Bob Creek, Chief Judge
Bob has been in the Territory for almost 50 years. Following a couple of years in mining camps he arrived looking for adventure, pushing a line marking machine from Alice Springs to Darwin in the early seventies.
Bob has had several lead roles in the NTG which includes the development of geospatial systems including the cadastre and water and sewerage networks. Other projects involved the introduction of WOG email, development of the NTG 24x 7 ICT Service Desk, introduction of the identity and access management system (EPASS).
Bob’s roles included operational responsibility of WOG ICT services and the management of the Data Centre for several years ushering in transformational technology such as virtual computing and networked data communications.
Bob continues to be involved with enterprise projects including the replacement of the justice systems, policing, child protection and youth justice.
Bob has tertiary qualifications in engineering surveying and holds a Master’s in Public Sector Executive Management. He enjoys the beach, surf boat rowing and is a dummy sailor. He is a life member of Surf Life Saving Australia.
Donald Young
Donald Young is Territory born and grew up attending local schools and the Charles Darwin University. Donald has worked in digital roles in the Northern Territory Government for almost 20 years, in a variety of roles from web and ICT support to application management and ICT leadership.
Donald has successfully lead the development of multiple digital applications including the first MVR NT Rego smartphone app and recently supporting Department of Education digital developments.
Donald enjoys solving problems and finding solutions that are simple, accessible, and engaging
Krissy Breed
Krissy Breed is the Manager of Business Innovation in the Northern Territory Government. Championing women and young people to succeed in STEM and innovation, Krissy was integral in launching the Women’s Innovation Network in 2020 and the Women’s Innovation Pitch in 2021. Krissy is also a mentor for BPW Darwin, a community of Business and Professional Women working together to develop the business, professional and leadership potential of women.
A trained science communicator, licenced drone pilot, and Secretariat to the Drones Industry Committee, Krissy’s passion for innovation spans multiple industries. Additionally, Krissy established a company which included the introduction of the Northern Territory's first fleet of photobooths.
Krissy leads a small high performing team dedicated to accelerating the rate of innovation commercialisation in the Territory. With a Bachelor of Commerce from Charles Darwin University, Krissy also represents Business Innovation on a range of government committees and working groups.
Krissy has developed a strong network and wide range of practical knowledge across business and government including innovation strategy, budget management, program development and governance. She is constantly learning and looking for new methods to do business and develop the Northern Territory’s innovation ecosystem.
Keely Quinn
Keely Quinn, a Darwin local, has a business degree and is the General Manager for Engineers Australia Northern Division, the multidisciplinary professional body for Engineers. Keely has worked in NFPs, particularly in industry or professional associations, for over 15 years. Keely has worked in various roles including as the NT's first Inspiring Australia Officer and STEM outreach co-ordinator for Engineers Australia, along with volunteer roles at a community bank and the Fred's Pass Rural Show, and she did have a stint at the London Underground, where she got to drive the DLR ( at the Christmas party, no less).
In her current role, Keely is especially keen on showcasing her home, the Northern Territory, to professionals around Australia and the world as a place of opportunity & innovation, and works to enhance the community understanding of the engineering profession and all it brings to society.
Fiona Evans
Ms Fiona Evans is the Director of Evoke Sustainability and was previously a radiochemist working for the Australian Government to protect heritage listed Kakadu National Park from the effects of uranium mining. Ms Evans is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in science, leadership, research design, and management.
An innovative, adaptive scientist, Ms Evans specialises in collaborative relationships and growing lasting change for people, communities, and organisations. Through leadership and education, she positively contributes to growing a brighter, greener, more sustainable future, for all.
Jessica Dix
Jessica Dix is the Chief Executive Officer and Operations Director of her family business, Majestix Media and in 2015, was recognised as a finalist in the Telstra Business Women's Awards.
With an expansive knowledge and understanding of IT, audio-visual installation and production industries, Jessica is the first female Chair of the ICTNT. In the role of Chair, Jessica is a strong advocate for the IT sector and encouraging women in IT.
At the forefront of the fast-evolving world of the audio-visual industry, Jess speaks to businesses daily assisting them in implementing and adapting to technology. She champions efficiencies in business.
Lou Martini
Lou is the co-founder and Managing Director of Jackadder International Pty Ltd. He has extensive business and technology experience in ICT consulting and management across the government and commercial sectors.
Lou has also been actively involved in supporting the development and growth of the ICT industry in Australia. This includes roles as a Director of the National Board of the Australian Information Industry Association, and most recently as Secretary of the ICT Industry Association of the Northern Territory. This has given Lou a deep insight and understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by the industry.
Lou is committed to supporting the continued development of digital skills and the technology workforce, which these awards recognise, and are a prerequisite to the continued growth of the industry in the Northern Territory.
He is also passionate about the environment and recently completed his Masters in Tropical Environmental Management at Charles Darwin University.
Karen Hawkes
Karen Hawkes is Director of Darwin's Digital Marketing Agency, Captovate. As digital architect and lead Projects Director, Karen has played a pivotal role in the delivery of many prominent websites and Apps across the Territory. Captovate is also a leading supplier of web services for the NT, SA and federal Government.
As Captovate's social media expert, Karen delivers social media campaigns across the NT. She authored the Social Media Boot Camp and the Social Media Strategy for the NT Government. In 2018 Karen was a keynote Territory Success Story for October Business Month and in 2019 was a keynote speaker at the Innovation Symposium. She is also an invited member of the Ministerial Digital Advisory Council.
Karen was the winner of the 2019 NT Digital Excellence ACS ICT Professional of the Year Award and the Minister's Gold Award.
Krishnan Kannoorpatti
Associate Professor Kannoorpatti Krishnan works at the College of Engineering, IT and Environment at Charles Darwin University. He is the Chair of IT Discipline and Director of Advanced Manufacturing Alliance at Charles Darwin University. He is a Materials Engineer who also worked in Information Technology Management and Software Engineering. He worked at the Australasian Centre for Policing Research as Senior Technology Coordinator from 2001 – 2004. He joined the NT Government in 2004 as the Senior Security Officer and became the Technical Architect in the Strategy and Policy division of Department of Corporate and Information Services. He wrote many of the policies and standards covering security, architecture covering all the government IT infrastructure, devices and staff. In 2011 he was seconded to the Charles Darwin University to set up corrosion research at the North Australian Centre for Oil and Gas. He has stayed back at CDU contributing to the research in engineering and IT. He had developed units covering IT management and security and initiated research in cybersecurity. He has close collaboration with the industry and the NT Government. He worked closely with the NT government which funded positions in cybersecurity.
Krishnan has scholarly publications in corrosion and cybersecurity with his colleagues and students.
Jesse Leal
Jesse commenced his IT career in 1997 with Sabre Systems in Darwin. In 1998 he took up the position of ICT Manager at Danila Dilba Aboriginal Medical Service. In 2002 he started his own business Leal Technology supporting SME businesses and organisations throughout the NT. In 2017 in partnership with a long-time colleague they started New Future IT with a mission of providing IT traineeships to young Territorians in particular indigenous Territorians.
Jan McCarthy
Jan is the Senior Manger for STEM and Digital Capability with the Department of Education. She has worked as a secondary mathematics teacher in the Northern Territory for many years. In her current role, she works with a team of passionate educators supporting schools to shape their STEM programs and build the capability of educators in delivering STEM to all students in a relevant and authentic way. Her role also includes working with interested Northern Territory industries and businesses so that schools can make genuine connections fostering positive outcomes for our students.
Jon Mason
Associate Professor Jon Mason commenced employment with CDU in Darwin in 2012 and specialises in the application of digital technologies for teaching, learning, and research. His earlier career included government services for education, IT management and standardization, and music education.
Jon is a certified professional member of the Australian Computer Society since 2010 and an elected member of the Asia Pacific Society for Computers in Education since 2012. His research is primarily focused on learning futures and student questioning within the digital environment.