Kathy Jones - Executive Director

Kathy Jones has 20 years' experience as a senior communications practitioner in both private industry and the public sector, overseeing business development, public affairs, community relations and issues management functions. She founded KJA in 2000 to deliver targeted communications strategies for a broad range of high-level clients. Kathy provides high level strategic advice as well as providing leadership on major projects for organizations around issues management, crisis communications, stakeholder relations and internal communications. She has provided communications coordination for major government projects such as the NSW Nation Building and Jobs Plan Taskforce and North Coast Flood Recovery and has worked internationally. Kathy's skills are in demand with clients including some of Australia's most significant and complex infrastructure and development projects, such as Sydney's Inner West Busway, and Barangaroo. She is a Board member of The Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering, St John's Ambulance (NSW) and newDemocracy.

Toni Rankin - Project Director

Toni Rankin's expertise lies in designing and developing communications and stakeholder management strategies that deliver on strategic goals, demonstrating a thorough knowledge and understanding of clients' needs. A media professional with more than 20 years experience, she has worked for major television networks across Australia and spent nine years providing media and issues management advice to the NSW State Government. Toni has experience across a range of government portfolios and departments including planning, treasury, health, education, housing and Aboriginal affairs. She has developed communications strategies for a wide range of clients including the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, Landcom, St Vincent's and Mater Health Sydney, the University of Technology Sydney, University of NSW, Mirvac, Eastmark Holdings, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Kimbriki Environmental Enterprises and the NSW Departments of Planning, Housing and Community Services.

Faye Rescigno – Project Director

Faye Rescigno has over 20 years experience in communication management, strategic leadership, project management, and working with communities. She has worked on many of NSW's major infrastructure projects, including the Inner West Busway, the Sydney Desalination Plant, the Chatswood Transport Interchange, the Melbourne to Sydney freight rail upgrade, North East Revitalisation Rail and Wodonga Bypass projects and Sydney's Lane Cove Tunnel. Faye provides strategic communication advice to KJA's infrastructure and construction clients during the tender, concept design or delivery phases, as well as risk identification and managing communications, community and stakeholder programs. She is also experienced in stakeholder relations, issues management and assisting bid consortia with their communications and community relations strategies during the tender phase and beyond. Faye's big-picture approach encompasses corporate reputation and social responsibility concerns.

Monica Vardabasso – Project Director

Monica Vardabasso has extensive high-level communications experience in corporate and consultancy roles, and has provided strategic advice to major organisations in health, engineering, manufacturing, financial services, mining and in the not-for-profit sector. Her strength is in building relationships with key stakeholder groups, from Board members, to unions, advocacy groups, media and the wider community, to ensure that key business goals are met. She has developed and implemented communication strategies during major developments, weather events including flood and cyclones, product recalls and worksite issues. She is an excellent communicator with in-depth understanding of business drivers. She has worked with the Suncorp Group, IAG, NSW Department of Health, Scouts NSW, EnergyAustralia, Colgate-Palmolive, Arup and industry associations in mining, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Monica is also a Board member of TAD Disability Services, NSW (formerly Technical Aid to the Disabled, NSW.)

Natalie Boyd – Project Director

Natalie Boyd brings strong strategic communication skills and expertise in stakeholder engagement and issues management, drawing on public and private sector experience gained over almost 20 years in the communications industry. Natalie is a creative and engaging communication professional who delivers results in challenging environments. She has extensive experience in senior communication roles, and strong interpersonal and relationship management skills. She has proven to be creative and persuasive across all communication mediums. As Communications Manager for Sydney's Desalination Project, Natalie applied a flexible, creative approach to deliver the right results in challenging environments. Natalie manages relationships and facilitates change by understanding people and issues. She enjoys the challenge of complex and contentious projects and applies her skills and experience to ensure her contribution delivers on client expectations.

Daphne Sider – Project Director

Daphne Sider possesses strong communication, writing and stakeholder engagement skills, and is experienced in media and crisis management. She provides her clients with high-level advice and briefings to identify risks and minimise opposition to policies, projects and plans. Daphne is experienced in ministerial processes including the drafting of notes, policies and research. Daphne has worked on major projects such as the Sydney Desalination Project, the City of Sydney Night Time Economy, Green Square Renewal and Gosford Quarries redevelopment. Daphne's background includes working as a ministerial advisor, as well as roles in local government, State agencies and the media.

David Robinson - Project Director

David Robinson has extensive experience in stakeholder management, strategic communication and issues management. He has worked on a number of major planning and construction projects.  David is currently managing the communications and consultation process for the feasibility study and concept plan for the City of Ryde Civic Precinct redevelopment and community consultation for the Homebush Bay Bridge project. He is also responsible for developing the communications and engagement strategy for Landcom's rezoning application and Concept Plan for a new housing project at North Tuncurry.  He has worked on complex projects including the development of a Plan of Management for Western Sydney Parklands, and delivered the communications and engagement for planning phase of Burwood Civic Precinct project and City of Sydney's multi- million dollar streetscape improvement projects. In addition to a depth of practical experience David holds a Masters in Communication Management.

Tony Van Berkel – Management Accountant

Tony Van Berkel leads the KJA business systems team. Tony has worked for over 20 years in various finance and administrative roles in Australia and New Zealand, in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining KJA, Tony was a financial planning analyst for the Wellington City Council in New Zealand, responsible for preparation of financial statements relating to the Long Term Council Community and Annual Plans. Tony has also held a number of senior roles with ISS Facility Services in both Sydney and Brisbane. With significant experience in conducting both financial and operational business audits, Tony has the wide range of skills necessary to support the KJA business and its clients.

Belinda Souchaud - Communications Project Manager

Belinda Souchaud has over 12 years experience working in public relations and communications roles for a broad range of organisations including registered charities, community organisations, government departments and private enterprise. She has driven a number of high profile projects for the NSW Department of Community Services and worked for many years as a public relations consultant for Cronulla Sharks Rugby League Club. She has also worked as the media manager for the RSPCA. Her skills include creating and implementing communications and public relations strategies, media management, press release and report writing. Recent work includes the preparation of strategic communications material to support The Salvation Army's proposed Dooralong Centre, The Barangaroo Delivery Authority, NSW Nation Building and Jobs Plan Taskforce and Kimbriki Environmental Enterprises.

Moira Sharp – Communications Project Manager

Moira Sharp's three decades of experience in communications and community relations has given her ability to liaise effectively with a broad range of stakeholders – a significant asset when dealing with communities impacted by complex and controversial projects. Moira specialises in developing and implementing communication and consultation plans for infrastructure projects, ensuring that stakeholders and communities receive clear, accurate and timely information. Moira has worked on major infrastructure developments such as the Bowraville Off-River Water Storage Project, the Chatswood Transport Interchange, and the Sydney to Melbourne freight rail upgrade. Moira also worked with the RTA on the opening of the M5 East filtration plant and Ausgrid's King Street Newtown Electricity upgrade projcect. Moira has a degree in social science and a Masters degree in training and professional development.

Lauren Hendry Parsons – Project Consultant

Lauren is a people-oriented and creative communications and engagement practitioner. She has experience in designing and conducting community engagement processes, producing communications strategies and social research. From planning to implementation, she has successfully delivered strategic projects for local, state and federal government as well as NGOs and the private sector. Lauren has successfully delivered outcomes for community engagement programs and mediations in highly contentious environments. She enjoys the challenge of working towards resolution to create a sustainable pathway forward for all parties involved. Lauren completed a Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) at the University of Sydney and is a trained mediator.

Michael Player – Project Consultant

Michael excels as a communications practitioner with a strong analytical understanding of project risks and issues. Michael works with KJA's infrastructure clients, providing services including stakeholder management, risk assessment, issues management and facilitation. He is skilled in corporate and strategic communications and has delivered successful outcomes for projects in the planning and construction stages. Since joining KJA, Michael has provided strategic communications support for the NSW Nation Building and Jobs Plan Taskforce and the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and has played a lead role in providing communications support and guidance for the Ausgrid King Street and Leichhardt Electricity Upgrade, UTS Broadway Building development, Housing NSW Bolton Point Information Sessions and UNSW COFA Redevelopment.

Alanna Beardsley

Alanna Beardsley works closely with the KJA team in providing high level coordination, planning and administrative support. As office manager, Alanna handles the day to day operations at KJA. Her excellent organisational and time management skills, along with her strong attention to detail assists in maintaining efficiency in the KJA office. Alanna has over six years experience in providing executive support, and has previously worked in administrative and marketing roles within the real estate industry.