operations, port maintenance, the asset management and engineering functions and strategic planning. In September 2024, Courtney commenced as General Manager for Red Dust Holdings, a Geraldton based civil construction company delivering civil, mining and haulage services across Western Australia. Courtney is enjoying being back in the fast-paced private sector and using his strong commercial acumen to continue the growth of this local family-owned business.
Courtney is known for his collaborative leadership style, and his ability to foster engagement, positive culture and diversity within the workforce. He holds a Bachelor of Science, a Post Graduate Diploma of Science, and has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Course. Courtney brings a wealth of experience to the MWCCI Board from working across multiple sectors and at various organisational levels in private, publicly listed and government trading entities.
Want to get more involved?
The Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the leading business organisation representing the interests of Mid West businesses.
Our focus is clear – maximize our members’ business success.
Established over 100 years ago, the Chamber is the most influential employer association in the region and is an independent, not for profit and non-government body.
VISION
We see a world where the Midwest is known as a great place to live and work.
MISSION
To build a platform of business culture through collaboration.
PURPOSE
To connect business with opportunity.
RESPONSIBILITY – Accountable for everything we do
INTEGRITY – Honesty, respect and trust underpin our work
COMMUNITY – Shared prosperity and inclusiveness
WELLBEING – Commitment to care
Strategic Principles
The Chamber will develop written position statements on issues relating to strategic infrastructure and business issues that accurately reflect the position of the majority of its members. These position statements will be clearly communicated to government, industry and the community.
The Chamber will continue to lobby political parties, Local, State and Federal government, private enterprise and individuals in order to address the strategic issues.
In collaboration with its partners, the Chamber will seek external funding opportunities that enable it to fulfill its mission.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee operates as a collective group in managing and providing the strategic direction of the Chamber. Individual Executive members should only ever act on behalf of the members as a group and with the prior consent or their Executive colleagues. (Granted through a properly convened Executive Meeting).
The Chamber employs staff to run the Chamber. The role of the Committee is to establish controls and monitor their effectiveness, to ensure that the staff provide an effective Chamber.
Role of Executive Committee Members
- To assist the President, Vice President and Treasurer as required
- Be a member of sub-committees or other task groups
- Be a spokesperson for the committee when needed
- Be aware of the legal responsibilities of the Chamber and ensure the committee deals with them
- Promote new ideas for the operation of the Chamber
- Be involved in the decision making process at committee meetings
- Represent the members of the group
- Communicate feedback and information to Committee meetings relevant to the membership and to the ongoing success of the Chamber.
The key responsibilities
The Executive Committee are established to support the Chamber’s purpose to:
- Promote the Chamber as the Business Voice of the Mid West Region.
- Provide a business information and resource service to Chamber members.
- Understand the needs and wants of our members.
- Lobby in the interests of our members to Government (at all levels) and other relevant groups / parties.
- Foster networking opportunities that enables members to share ideas and build on their contact base.
- Provide relevant training and skills development opportunities for our members.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS
The role of the Executive Committee is to manage the Chamber in accordance with the Chamber’s Strategic Plan, including:
Legal Responsibilities
- To ensure that the Chamber operates in line with
- The Constitution
- The Associations Incorporation Act
- Any Agreements signed by the Chamber.
- Employer legal responsibilities are met, staff employment agreements are complied with, appropriate tax is deducted and safe working conditions are provide
- The Chamber has appropriate insurance cover
- Services are provided in a safe manner
- The Chamber operates in accordance with relevant Federal, State and Local Government laws and regulations.
- Policies and Procedures
Policy & Planning
The Executive Committee provides the strategic direction for the Chamber to ensure that:
- The Chamber has clear goals
- Plans are developed and evaluated on an annual basis
- High quality and effective services are delivered to members
Financial
The Executive Committee ensures that:
- The Chamber has an approved budget for the year and that expenditure is within the budget
- The Chamber has sufficient income to meet the budget requirements; or that the budget is appropriately amended from time to time
- The conditions of any funding agreements are followed
- Funds are properly accounted for and an independent audit is completed every year.
Other Committee Responsibilities
Other responsibilities of the Executive Committee include:
- The provision of support and guidance on service issues and matters as they arise
- Ensuring that the Chamber is strong and viable through having a strong membership and strong community support.
Ordinary Meetings
The board currently meets once per month at our Chamber offices on Unit 20/285 Foreshore Drive, Geraldton. Presently these meetings commence at 4:00pm on the final Thursday of the month.
Subcommittee meetings
Additional to attending scheduled monthly board meetings, a board member will be requested to sit on Working Groups and sub-committees as required.
Executive terms are 24 months.
There is an additional class of executive member called a Special Purpose Executive Member. These Executives aren’t voted to the role by the membership and are instead directly appointed by resolution of the board to fulfil a support role. The terms of these members are six months.
To be eligible to join the Executive:
- The business/department must be a Financial member of the Chamber and have been such for over 12 months.
- The person nominating is to provide a maximum 100 word personal profile with the understanding that this profile will be linked on our website for MWCCI Members to view and will distributed electronically to all our members.
- The person nominating is to provide a JPEG file, headshot (i.e. passport style) photograph of themselves (preferably at their place of work) with the understanding that this profile will be linked on our website for MWCCI Members to view and will be distributed electronically to all our members prior to the AGM.
You’ll receive confirmation from our office when your valid nomination is received. Next you’ll need to attend out upcoming AGM where a vote will take place from attending members.