Emerging Director Award won by Otago University commercial law expert Professor Jessica Palmer
Professor Jessica Palmer has been named the Otago Southland Branch Emerging Director for 2020
Jessica is the Dean of the Otago University Law Faculty and a member of the senior leadership group of the University’s Division of Humanities. She is currently a member of the Board of Presbyterian Support Otago, Deputy Chair of Knox College and Salmond College, trustee of the Wilberforce Foundation and Chair of Laidlaw College.
The Otago Southland Branch Emerging Director Award was established to foster upcoming talent in governance through mentoring, formal training and access to leading speakers at events across the region.
In choosing Jessica for this annual award, the selection panel said her motivation to pursue a career in governance and her extensive and relevant experience in management and leadership would assist her in future governance roles.
“Jessica clearly gains value from her governance roles and balances the desire to be curious with a patient and common sense approach," the judges said. "She has high standards and a sense of responsibility and duty that will serve her well in the future.”
Jessica sees that her role in governance is to identify and clarify the vision and mission of the organisation and to listen and discern the opportunities and threats which it may face.
She says that good governance requires strategic forward-thinking and enjoys taking a strongly collaborative approach to decision-making both in her executive management and governance positions. "I am a firm believer in the importance of sound governance for organisations in order to ensure the mission of an organisation is achieved, that it is done so sustainably and that staff and customers identify strongly with the organisation and develop a sense of loyalty."
"Knowing that the decisions that I make in my leadership and governance roles affect the experiences of people who interact with the organisations, whether as staff, client or stakeholder, is a powerful motivator for me. It is a privilege and a great responsibility.
As winner, Jessica receives complimentary membership of the IoD for 12 months, complimentary attendance at branch functions for 12 months, $1500 towards IoD professional development and mentoring with an experienced director for 12 months.
Dunedin law partner recognised by the Institute of Directors
Stephanie Pettigrew, partner at Dunedin law firm Marks & Worth and deputy chair at Presbyterian Support Otago was named runner-up in the Emerging Director Award for this year.
The IoD Otago/Southland judging committee recognised Stephanie for her level of experience and achievements to date and her strong desire to give back through her governance roles.
“Stephanie clearly enjoys playing a part in creating sustainable and well led businesses and community organisations and enjoys working with business and community leaders to solve problems, create effective culture and encourage community flourishing. As runner-up Stephanie will receive mentoring with an experienced director.
The Otago/Southland branch committee congratulates all those who entered the award, in particular Jessica and Stephanie and look forward to seeing them build their governance careers in the region.
Media contacts
Philippa Murrell
IoD Otago Southland Branch Manager
027 772 2013 philippa.murrell@iod.org.nz