IN what will be a new leadership era for GRDC, South Australian grain grower Sharon Starick has been announced as its new chair.
Sharon Starick is not just one of the first growers from her state to lead the largest of the rural research and development corporations but when she officially takes the reins on October 1 she will also be the first female chair.
GRDC managing director Nigel Hart says Sharon’s appointment will provide critical continuity for the organisation, which has responsibility for investing more than $240 million each year in research, development and extension (RD&E) for Australian grain growers.
“Sharon has been on the GRDC board since 2018 so she has an in-depth understanding of the business,” Nigel says.
“She is a highly intelligent, highly capable leader with an extensive knowledge of agriculture and natural resource management.
“She is a grain and pork producer from the Mallee region of South Australia so she also brings the hands-on practical understanding and experience of farming that is invaluable for a grower-focused organisation like GRDC.”
Sharon has a degree in agricultural science from the University of Adelaide and is currently the chair of Animal Health Australia, director of the Regional Investment Corporation and independent chair of the South Australian Future Drought Fund Advisory Group.
She is also a past chair of the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management board.
She replaces John Woods, a Goondiwindi, Queensland, grain grower who has led the organisation since 2016.
