2026 Nominations to the Board

The nominations are as follows:

Beau Moses

CEO
Black vc

We can just do things.

I’m standing for the Canberra Business Chamber Board because Canberra has everything it needs to be one of Australia’s best places to build a business: talent, research, government capability and globally relevant industries. What it needs is stronger connection between them.

That’s why I’m all in on Workspace by black vc at Level 3, 4 Mort Street Canberra City. It’s a physical home where founders, established businesses, researchers and investors work side by side, and where introductions turn into real outcomes. It is where we celebrated our opening with Senator Katy Gallagher and 100+ of Canberra’s community. Where the Australian Red Cross EmergencyREDI workshop was held for multicultural leaders. Where NeuroGen Tech Hub started and many more businesses to come.

I bring an operator’s perspective from mining, logistics, shared mobility, technology, startups and venture. I know what it’s like to build under pressure with limited resource.

If elected, I will focus on three things:

• Making the Chamber a stronger voice for businesses of every size
• Creating clearer pathways for collaboration, investment and commercialisation
• Making sure regional, multicultural, Indigenous, female-led and other underrepresented businesses are part of Canberra’s growth story, not an afterthought

Ambition without belonging leaves people behind. Belonging without opportunity doesn’t build prosperity. Canberra needs both.

What is your ambition for Canberra? If any of this aligns, I’d love your vote. Thank you!

Christine Thach

CFO and COO
BentSpoke Brewing

Why I want to stand for the Board

I run a Canberra business. BentSpoke Brewing was built here, and like many of the 36,000 private sector businesses in the ACT, we’ve had to figure things out the hard way – navigating regulation, finding the right support, and building the relationships that help a business grow. Not every business owner knows where to turn when they need help, and I think the Chamber can do more to close that gap.

My path here wasn’t a straight line. I worked in the UK and spent nearly four years in Vietnam in accounting and auditing. Those experiences taught me how trade and cross-border relationships open doors for businesses – and convinced me that Canberra’s potential in export, interstate trade and international connection is far bigger than we’re currently realising.

What I would bring

I’m the CFO and COO of BentSpoke Brewing, a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

If elected, I’d focus on three things:

First, making the Chamber’s support more practical and accessible. Business owners – especially small ones – need to know exactly where to go when they’re dealing with regulation, compliance or new opportunities. I want the Chamber to be the first call, not the last resort.

Second, pushing harder on export, trade and interstate opportunities. Canberra businesses are capable of competing well beyond the ACT, but many don’t know where to start. With experience working both interstate and internationally, I’d advocate for stronger pathways that help local businesses reach new markets.

Third, building genuine connections across industries. Canberra’s business community is stronger when hospitality talks to professional services, when retail connects with tech, and when businesses that would never normally meet find common ground. I’d work to make the Chamber the place where those connections happen – not just at events, but in ways that lead to real partnerships and real outcomes.

 

Craig Shannon

CEO
ClubsACT

I am standing for the Board because I want the Chamber to be a stronger, more effective voice to government on the economic and regulatory decisions shaping the ACT’s future.

Canberra needs businesses that have the confidence to invest, employ people and grow. That requires a government that understands the cumulative impact of its decisions on business costs and viability. The Chamber has a vital role in making those consequences clear and pressing for policies that support a stronger local economy.

As CEO of ClubsACT, I deal directly with the relationship between government policy, business sustainability, employment and community wellbeing. My work involves advocating to ministers and MLAs, examining proposed legislation, preparing submissions and bringing businesses together around shared concerns. I understand the persistence required to turn an issue raised by members into something government takes seriously.

I would bring that experience, a direct approach and a willingness to ask difficult questions to the Chamber Board. I believe effective advocacy requires sound evidence, clear proposals and sustained follow-up. It also requires the confidence to challenge government when the costs, consequences or practical implications of a policy have not been properly considered.

My priority would be to help the Chamber build a focused economic and regulatory agenda grounded in members’ experience. That means pressing for better assessment of the combined burden of taxes, charges and compliance; more timely and predictable planning decisions; meaningful consultation before policies are settled; and realistic implementation periods when change is required.

The Chamber should be able to explain clearly what needs to change, why it matters and how a better approach would benefit the ACT. It should build relationships across government, the opposition and crossbench while remaining independent and accountable to its members.

I would also bring a strong understanding of the connection between business success and community strength. Community clubs support jobs, sport, local organisations and places where people come together. Across the wider economy, businesses make similar contributions every day. Those contributions deserve greater recognition in public debate and government decision-making.

As a sixth-generation Canberran, I care deeply about this city and the opportunities it offers future generations. I want Canberra to remain a place where people can establish a business, build a career and contribute to their community.

As a director, I would work with fellow Board members and the Chamber’s leadership to set clear priorities, listen to businesses of different sizes and sectors, and pursue practical outcomes. I would bring energy, independent judgement and a firm commitment to making the Chamber an influential advocate for the ACT’s economic future.

Deepak Gupta

National Chair
 Australia India Business Council

Canberra has been my home for more than two decades. During that time, I have had the privilege of working with businesses, government and community organisations to help create opportunities, strengthen connections and contribute to our city’s growth and success.

I am seeking election to the Canberra Business Chamber Board because I care deeply about Canberra’s business community and the important role the Chamber plays in helping businesses thrive. At a time of economic change, rising costs and increasing competition, I believe our business community benefits from strong advocacy, practical leadership and a Chamber that delivers real value for its members.

My career has been built at the intersection of business, government and community. I currently serve as National Chair of the Australia India Business Council and have previously served as an ACT Member of the Legislative Assembly, Senior Advisor to the ACT Chief Minister, and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee of the ACT Cemeteries & Crematoria Authority.

These roles have provided extensive experience in governance, strategic leadership, public policy and stakeholder engagement, together with strong networks across business, government and community sectors. I have advised organisations across Australia, India and the Asia-Pacific region on investment, market expansion, government engagement and strategic partnerships. Since 2007, I have participated in ACT Chief Minister-led business and trade delegations to India, helping strengthen links in trade, education, technology, innovation and investment.

I also have a long-standing connection with the Canberra Business Chamber through its inaugural International Task Force. Throughout my career, I have remained focused on creating opportunities for Canberra businesses to grow, connect and succeed.

Beyond my professional roles, I have served as Chair and Patron of the Canberra India Council since 2006, leading initiatives that promote business engagement, cultural inclusion and stronger international connections for Canberra. This contribution to community service was recognised through the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

If elected, I will bring strong governance experience, practical leadership and a commitment to delivering value for members.

For small businesses, start-ups and sole traders, I will support greater access to decision-makers, stronger networking and mentoring opportunities, reduced barriers to growth and increased visibility within Canberra’s business community.

For medium-sized businesses, I will advocate for initiatives that help businesses scale, access new markets, strengthen workforce capability, engage more effectively with government and develop partnerships that support sustainable growth.

For larger businesses and major employers, I will support policies and partnerships that encourage investment, workforce development, skills attraction, infrastructure planning and Canberra’s competitiveness as a place to do business and invest.

Across all sectors, I believe the Chamber should continue to be a trusted connector between business, government and the broader community. Members should see clear value from their membership through strong advocacy, meaningful connections, access to opportunities and practical support that helps their businesses succeed.

I hope to earn your support. If elected, I will listen to members, represent their interests and contribute my experience, networks and time to supporting the Chamber’s work. My focus will be on helping businesses grow, creating opportunities for members, strengthening connections between business and government, and ensuring businesses of all sizes feel heard, represented and supported. It would be a privilege to serve on the Canberra Business Chamber Board and contribute to Canberra’s continued growth and prosperity.

Joel Madden

Director and CEO

Evolutioned
Pty Ltd

Hi, I’m Joel Madden and I am seeking a second term on the Chamber’s board.

Here’s what I’d like you to know about me:
• dad of two girls, 14 and 17
• clueless other half to my partner of 30 years
• semi-retired mediocre mountain biker
• passionate about real collaboration and authenticity

I’ve met quite a few of you over the last few years, and it never ceases to amaze me how diverse businesses in Canberra are. That’s why its important to bring that lens to the Chamber’s advocacy and activities alongside good governance.
The credentials I bring:
– Director and CEO of Evolutioned Pty Ltd
– Co-creator of Aimbience.ai
– GAICD
– Board Chair, Corryong Health. Nominations and HR Committee of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. Advisory Committee, CBRIN.

I’d welcome a call or coffee with members ahead of the AGM, contact me on
joel.madden@evolutioned.com.au or 0412 455 905

Kylie Johnson

Founder
Kings Junction
Marketing & Events

Kylie Anne Johnson will bring a distinctive blend of strategic thinking, commercial awareness, stakeholder engagement, business connections and practical problem-solving to the Canberra Business Chamber Board.

As the founder of Kings Junction Marketing & Events and the new small business support program of GAP—Growth Accountability Program—Kylie brings direct insight into business challenges, growth opportunities and the value of strong business networks. Her 16 years in the Australian Public Service, complemented by experience across commercial and not-for-profit sectors, gives her a valuable understanding of strategy, policy, governance and operational delivery.

Kylie connects strategic vision with practical action. Her expertise in marketing, communications, business development and project management will enable her to identify opportunities to strengthen the Canberra Business Chamber’s positioning, deepen stakeholder relationships while ensuring a focus on the growth of membership.

As a board member, Kylie would offer a collaborative yet considered voice and a fresh perspective informed by both public sector and small business experience. She is skilled at bringing diverse perspectives together, asking purposeful questions and translating complex ideas into clear priorities.

Kylie is committed to helping the Chamber strengthen its influence, support business growth and deliver lasting value for Canberra’s business community.

To discover further insights into Kylie’s experience, here is a recently aired interview of Kylie Anne Johnson hosted by Lisa LaMaitre of Capital Women on 2XX radio
https://omny.fm/shows/capital-women/capital-women-19-10-2026

 

Lizzie Belton-Young

CEO and CTO

Strategic Executive
Solutions

I am standing for the Canberra Business Chamber Board because I would like to see more local businesses have the opportunity, confidence and connections to grow, and where better but through Business Chambers and the connected events and programs. When small businesses succeed, they create jobs, invest locally and strengthen the communities we share.

I am Elizabeth J Christiansen, née Belton Young, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of Strategic Executive Solutions Pty Ltd, part of the Aris Zinc Group, and CEO and board member on a number of small sister companies. My background brings together economics, M&A business management, technology and professional services. My work spans strategic planning, digital transformation, workforce capability in the digital age, cyber security and GRC, connecting commercial priorities with practical environmental social governance delivery.

Working across the commonwealth and local/national businesses, has given me an appreciation of what smaller suppliers face: complex procurement processes, substantial compliance costs and the challenge of getting their capabilities in front of the right decision makers. I would like the Chamber to help local businesses turn their capabilities into new opportunities that build resilience, support growth and prepare them for the future. I believe through collaborations and events, this can be achieved.

My first priority would be advocating for fairer, more accessible pathways to ACT and Commonwealth government contracts. I would champion clearer tender requirements, proportionate compliance obligations, timely payments and useful feedback for unsuccessful bidders. I would also support practical tender preparation, introductions to buyers and partnerships that help smaller businesses compete for larger opportunities protecting the local people solutions and services industry. Australian Procurement should recognise and prioritise local capability, innovation and the value SME’s create for our region.

My second priority would be stronger collaboration through membership growth and engagement. I want to help attract and retain members by making the benefits of belonging tangible: trusted introductions, shared expertise, business referrals, mentoring and opportunities to work together. Bringing established businesses, emerging enterprises and larger organisations into closer contact can open doors across the local economy. I would listen to members across sectors and business sizes, ensuring their priorities inform the Chamber’s direction.

My third priority would be supporting community programs that help small businesses thrive. I would advocate for more platinum partnerships that connect businesses with skills development, employment pathways and local organisations. I want women in business, First Nations enterprises, young entrepreneurs and people from diverse backgrounds to have greater access to networks and opportunity. I would also champion accessible support for digital adoption, responsible AIMS, operational resilience and sustainability, helping businesses improve productivity, prepare for change and up skill their people with companion AI, not replacement with AI.

Beyond my professional work, I volunteer to raise awareness of childhood cancer and support families facing difficult diagnoses. This commitment reinforces my belief that business success and community wellbeing belong together.

As a director, I would bring commercial judgement, technology insight and a practical focus on strategy, risk, and operational resilience. I would work constructively with fellow directors and the Chamber team, respect the Board’s governance responsibilities and represent the interests of the whole membership.

I am asking for your vote and with your support, I will work alongside the Board, Greg, his wonderful team and members to help Canberra businesses connect, grow and thrive.

Massimo Di Maio

Corporate and Commercial Partner

MV Law

Why I am standing for the Board of the Canberra Business Chamber.

I am standing for the Board of the Canberra Business Chamber because I believe a strong, connected and commercially successful business community is essential to Canberra’s future. I want to contribute my corporate and commercial legal experience, local knowledge and commercial perspective to help the Chamber represent its members, champion local businesses and support sustainable economic growth across Canberra and the surrounding regions.

As corporate and commercial Partner at MV Law, I lead a practice advising businesses on a broad range of commercial matters. I work closely with business owners, board of directors and management teams, acting as a trusted adviser to a range of organisations nationally, as well as across Canberra and regional areas. This gives me a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing local businesses, from navigating regulatory and contractual obligations to managing growth, risk, commercial relationships and succession, and corporate governance.

My work has shown me the importance of a strong business community in which businesses can connect, share knowledge, advocate collectively and access the support they need to succeed. I wish to bring to the Board a commercially focused, pragmatic perspective, together with a genuine commitment to ensuring the Chamber continues to deliver value to its members.

I also bring an understanding of the local business landscape and the importance of Canberra’s relationship with the surrounding regions. I believe there is significant potential to strengthen connections between businesses, encourage investment and entrepreneurship, and ensure that the interests of local businesses are heard by government and other key stakeholders.

MV Law has been a longstanding member and supporter of the Canberra Business Chamber for decades. I value that history and would welcome the opportunity to build on this relationship by contributing my own time, experience and energy to the Chamber’s work.

If elected, I would seek to be an engaged and constructive Board member, leveraging my strong experience in corporate governance, and bringing independent thought, sound commercial judgement and a collaborative approach to the Chamber’s strategic direction and advocacy. Above all, I would aim to help create an environment in which Canberra businesses of all sizes can thrive.

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that plays such an important role in supporting and representing our local business community.

Learn more about me by clicking on the following links from from the MV Law website: https://www.mvlaw.com.au/team/massimo-di-maio/ and https://www.mvlaw.com.au/service/business/

Miranda McMahon

Executive Director
Miranda McMahon HR Consultants

I have spent more than 35 years working across government, defence, aviation, technology, not-for-profit organisations and private business, and more recently building and running businesses of my own.

I am the Executive Director of Miranda McMahon HR Consultants, Co-Founder and Director of SafeVoice, and a Director of Cultural Ground Indigenous Corporation. Before starting my own businesses, I held senior roles with organisations including Boeing Defence Australia, Airservices Australia, Seeing Machines, Lifeline Australia and the Australian Property Institute.

Throughout my career I have worked closely with business owners, CEOs, executives and Boards, often when they are navigating growth, change or difficult decisions. My background spans governance, workforce strategy, industrial relations, organisational change, risk and financial management, but I have always been very practical in the way I work.

Running my own businesses has also given me a different perspective. I understand first-hand the challenges that come with growing a business, employing people, finding new opportunities, managing costs and regulation, and making decisions when you don’t necessarily have the resources or support available to larger organisations.

That is one of the reasons I am putting my hand up for the Canberra Business Chamber Board.

I believe it is important that small and growing businesses have a strong voice and that the Chamber continues to understand the practical issues its members are dealing with every day. Canberra has an incredibly diverse business community and I would like to contribute my experience while also listening to and learning from businesses across different industries.

I have previously had the opportunity to contribute to the Chamber’s member program, including participating in a workplace relations webinar, and I have seen the value the Chamber can provide in bringing businesses together, sharing knowledge and advocating on issues that matter to its members.

If elected, I would bring practical business experience, governance and workforce expertise, a willingness to ask questions and, most importantly, a genuine commitment to getting involved.

I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Chamber Board and to support a strong, connected and thriving Canberra business community.

 

Ryan Murphy

Managing Director

      Australian Corporate Advisory

I believe Canberra’s future prosperity depends on a strong, diverse and competitive private sector, supported by a business environment that encourages investment, innovation and entrepreneurship.

As Managing Director of Auscorporate, a Canberra-based corporate advisory group, I work with businesses ranging from emerging start-ups to established mid-market enterprises, helping them navigate complex commercial challenges, strengthen their operations, access capital and pursue sustainable growth. This work provides me with a direct understanding of the opportunities and pressures facing Canberra businesses. Whether managing rising operating costs, attracting and retaining skilled employees, accessing finance, navigating government procurement or responding to regulatory change, I see firsthand how decisions made by government and industry affect the businesses that underpin our economy.
I am standing for the Canberra Business Chamber Board because I believe the business community deserves strong, informed and independent representation, grounded in the practical realities of operating a business.

My career spans more than 25 years in senior executive and leadership positions across Australia and internationally, including defence and national security, technology, cybersecurity, finance and energy. I have held senior roles in publicly listed corporations, private enterprises and innovative technology businesses, with responsibilities encompassing corporate strategy, governance, financial management, commercial operations and organisational transformation. I hold a Master of Business Administration and am a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Through Auscorporate, I have developed relationships across Canberra’s business community, government, industry associations and financial institutions. I am actively engaged in discussions concerning economic development, business policy and the challenges facing our region.
If elected, I would bring three priorities to the Board.

First, continued advocacy for business. The Chamber must continue to be an influential and constructive voice in government decision-making. I would advocate for policies that improve the commercial environment, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, support fair access to government procurement and encourage private-sector investment.

Second, supporting business growth and diversification. Canberra has significant opportunities beyond its traditional dependence on government expenditure. I want to see more local businesses successfully commercialise innovation, access investment, expand into national and international markets, and create sustainable employment. Supporting entrepreneurship and the growth of established local businesses is essential to our economic resilience.

Third, strengthening the Chamber’s value to members. The Chamber should be an organisation businesses turn to not only for representation, but also for meaningful connections, practical support and opportunities. I would support initiatives that increase member engagement and ensure businesses of different sizes, sectors and stages of development have a voice.

I would bring commercial judgement, governance experience, established relationships and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking constructively. Above all, I believe effective representation starts with listening to businesses, understanding their challenges and translating those insights into practical outcomes.

My ambition is to help make Canberra a place where businesses of every size have the opportunity to establish, compete and prosper.

Shane Jolly

General Manager

Hyatt Hotel
Canberra

I am standing for the Canberra Business Chamber Board because I believe strongly in supporting local businesses and helping Canberra grow and thrive.

As General Manager of Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel, I bring a perspective shaped by the hospitality and tourism sector, an important part of our local economy. My role gives me a close view of the opportunities and challenges facing businesses, and the contribution a strong visitor economy makes to Canberra. I would bring that experience to Board discussions and support practical advocacy that helps local businesses succeed and our city prosper.

I also serve as a Board member of the Canberra Convention Bureau and our organisation actively supports the Tourism Leaders Forum in Canberra. These roles have strengthened my understanding of the value of collaboration across the tourism sector and the importance of bringing business and industry voices together. I would bring that collaborative approach to the Chamber Board and contribute to conversations that represent the interests of members across Canberra’s business community.

My work connects me with people and organisations across Canberra. Those relationships give me opportunities to listen, learn about different perspectives and contribute to constructive conversations about the city’s future.

My commitment to Canberra is personal as well as professional. My children go to school here, my wife works here, and we plan to stay while our children complete their schooling over the next seven years. We want Canberra to be an even better place to live and work.

Having lived and worked in cities around Australia and overseas, I have seen different approaches to building vibrant communities and business environments. I would bring that broader experience, together with my local commitment and tourism-sector perspective, to the Chamber Board. I would value the opportunity to represent members and help shape ideas that support Canberra businesses and the future of our city.