Dr Vicki Gardiner takes COO role at Canberra Cyber Hub
Dr. Vicki Gardiner has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of the Canberra Cyber Hub, effective today. Known for her significant contributions to STEM workforce development and leadership in promoting diversity, Dr. Gardiner's appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance Canberra’s status as a leading centre for cyber security in Australia.
Before her appointment to Canberra Cyber Hub, Dr. Gardiner served as the Canberra Branch Manager of the ACS and has been recognised for her efforts in science promotion, receiving acknowledgment from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute in 2012. In addition to her management roles, Dr. Gardiner has been deeply involved in initiatives aimed at improving educational and employment outcomes within the STEM sectors.
Commenting on her new role, Dr. Gardiner said, "I am thrilled by the opportunity to contribute to building Canberra’s reputation as a centre of excellence in cyber security. What excites me most is the chance to enhance cyber capacity and capability in a way that uplifts the broader community."
Dr. Gardiner is recognised for her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workforce. She developed the first profession-based workforce plan supported by the Tasmanian Government and authored the Tasmanian Women in Engineering Strategy. Her recent project, funded by Skills Canberra, assisted women in transitioning into ICT careers, with a quarter of the participants successfully securing employment.
Her new responsibilities at the Canberra Cyber Hub include overseeing operations and contributing to the mission of fostering a robust and diverse cyber security industry in Canberra. The Hub has been focusing on growing the cyber security sector within the city, supported by the ACT government.
Dr. Michael Frater, Chair of the Canberra Cyber Hub, expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Gardiner's appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Vicki to the role. Her extensive experience in workforce development and her commitment to diversity will be invaluable as we continue to build Canberra’s standing as a leader in the cyber industry.”
