Bob Gordon
The president of the professional association for forest scientists, managers and growers, Dr Michelle Freeman has paid tribute to former president, Bob Gordon who has called time on his many years of service to the organisation and resigned as a director. Source: Timberbiz
And Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) CEO Joel Fitzgibbon said Bob Gordon would leave a lasting legacy.
Mr Gordon has served as board member and president of the Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA) and Forestry Australia over the past eight years.
Dr Freeman said during his time with the organisation, Mr Gordon oversaw significant change including modernising the constitution, relocation of the National office to Melbourne and the engagement of current CEO Jacquie Martin.
“Not only did we see the introduction of the successful webinar program, the appointment of the Science Policy position and a sustained period of growth that saw Forestry Australia reach the 1,200-member milestone at the end of June but also the development of the Future Foresters Initiative,” Dr Freeman said.
Further to this, over the past 16 years, Bob has also been assisting Indigenous landowners establish forest management, sawmilling and furniture processing in their communities.
“From March 2015 to August 2017, Bob also served as interim CEO of the Institute of Foresters Australia and worked with the Board on a strategic review, identified revenue opportunities and IFA’s priorities,” Dr Freeman said.
“It has been a privilege serving with Bob who has been generous with his time and knowledge.
“Bob has provided outstanding leadership and this resignation has taken place as part of the strategic generational change and long-planned Board transition and renewal.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank Bob and his visionary leadership, wisdom and valued contribution.”
Mr Fitzgibbon said that as interim CEO of the Institute of Foresters Australia and then Board member and President of the Institute and later Forestry Australia, Mr Gordon’s leadership and commitment to forestry in Australia had been unwavering.
“Bob has led a distinguished career in many fields, not least of which includes his service to Australia’s forestry sector. I’ve had the privilege of working with Bob over the course of the last twenty years,” he said.
Mr Gordon said Forestry Australia has gone through some significant changes since he was first appointed to the Board.
“I am sure the current leadership team will keep the organisation in good stead and will have my full support,” Mr Gordon said.
“I will continue to be involved with Forestry Australia but not at Board level.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve on the Board and as President of Forestry Australia for the last few years and I would like to thank my fellow Board members and also the staff of Forestry Australia for their support, guidance and enjoyable company over that time,” Mr Gordon said.
Mr Gordon is also the Deputy Chair of MyState Limited; President, Football Federation Tasmania; Chair, Supported Affordable Accommodation Trust and Honorary Consul of Finland for Tasmania.
