Board Director
Qualifications:
Master of Business Administration from Southern Cross University,
Master of Business (Communication) from Queensland University of Technology (QUT),
Bachelor of Business (Public Relations) from QUT
Experience:
Elissa has vast executive experience within the tourism, aviation, government and peak body sectors. Elissa was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ecotourism Australia in early 2022, the peak body for ecotourism and sustainable tourism in Australia and the Pacific. Ecotourism Australia is recognised as pioneer in sustainable tourism, having developed the world’s first national Ecotourism certification more than 20 years ago which is still today recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) as world’s best practice. Passionate about the industry, she has been a member of the Australian Tourism Awards Judging Panel, Chair of the Queensland Tourism Awards Panel, and judge with the Outback Queensland Tourism Awards.
She is a corporate and public affairs leader with more than 20 years’ experience in private, not-for-profit and government organisations. She has extensive experience in business transformation and change management, government lobbying and advocacy, sponsorship, media and crisis management. Elissa has held a number of key senior and executive roles including with Airservices Australia (national air navigation services and aviation rescue fire fighting services), Queensland Airports Limited, the Real Estate Institute of Queensland and Surf Life Saving and recently supported Virgin Australia in a business transformation change program.
Elissa is a keen advocate for female representation in leadership and is a mentor and Corporate Executive Board Member with Women in Aviation International. She loves to travel across Australia and beyond, has just two continents still to see (Africa and Antarctica), but firmly believes our reefs, beaches, wildlife, rainforests, outback and nature-based experiences in Australia are among the best - if not the best - in the world.