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2026-2028 Election of Directors to the AusIMM Board

2026-2028 Election of Directors to the AusIMM Board

The election of Directors to the AusIMM Board for the period of 2026-2028 is now open and will close on Wednesday 24 September 2025 5:00 pm AEST.

Candidate profiles, voting information and a link to the online ballot for the election was emailed to voting members (AusIMM Honorary Fellows, Fellows, Members and Associates) from the secure Big Pulse voting platform.

There are three Board Directors to be elected for the period of 2026-2028. We invite you to consider the five candidates and their statements below, to ensure you can make an informed decision for your vote.

The elected Board Directors will join the President and the current ongoing AusIMM Directors. Their profiles are available here.

We encourage all eligible AusIMM members to participate as it’s important that members exercise their right to vote and have a say in the future composition of the AusIMM Board.

Candidates and their statements 

Name Post nomimals

Geraldine McGuire

FAusIMM

Juleen Brown*

FAusIMM(CP)

Keith Whitehouse

FAusIMM(CP)

Philippa Sjoquist*

FAusIMM

Alex Bozward

FAusIMM(CP)

*Director seeking re-election for a second term

Geraldine McGuire, FAusIMM

Dr Geraldine McGuire has worked in the resource sector for more than 30 years. Her expertise covers a range of commodities from coal and oil & gas to gold and critical minerals, as well as renewable energy projects. Commencing in the industry as a mine rehabilitation scientist, Geraldine has developed extensive project-based experience in tailings and water management, as well as diversifying into closure planning and social performance with special skills in complex project approvals and conflict situations. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons), a PhD in Science and a Graduate Diploma of Education. Geraldine has worked in operational and consulting roles across Australia and Asia-Pacific providing strategic advice, project management, risk assessments, compliance management, stakeholder engagement and agreement negotiations. In her current site-based role based in NW Qld she is working with the government, landholders, traditional owners, operations team and corporate to address water and tailings matters to restart a suspended copper mine which has operated for 100 years and has substantial future reserves and resources.

Geraldine has been actively involved in the AusIMM, holding leadership and committee roles including the Chair of the Far North Queensland Branch, the Social and Environment Society Committee, the JORC Review ESG Committee and contributing to the facilitation of the Professional Certificate in Social Performance and ESG. In 2024, she was the inaugural recipient of the prestigious award from the Social and Environment Society for her contributions to the industry. Geraldine would contribute actively to the AusIMM Board through her strong technical competence and contemporary experience of challenges in the critical minerals and renewable energy sectors. She has expertise in building competency in the resources sector both nationally and internationally and would also bring these skills to the AusIMM Board.

Juleen Brown, FAusIMM(CP)

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as an AusIMM Director for the term 2023-2025, and I would love the opportunity to continue to support the growth and strategic direction of the Institute for a second term.

I have a BE(Mining), Masters in Environmental Management, am a Graduate of AICD, and currently serve as BHP’s global Head of Sustainability Governance and Assurance. Coupled with a collaborative leadership style, I believe I can continue to provide value to the Institute and membership through this next phase of its strategic plan.

I have loved serving the AusIMM community, helping to shape policies that reflect the evolving needs of our industry. I am passionate about empowering the next generation of professionals while upholding the integrity and technical excellence AusIMM is known for. I hope to have the opportunity to continue to serve the membership and champion our members’ interests across the resources sector, and remain committed to ensuring AusIMM remains a trusted, influential voice.

Keith Whitehouse, FAusIMM(CP)

Summary of professional qualifications
I am a Chartered Professional Geologist with over 40 years of global experience in mineral exploration, geological data management, resource estimation, software development, and corporate leadership. I have delivered resource estimates and feasibility studies under JORC and NI 43-101, led ASX listings, and held executive and non-executive roles for listed and private resource companies. My expertise spans project design and delivery, database systems, and exploration particularly undercover across Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas. I have been an active AusIMM member for over 30 years, serving as Branch Chair and committee member, and remain deeply committed to professional excellence and industry standards.

Contribution to the Board & View on AusIMM Strategy
I bring strategic insight, technical depth, and commercial acumen to the Board, shaped by decades of hands-on and leadership roles across exploration, operations, and governance. I understand the needs of professionals at all career stages and across company sizes—from startups to multinationals. I see AusIMM’s core purpose as elevating professional excellence across the resources sector and supporting a responsible, innovative, and inclusive industry. Its strategic imperatives—professional recognition, trusted standards, and member engagement—are central to the future of our profession. I will advocate for expanded professional development pathways, practical implementation of reporting codes, and greater collaboration with government, academia, and industry in order to make careers in the resources sector more attractive to women and new Australians. I also believe in amplifying the voices of regional professionals and the next generation of geoscientists and other resource professionals.

Philippa Sjoquist, FAusIMM

Serving on the AusIMM Board over the past three years has been an honour, including active roles on the Remuneration, Nominations, and Audit & Risk Committees. I am seeking re-election with a continued commitment to strong governance and to advancing AusIMM’s strategic priorities that have our members at the core.

With over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience in mining and metals, I’ve worked across site-based operations and global corporate roles in energy productivity, strategic planning, corporate strategy, disclosures, investor relations, and finance. In my current role as Director ESG for Energy, Infrastructure and Resources at Westpac Institutional Bank, I support customers across a diverse lending portfolio.

I hold a Bachelor of Environmental Management, a Master of International Environmental Law and an MBA focused on the business of mining and energy productivity. I am a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and a proud Fellow of the AusIMM.

Advancing AusIMM’s Strategic Imperatives
As our industry evolves, AusIMM’s strategic imperatives are more important than ever. I’m committed to ensuring the Institute remains agile, relevant and responsive to members and the sector.

Engagement
Members are the heart of AusIMM. I support inclusive, flexible engagement pathways that reflect our community’s diverse interests and life stages, including honouring later-career professionals through intergenerational knowledge exchange.

Professional Standards
I will champion world-class professional development and leadership, by recognising the significance of elevating member visibility and sustaining professional excellence.

Advocacy
I support collaborative advocacy that amplifies member voices and promote policies that benefit professionals and the broader community. Working with industry and government partners is key to shaping a sustainable future.

Governance
Strong governance underpins AusIMM’s success. I will continue to bring a strategic, risk-based lens to Board discussions, ensuring accountability, innovation, financial resilience and alignment with member priorities.

Alex Bozward, FAusIMM(CP)

1. Professional Qualifications Summary
Alex Bozward FAusIMM(CP), FAIM is an accomplished mining and engineering leader with over 25 years of international experience across the resources, automation and materials handling sectors. He has held senior leadership roles at global companies including Sandvik and FLSmidth, where he oversaw the delivery of large-scale mining projects and led product support and innovation teams. Now heading New Markets & Innovation at GMA Garnet Group, a global mining company, Alex drives cutting-edge solutions while fostering technical excellence. He is a strong advocate for innovation, diversity and inclusion in the industry, actively mentoring emerging professionals. A Fellow of both AusIMM and the Australian Institute of Management (AIM WA), a Chartered Professional and Vice Chair of the Board for Get into Resources, an incorporated not-for-profit organisation promoting careers in the resources sector, Alex has demonstrated strategic vision and governance acumen through his executive leadership and board contributions.

2. Contribution to Board and Strategic Views
Alex will contribute to the AusIMM Board by leveraging his deep industry insight, governance know-how and passion for advancing the Institute’s mission. With extensive experience in mining and engineering, he offers valuable perspective on industry challenges and opportunities. He aligns strongly with AusIMM’s strategic imperatives – enhancing member engagement, upholding professional standards, effective advocacy, and robust governance. As a Perth Branch committee member, AusIMM New Leaders Summit 2023 Organising Chair, a national mentor and Vice Chair of the Board for Get Into Resources, Alex has a proven track record of nurturing future professionals and fostering an inclusive community. His collaborative leadership style, commitment to innovation and diversity, and Chartered Professional ethics will help drive AusIMM’s strategic goals. Alex is dedicated to enhancing member value, advancing professional excellence, and ensuring the Institute’s continued strong governance and relevance.

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