Posted by Defence Teaming Centre on
Former Army Officer and a defence industry advocate Mike Hartas has been appointed Chair of the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC) Board.
Mike replaces Adam Watson, who joined the board in 2019 and resigned from the role in June 2023 after accepting a position in India with BAE Systems.
Mike joins re-elected Vice Chair Lee Houlson and re-elected Treasurer Duncan Milne at the helm of the DTC Board.
“Having served on the DTC Board for three years, I’m deeply honoured to be elected as Chair by my peers. My passion for the defence industry was ignited back in 2014 during the Defence Industry Leadership Program, and it’s grown ever since. As Chair, my focus will be on diligently representing and supporting our members, guiding our Board to address critical industry issues, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality outcomes. From events to training programs, I’m eager to collaborate with our Board Members and the DTC staff over the next year to make a meaningful impact.”
“As we continue to develop the 2024 strategy for the DTC, the expertise of the Board will be an asset to ensuring we are meeting the needs of our members and stakeholders.”
Mike’s credentials span almost three decades in Defence and defence industry, including 18 years in the Army. He is passionate about bringing good ideas and people together collaboratively to deliver capability. Mike’s technical capacity combined with his passion for taking the team on the journey to solve complex problems has resulted in a number of successful collaborations between the Australian Defence Force and industry.
Lee, who stepped in the Chair role during Adam’s absence as part of her role as vice-chair, said Mike brings extensive Defence and SME experience to the role.
“I am looking forward to working with Mike, Duncan and the other members of the Board,” Lee said. “Each member of the board brings vast amounts of highly relevant skills and experience that we need to traverse the new Defence landscape.
In addition to the new appointments the DTC Board welcomed three new and two re-elected Board Directors to the team on the 19 October 2023 at the Annual General Meeting.
“I am pleased with the diversity of our new Board,” Libby Day, DTC CEO said. “Last week at our annual general meeting we announced that Peter Richings, Naomi Smith and Thomas Tizard had been elected to the board by our members, and Wendy Smith and Duncan Milne had been re-elected.
“Under the capable leadership of Mike, Lee, and Duncan, our new board is well-prepared to address the dynamic challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for us and for our members.”
To learn more about the members on the DTC Board click here.
