Our Team

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Our Team2024-01-31T09:09:18+10:30

Defence SA’s team brings together a wealth of diverse experience and talents charged with providing strategy and policy advice to Government to promote the growth of Defence and defence industries in South Australia.

Collectively, our team brings together exceptional experience and expertise and are the driving force behind the delivery of Defence SA’s strategic priorities. They foster strong collaboration and partnership with key State Government, industry and research stakeholders in the pursuit of building and sustaining South Australia’s reputation as the nation’s hub of defence and space innovation.

Within Defence SA sits the Defence Innovation Partnership, South Australian Space Industry Centre and Veterans SA.

  • Reg Carruthers
  • Jessica Hernandez
  • Ilona Horan
  • Sumen Rai
  • Peter Murdoch
  • Dr Dave Ormrod
  • Reg Carruthers
  • Jessica Hernandez
  • Ilona Horan
  • Sumen Rai
  • Peter Murdoch
  • Dr Dave Ormrod
  • Reg CarruthersActing Chief Executive

    Reg Carruthers commenced with Defence SA as Director, Aerospace in October 2016 with a focus on growing the aerospace industry in the state. Reg is also one of the founding members of the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) executive team and works across Government supporting the space industry. In February 2020, Reg was appointed Executive Director Defence and Space where he works with all Defence SA sector leads, Workforce and Skills, and Government Relations to support and grow the defence and space industries in the State.

    Reg joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1981, graduating from the RAAF Academy in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science. After graduating as a Navigator, he completed numerous tours flying the AP3C Orion on operations and exercises nationally and internationally. He completed a three year exchange program flying the CP140 Aurora in Canada, and completed numerous commands including 28 active reserve squadron, the 92 Wing detachment in Butterworth Malaysia, 10 Squadron RAAF Edinburgh and the AP3C Operational Task Group on active duty in the Middle East Area of Operations.

    Reg’s last military command was as Commander of the Aerospace Operational Support Group (now Air Warfare Centre) responsible for electronic warfare, cyber, intelligence, aviation medicine, aviation publications and flight test, weapons and engineering squadrons, as well as the Woomera Test Range.

    Reg has completed staff positions in policy and plans and as staff officer to the Chief of Air Force, as well as an instructor on the Australian Command and Staff College. He is a graduate of the Australian Staff Course and a Distinguished Graduate from the US National War College. He has a Masters in Defence and Strategic Studies (Canberra) and Masters of Science (National Security Strategy) Washington DC.

    After 31 years in uniform, Reg transferred to the Public Service as Director of the Woomera Test Range in 2012, overseeing the project to modernise range systems and the establishment of RAAF Base Woomera.

    Reg remains an active member of the Air Force Reserves and as a Group Captain is Honorary ADC to the Governor General.

    Reg is a member of Defence SA’s Executive Team.

  • Jessica HernandezDirector, Marketing and Communications

    Jessica Hernandez commenced with Defence SA as Events Coordinator in October 2011. Primarily responsible for the coordination and execution of Defence SA minor events, sponsorships and trade shows, Jessica was part of the broader Marketing and Events team. Jessica’s role expanded to include marketing activity for the agency, and now, in her role as Director Marketing and Communications she is responsible for the oversight and management of all marketing and communication activities for Defence SA and the South Australian Space Industry Centre.

    After tertiary education, where she completed a Diploma of Event Management, Jessica began her career in events with a South Australian professional conference organiser, All Occasions Group, in 2006. Her role as Senior Event Coordinator saw her coordinating all aspects of conferences and events around Australia for a wide variety of associations and private companies for up to 2,500 delegates at a time.

    Prior to joining Defence SA, Jessica worked for Advantage SA (formerly SA Great) as Program Manager. In her role at Advantage SA, she managed the successful Speakers In Schools program, exposing South Australian students to the vast range of career opportunities available within the state and the South Australian of the Year and Regional Awards Programs recognising the excellence and innovation of individuals and businesses.

    Jessica is a member of Defence SA’s Executive Team.

  • Ilona HoranDirector, Corporate Services and Projects, Infrastructure and Investment

    Ilona Horan is the Director of Corporate Services and Director of Projects, Infrastructure and Investment at Defence SA. Following a successful career in the Australian Army, Ilona joined Defence SA in September 2016, where she fulfilled various roles in strategic planning, project management and investment and relocation support.

    In her current role, Ilona oversees the agency’s entire corporate services functions, including the management of human resources, WHS, procurement and contracting, while also supporting defence and space organisations to invest in South Australia. She provides strategic advice and assists South Australian-based Defence Force personnel to navigate state government processes.

    Since joining Defence SA, Ilona has successfully led several defence and space industry infrastructure projects in South Australia. She played a crucial role in assisting the relocation of the Australian Space Agency headquarters to South Australia’s Lot Fourteen, as well as supporting the establishment of Haulmark Trailers’ state-of-the-art manufacturing and maintenance facility at Edinburgh. Ilona was responsible for establishing the Defence and Space Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen, which provides a base for international and interstate companies to establish permanent operations in South Australia.

    Prior to joining Defence SA, Ilona served in the Australian Regular Army for over 18 years, undertaking a number of regimental, training and instructional postings throughout Australia. This included a posting in command of the Army’s Logistic Support Element at RAAF Base Edinburgh, as well as deployment to East Timor and Iraq. She currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve as the Commanding Officer/Chief Instructor of Adelaide Universities Regiment.

    Ilona’s formal qualifications include a Master of Applied Science (with Distinction) from the University of Western Sydney; a Master of Management from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Adelaide. She is the Presiding Officer of the South Australian Veteran’s Health Advisory Council and remains actively involved in South Australia’s Army and veteran community.

    Ilona is a member of Defence SA’s Executive Team.

  • Sumen RaiDirector, Defence Innovation Partnership

    Sumen Rai is Director of the Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP), a collaborative initiative of the South Australian Government, Defence Science and Technology Group and the three South Australian universities.

    She is responsible for leading national and international R&D engagement and collaboration between researchers, industry and government, to deliver innovative solutions to Defence as well as supporting research, development and innovation activities for Defence SA and the South Australian Space Industry Centre.

    Sumen has extensive government experience in developing and delivering major initiatives across investment attraction, trade, and industry development in the mining engineering, services and technologies, cleantech, space, and defence sectors.

    She has been involved in driving novel initiatives such as the Convergence Series which foster conversations about major defence and national security challenges through transdisciplinary perspectives and collaboration.

    Sumen has previously worked as a teacher and lecturer in Arts and Design & Technology, a science communicator, and coordinator of outreach and engagement initiatives including several open government hackathons such as the NASA Space Apps Challenge.

    Sumen holds a Master of Sustainability, Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Bachelor of Education (Hons), and Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Spatial Science.

    Sumen is a member of Defence SA’s Executive Team.

  • Peter MurdockDirector, Finance & Systems

    Peter Murdock is Director, Finance & Systems at Defence SA. Joining the team in 2012, Peter brings extensive experience in finance and management across private and public sector organisations.

    In his current role, Peter is responsible for overseeing the agency’s financial resources, including budget planning, finance management and legislative reporting. He supports the executive team by offering insights and financial advice, as well as providing cyber security leadership and guidance.

    Having worked across a range of industries, including commercial, agricultural, transport, real estate and the arts, Peter has significant experience in general management, strategic planning, financial management, budget development, as well as business and computerised system design and implementation.

    Peter holds a Bachelor of Economics, majoring in Accounting. He is a charted accountant through the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants.

    Peter is a member of Defence SA’s Executive Team.

  • Dr Dave OrmrodDirector, Information Warfare

    Dr Dave Ormrod joined Defence SA in July 2023 as the inaugural Director Information Warfare (IW). A leader in IW and cyber security with more than 25 years of industry experience, Dave is focused on maximising opportunities for South Australian defence industry across the key areas of intelligence surveillance reconnaissance and electronic warfare, cyber and ICT for Defence and space.

    Dave’s past experience includes service in the Australian Defence Force, as well as working with defence industry, federal and state government, and the cyber security industry more broadly. Throughout his career, Dave has built high performing security teams, tailored cyber security solutions, and acted as a trusted advisor and collaborator to C-suite Executives. He has worked across Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    Dave has a PhD in Computer Science and is a graduate of both the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Program and the US Joint Staff College, Joint Information Operations Planning Course (JIOPC). Dave is an Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) endorsed member of the Information Security Registered Assessor Program (IRAP), as well as a certified IRAP trainer through the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre.

  • Mel SlaterDirector, Maritime

    Mel Slater joined Defence SA as Director, Maritime in December 2023. The focus of his role is to develop and deliver a program of activities that grows Defence presence and contributes to a sustainable defence industry within the state.

    Mel has over 35 years’ experience in shipbuilding construction (including submarines, patrol boats, frigates, minehunters, and diving systems) across engineering, major subcontracts, and senior management positions, with over 30 of those years working here in South Australia.

    Prior to joining Defence SA, Mel worked on major projects including the Attack class submarine program and AIR6500, responsible for aspects of sourcing within the supply chain through market solicitations, evaluations, subcontract negotiations and executions, with overall cost and schedule responsibilities.

    Mel has also worked on several other key Defence projects in the state, including the design and construction of the Collins class submarines, construction of the Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers, and projects within the land and air domains.

    Mel has formal qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Project Management (CPPD (AIPM) and PMP (PMI)) and Business Management (MBA).

    Mel will work with outgoing Director Maritime, David Eyre, over the coming months to oversee existing programs and further build relationships with industry.

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