Following the recent Expression of Interest process, the Board of Directors of the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) is excited to announce the appointment of two new Directors – Ann Brinkamp and Joanne Dean – who will join the Board with immediate effect.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ann and Jo to the AAGE Board,” said Ms Schmidt, Chair of the AAGE Board. “Both of them have deep experience in the early careers sector across a range of different sectors and geographies. Their addition to the Board will further enhance and balance the skills on the Board as we continue to focus on our strategic direction as the peak industry body for the early careers sector in Australia”.

Ann Brinkamp

Ann is Manager - Early Careers for Monadelphous Group in Perth, where she leads the national vacation, graduate and apprentice development programs. Ann has extensive experience in the design and delivery of full-lifecycle talent development programs, as well as initiatives building employability and work-readiness skills. With involvement in the talent acquisition and development sector dating back to 2002, initially in Germany and then Australia, Ann brings a wealth of experience across not-for-profit and private organisations in multiple industries. Ann has been a member representative of the AAGE on behalf of multiple companies and also has prior governance experience of membership organisations having sat on the Board for Triathlon Western Australia.

Joanne Dean

Jo is currently Senior Manager Early Careers based in Sydney for global law firm, Ashurst. She is responsible for leading and coordinating the national graduate program in Australia with a focus on consistency, efficiency, and quality. Jo is passionate about attracting top talent and assisting students transition from university to a career in law. Over the past 13 years Jo has specialised in graduate recruitment and development, both in her current role and prior to Ashurst for a major retailer. Jo also has experience in generalist HR, management of recognition programs and facilitation of talent development programs. Jo has been a member representative of the AAGE on behalf of a number of organisations and for the last two years, she has further contributed to our industry through her involvement with the AAGE Committee. 

With these appointments, the AAGE Board will be:

• Thomasin Schmidt, Member Director and Chair
• Rob Blaze, Member Director
• Cheryl Koe, Member Director
• Ann Brinkamp, Member Director
• Joanne Dean, Member Director
• Fulvio Barbuio, Co-opted Director
• Amita Laroiya, Co-opted Director.

Please contact info@aage.com.au for further information.