Meet the Executive
Chief Executive
Ian Nightingale
Executive Directors
Don Plowman: Group Executive Director, Primary Industries and Biosecurity (Deputy Chief Executive)
Trent Mader: Group Executive Director Strategy, Policy and People
Mark Lewis: Acting Executive Director Portfolio Services
Mehdi Dorourdi: Fisheries and Aquaculture
Will Zacharin: Biosecurity
Stuart West: Agriculture, Food, Wine, Forestry
Rod Miller: Rural Solutions SA
Dr Pauline Mooney: South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)
PIRSA Organisational Structure (.PDF) 1.5MB
Link to the Structure Chart showing the reporting relationships of PIRSA key operational units.
Ian Nightingale
Chief Executive
Phone: +61 8 8226 0168
Fax: +61 8 8226 0320
Email: ian.nightingale@sa.gov.au
Ian Nightingale was appointed Chief Executive of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) in October 2011.
He leads PIRSA at a time of change, as the department adopts an increased regional focus, playing a pivotal role in capitalising on the connections between primary industries and South Australia's regions.
PIRSA will have a strong focus on recognising the important role of local production in regional and rural South Australia and, arising from that, the contribution of primary industries to the State's sustainable economic future.
PIRSA will also ensure closer connections between industry growth and increasing tourism to provide opportunities within our regions and have a close working relationship with the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Ian joined PIRSA from the Department of Planning and Local Government (DPLG) where he was the inaugural Chief Executive when the department was established in November 2008. During this time Ian led the reform of the planning system, the delivery of a revised State Planning Strategy through the 30-year Plan for Greater Adelaide and the development of the protection legislation for the Barossa and McLaren Vale regions. Through these roles, he brings to PIRSA a sound understanding of strategic land use and planning issues facing the State.
Ian is familiar with PIRSA's business functions, having previously served as Executive Director Aquaculture. He led the development and introduction of the Aquaculture Act 2001 which provided the basis for the sustainable growth and creating a reputation of professionalism for South Australia's aquaculture industry.
Before joining the South Australian Government he had a successful career as the Chief Executive of the Eyre Peninsula Regional Development Board and General Manager of the Lincoln Cove Development Company and other commercial interests.
Ian is a Board Member of the Robinson Foundation, a medical research foundation, and the SANFL Boundaries Commission.
back to topDon Plowman
Group Executive Director, Primary Industries and Biosecurity (Deputy Chief Executive)
Phone: +61 8 8226 0204
Fax: +61 8 8463 3363
Email: don.plowman@sa.gov.au
Dr Don Plowman became Group Executive Director, Primary Industries and Biosecurity following the agency restructure in early 2011.
As Group Executive Director, Primary Industries and Biosecurity, Don has responsibility for the Agriculture, Food, Wine and Forestry, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Biosecurity SA Divisions and the South Australian Research and Development Institute.
Don graduated with honours in Agricultural Science from Sydney University, and subsequently was awarded a PhD for his research into trace element chemistry in soils, also from Sydney University. His early career included a Lectureship in Pedology at Sydney University before being appointed Environment Scientist with the Monarto Development Commission in South Australia in 1976.
Don joined the former Department of Agriculture in 1978. He has served in a number of regional management positions. Since then he has held senior policy and research positions in the Agency’s research division, South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI). In 2004, Don was appointed to the position of Executive Director of the Agriculture, Food and Wine Division. The role was expanded in 2010 to Deputy Chief Executive, Primary Industries and Biosecurity.
Don Plowman has served as a Director on a number of Boards - the Grains Research and Development Corporation Board, the Dried Fruits Research and Development Council, the Horticultural Research and Development Corporation and a founding Director of the Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) Pty Ltd. He has also been a board member of a number of Cooperative Research Centres, Soil and Land Management, Viticulture, Plant Based Management of Dryland Salinity, and Seafood Cooperative Research Centre.
Don Plowman has considerable international experience including project development in Iraq, Syria, Jordan and other Gulf countries, and China. In 2004 he prepared an agricultural redevelopment program for Iraq. His experience was extended with attendance at Bio 2001 and Bio 2002 in San Diego and Toronto, and by leading the establishment of the International Biosaline Agricultural Centre in Dubai.
Don was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for his contribution to the development of sustainable agriculture, in the Australia Day Honours in 2010.
He is also the recipient of the Qilo Friendship Award. An annual honour awarded by the Shandong Government for fostering collaborations between South Australia and Shandong Province, China.
Trent Mader
Group Executive Director, Regions, Strategy and People
Phone: +61 8 8226 0231
Fax: +61 8 8226 0978
Email: trent.mader@sa.gov.au
Trent Mader was appointed to the position of Group Executive Director Strategy, Policy and People in November 2011.
As Group Executive Director Strategy, Policy and People, Trent leads a directorate that has a wide range of activities, these include: investment facilitation, policy and planning, regional development and engagement, human resources, leadership development, organisational development and performance.
Trent brings to Primary Industries and Regions SA an extensive background in regional development and work in rural SA. This enhances the agency’s role in incorporating the regional development function from the former Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED), where Trent was the Director, Industry Liaison and Regional Development.
His working career began with a former South Australian stock and station agent, Bennett’s Farmers. Trent then had a 10 year career in the international capital markets. This took him to several banking roles in Melbourne and Sydney, before he moved back to Renmark as Executive Director of a regional development organisation the Riverland Development Corporation.
Trent then worked in the Department of Premier and Cabinet in a community engagement role which saw him working on South Australia’s Strategic Plan with the opportunity to visit all parts of South Australia. Before joining DTED, Trent worked with KPMG Adelaide as Director Government Advisory Services.
He holds an Honours Degree in Strategic Studies and a Masters Degree in International Relations. Trent is a past member of the SA Murray Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board, River Murray Advisory Committee and has been a Board Member of Small Business Advisory Council (SA). He was a Board Member of the Regional Communities Consultative Council 2003-2005 and is an Honorary Member of the Leaders Institute of South Australia, The Governor's Leadership Foundation.
Mark Lewis
Acting Group Executive Director Portfolio Services
Professor Mehdi Doroudi
Executive Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Email: mehdi.doroudi@sa.gov.au
Professor Mehdi Doroudi was appointed as Executive Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture in October 2010 when the Fisheries and Aquaculture Divisions of PIRSA merged to provide a more co-ordinated and integrated policy, planning, monitoring and compliance programs across the aquatic resources. The new division is a key partner with all sectors of the South Australian fishing and aquaculture industry, working to develop a sustainable wild fishery and also maintain an internationally-competitive aquaculture industry that is market driven and environmentally and socially responsible.
Professor Doroudi had been the head of Aquaculture since July 2009. He was responsible for leading and influencing the activities of the Aquaculture Division and related Divisions of PIRSA in the achievement of legislative and regulatory outcomes, and other initiatives such as research and development that will support the responsible and sustainable growth of a viable aquaculture industry in South Australia. He developed and strengthened a network of collaborative partnerships with stakeholders at international, national and State levels. Professor Doroudi implemented a comprehensive activity-based program of cost recovery for the aquaculture industry.
From 2006 to 2009, Professor Doroudi held the position of Chief, Aquatic Sciences for the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), where he was responsible for providing clients with effective, innovative and coordinated services with an aquatic resource management focus. These included aquaculture research and development, marine and freshwater ecological research, and environmental assessment together with fisheries biology, assessment, modelling and oceanography.
Professor Doroudi completed his degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Tehran University and his PhD at the School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University. He also holds an affiliate professorial position with the University of Adelaide.
Professor Doroudi has worked as a policy maker, an academic researcher and as an industry consultant in policy advice, science innovation and commercial operation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture over the past 22 years. He has worked in the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea, as well as in Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and brings to his latest role considerable skill in strategic planning, project management, policy development, science and innovation, experimental design and monitoring programs.
Will Zacharin
Executive Director, Biosecurity
Phone: +61 8 8207 7943
Fax: +61 8 8207 7852
Email: will.zacharin@sa.gov.au
Will Zacharin was appointed Executive Director, Biosecurity in July 2009. The position has responsibility for programs in animal health, plant health, marine biosecurity, food safety, rural chemicals and emergency management.
Before this appointment, Will Zacharin served as Executive Director, Fisheries in PIRSA from 2000 and as a senior fisheries manager in the agency and with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries in Tasmania.
He has been a long-standing member of the Marine and Coastal Committee of the Natural Resource Management Standing Committee and more recently the Vertebrate Pest Committee, which reports to the National Biosecurity Committee. He has also been involved on various state and Commonwealth fishery management advisory committees (MACs), including the Southern Bluefin Tuna MAC and Great Australian Bight Marine Park Steering Committee.
Will Zacharin was awarded a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and a Master of Science by the University of Tasmania, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Deakin University. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Will Zacharin was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2002 and investigated alternative allocation and access mechanisms in fisheries between commercial, recreational and indigenous fishers. He has published a number of scientific and management papers on fisheries management arrangements in Australia.
Stuart West 
Executive Director, Agriculture, Food, Wine, Forestry
Phone: +61 8 8463 6139
Fax: +61 8 8124 4578
Email: stuart.west@sa.gov.au
Stuart West was appointed Executive Director Agriculture, Food and Wine on 10 January 2011, having led the PIRSA Forestry Division.
Stuart's role is to provide leadership in industry development of grains, livestock, grape and wine, horticulture, seafood and finished foods and discipline-based groups such as market development, food and business innovation, workforce and infrastructure development, value chains, industry renewal and investment. This is an important challenge for the food sector due to drought and export-driven imperatives.
Stuart retains his responsibilities as Executive Director of PIRSA’s Forestry Division, which provides policy advice in relation to forestry, forest industries and associated environmental matters. The Forestry Division develops programs to support forestry, farm forestry development and pest, disease and fire protection for the State’s forestry industries. The Division also facilitates community benefits from forestry activities including public activities and biodiversity management within the State’s forest reserves.
Stuart previously held the position of Director, Policy and Forestry Development with ForestrySA. He was appointed to the South East Resource Information Centre (SERIC) to create SERIC and commence operations, and was Executive Manager SERIC from 2001 to 2004, and subsequently Chairman of the Board from 2004 to 2006.
Stuart was the inaugural government appointment to the South East Natural Resource Management Board from 2005 to 2010, and Chairman of the Logging Investigation and Training Association (LITA) from 1999 to 2001. LITA is funded and managed from the South East Regional forestry industry to improve efficiency, productivity and safety of operations within the regional forestry industry.
Stuart was awarded a Fellow of the Gottstein Trust in 2001 and a Fellow of the Governors Leadership Foundation in 2003.
He is currently the Chair of the Ministerial Council Sub committee - Forest and Forest Products Committee and was previously Chair of the Sustainable Forest Management Committee.
Stuart West was awarded a Bachelors Degree in Science (Forestry) from the Australian National University in 1990.
Rod Miller
Executive Director, Rural Solutions SA
Email: rod.miller@sa.gov.au
Rod Miller was appointed Acting Executive Director of Rural Solutions SA in July 2009.
Previously, Rod had been General Manager (Director) Group Operations for Rural Solutions SA since 2005, joining the then PIRSA Rural Solutions in 2000 after senior national executive roles with Australia's largest agribusiness corporation.
Leading organisations and businesses through change has been a consistent theme both with the ongoing development of Rural Solutions SA and Rod’s previous agribusiness roles. As Acting Executive Director, Rod has responsibility for the next phase of Rural Solutions SA’s development, with the input of an independently-chaired board.
This shift will see Rural Solutions SA become a global consultancy business delivering projects internationally for tangible economic, social and environmental outcomes. At the same time, it will provide a responsive and reliable service to the State Government in times of need, drawing on its strong background in rural sociology and working with rural communities. Rod and his team will lead highly skilled consultancy project teams in areas as diverse as international development programs, food demand chains, mining and environmental restoration, Aboriginal community engagement and climate adaptation.
Rod holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA Technology Management) and a Graduate Diploma in Management from Deakin University, a Diploma of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and is a graduate of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation from the Leaders’ Institute of South Australia (LISA).
He has considerable experience in international agribusiness in Australia, South East Asia and Russia and in delivering successful service-based business. He remains active in agribusiness circles, filling the roles of board director role at the Agribusiness Association of Australia (AAA) and vice president of the Australian Seed Federation (ASF).
A/Prof Pauline Mooney
Executive Director, South Australian Research and Development Institute
Phone: +61 8 8303 9398Fax: +61 8 8303 9403
Email: pauline.mooney@sa.gov.au
Affiliate Professor Pauline Mooney is the Executive Director of the South Australian Research and Development Institute, operating through Primary Industries and Resources SA.
Affiliate Professor Mooney joined SARDI in 2005 as its Director of Research, and in 2009 was appointed to the new role of Deputy Executive Director.
The role includes building strong relationships with industry and pursuing research excellence. Affiliate Professor Mooney’s aim is for SARDI to be considered exceptional in its core competencies and to continue making a significant difference to the economy, environment and societal well-being.
Prior to joining SARDI, Affiliate Professor Mooney held a number of science leadership positions across a diverse range of disciplines from plant breeding and pre and post harvest physiology through to gene technologies and bioengineering. She has previously led horticulture, bioscience and food-related science programs in New Zealand and South Africa.
Affiliate Professor Mooney’s science background includes a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Masters of Science spanning the fields of botany, genetics, microbiology, plant pathology and phycology at the University of Natal in South Africa, and a PhD majoring in molecular biology at Sydney University.
- Page URL: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/pirsa/about_pirsa/meet_the_executive
- Page Last Modified: January 17, 2012