The Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) has announced the appointment of two new trustees to its board, effective February 2024.
Susan Doughty and Patrice Feary have been appointed to serve the charitable trust that has developed 6,000 women and men in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector and rural communities over the past 13 years.
AWDT Co-chair Keri Johnston said the Board were thrilled to have Susan and Patrice join them as trustees. “Both are experienced governors with a wealth of knowledge and commercial acumen that will be invaluable to us, as well as bringing a different perspective to our organisation. With the addition of these wāhine, the trust is well-positioned to continue its vital and important mahi and create impact.”
Susan Doughty
Susan is a seasoned director, executive, entrepreneur, and consultant with over 30 years experience solving commercial business issues and managing people challenges in complex environments.
Susan is a former Partner at EY, Director – Talent & Engagement at Fonterra, and most recently Head of Reward & Insights for Zespri. She is deeply committed to improving outcomes for women and has used her influence and skills to raise awareness of pay equity and diversity issues promoting positive change within Aotearoa New Zealand.
Susan’s governance portfolio includes Chair of Diversity Works New Zealand, Director of Coastguard New Zealand and Director of Caloda Ltd.
Patrice Feary
Patrice is the owner and founder of Christchurch-based Totem Group and brings a diverse and complimentary skill set to the AWDT Board. A strategic marketer at her core, she has over 20 years of international sales and marketing executive experience, along with cross-sector governance in the global wine industry, dairy, aviation, and infrastructure sectors.
An Independent Director for Marlborough Grape Growers Co-operative, Patrice is also a founding board member of Marlborough Heartland Ltd, and Independent Board Chair of Fonterra Wastewater Community, as well as a proud Board of Trustee at St Thomas of Canterbury College.
Passionate to work, learn and grow alongside leaders and communities to create a positive impact, she is a connector and collaborator who understands the importance of stakeholder engagement. Patrice is thrilled to be joining AWDT, and is looking forward to harnessing the collective intelligence of her fellow trustees and contributing to a refreshed strategic direction that will empower women and men to accelerate progress and change in the food and fibre sector and rural communities across New Zealand.
