Leading South West conservation body appoints new board chair for two-year term

The leading South West conservation body has appointed a new board chair for a two-year term.

South West Natural Resource Management has appointed Campbell Thomson as the new board chair of the organisation as it prepares to dive into a new phase of projects across the region.

An agricultural scientist and research management expert, Dr Thomson was elected unopposed at the organisation’s recent annual meeting and replaces outgoing chair Karen Boyce who has served in the position for the past four years.

Dr Thomson said he was delighted to be taking on the role and thanked Ms Boyce for her years of service.

“Better environmental outcomes is my passion, and with a background in agriculture science and research management I feel well equipped for the role of chair,” he said.

“We have a great board and dedicated staff who want to make a difference in this region which is internationally-recognised as a biodiversity hotspot. I feel confident that the next two years will lead to positive outcomes.”

NRM chief executive Manda Page said since her own appointment in March she had developed a strong and productive working relationship with Ms Boyce and the board of directors.

She said she welcomed the opportunity to work more closely with Dr Thomson.

The group would continue to push strategic objectives but also look to address the region’s most pressing environmental challenges, Dr Page said.