Speakers

Jo-Ann is the Chief Executive Officer of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and a leading voice of Australian design. Since 2015, Jo-Ann has overseen new initiatives to enhance the value and competitive success of Australian designers. She is currently in the midst of leading an extensive organisational restructure and governance reform of the DIA. Boasting extensive experience working in leadership roles, Jo-Ann most recently brought her skills to the Australian Design Alliance and the Standards Australia CS92 Clothing Sizes Committee. She is also the immediate past Executive Director and CEO of the Council of Textile & Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA). With a career spanning business, education, and the not-for-profit sector, Jo-Ann is equipped with a 360 degree understanding of design through practice, education, and good business sense. A vocal advocate for design for more than twenty years, Jo-Ann received an Honorary Fellowship in 2014 from the Design Institute of Australia in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the industry.