Board of Directors

Michael Burchell

Michael is a seasoned technology and cyber security expert with two decades of experience. His comprehensive skill set encompasses vital cyber security practices, including risk management, cyber security operations, assurance, and technology architecture. Michael is recognised for his ability to approach technology, business, and cyber security challenges strategically and pragmatically. He holds a Bachelor of Business degree, a CISSP certification, and various other technology certifications, underscoring his technical expertise and commitment to the field.

Email: [email protected]

Craig Ford

Craig is an experienced cyber security professional with over 20+ years in the industry and holds various qualifications, including two master’s degrees. He is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Cyber Unicorns, in which he acts as a Fractional CISO to clients such as Baidam Solutions, Wesley Mission, PCYC and RespectX. He was also previously a fractional CISO (2023-2024) for Hungry Jack's and Ipswich City Council. 

Prior to founding Cyber Unicorns, Craig was CTO (Chief Technology Officer) for Baidam Solutions between January 2022 to June 2023, where he led the technical services team, helping to build out the internal services capability for Baidam. Craig was QLD chair for AISA for two years until he was appointed to the national board of directors in December 2022 and then Deputy Chair in December 2024. 

Craig is a multi-award-winning, internationally recognised, published author with three different book series – 'A Hacker I Am' cyber education series, 'Foresight' is his cyberpunk/hacker fantasy novel series and 'The Shadow World', a co-authored kids cyber education book. He is a freelance cyber security journalist and a regular columnist with the Women in Security Magazine, as well as a freelance contributor for Cyber Today, Top Cyber News, SecureGov, Careers with STEM and Cyber Australia magazine. 

Email: [email protected]

Andrew Evans

Andrew has been a volunteer AISA Director for over 4 years. In his day job he specialises in Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) and follows a holistic approach to security bringing together physical, people, processes and technology across organisations.  Andrew is currently a security risk partner at Telstra and has over 20 years' experience in cyber security and risk working in UK, Europe, USA and Australia in various sectors of critical and non-critical infrastructure including, but not limited to: telecommunications, mining, energy, transportation and defence.  Andrew is a member of the AICD, holds an MSc in IT Security, a BSc (Hons) in Computer Systems and Networks and is a CISSP certified instructor. When not working, Andrew paints in oils and watercolours, and has a keen interest in permaculture design and rural living. 

Email: [email protected]

Director - Dr Suelette Dreyfus

Dr Suelette Dreyfus is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne. She leads the core undergraduate subject information security and privacy and co-runs a Masters-level subject in Emerging Technologies. She graduated from Columbia University before going on to complete her PhD at Monash University. 

Suelette leads research projects in the digital security and privacy space, with a particular focus on the end-user experience, specifically for consumers online. She has previously co-designed and run projects in e-health testing reporting of safety errors in hospitals, and exploring barriers to technology adoption in the health-setting.  She introduced the first digital security training for Masters level journalism students in Australia at her university. She has made numerous public policy contributions, including appearing before state and Commonwealth Government committees to give expert advice. In addition to her technology work, she has expertise in media and has previously trained at and worked on the staff of one of the largest selling daily newspapers in Australia as a journalist. She appears regularly in international and Australian media speaking on her areas of expertise. She co-authored the first mainstream book about computer hacking in Australia.

Director - Scarlett McDermott

Scarlett is a technology leader with more than a decade of experience, from software development through to building and leading global cyber security and technology teams. She holds university qualifications in technology and cyber security, and is a regular contributor to industry events and publications. 
Scarlett is passionate about innovation, skills, and capability development in technology - in which she believes security plays an integrated and inseparable role. In her business, Longitude Advisory, Scarlett is a trusted, independent technology advisor to Australian business leaders.

Director - Jordan Newnham

Jordan Newnham is a corporate affairs executive with extensive experience in key adviser and leadership roles across government and private sectors, with a focus on digital technology and cyber security. 

Jordan is Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Brand and Policy at CyberCX, a role in which he oversees all media, marketing and public policy matters for CyberCX. In addition, Jordan also leads the firm’s Cyber Strategic Communications capability, helping organisations prepare for, respond to and recover from cyber security crises.

Jordan previously served as an adviser in Federal Parliament in policy areas of innovation, technology and the future of work. Prior to this, he worked with the eSafety Commissioner, providing strategic communications and public policy advice across a range of complex regulatory issues, including online child sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, image-based abuse and countering violent extremism. Jordan’s professional career started in journalism, reporting for various media outlets across print and radio.

Director - Branko Ninkovic

Branko is a seasoned cyber security expert with over 25 years of hands-on experience in the field. Throughout his illustrious career, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to build and lead cyber security initiatives, earning him a reputation as a trusted authority in the industry.

In 2005, Branko founded Dragonfly Technologies, where he developed and successfully brought to market a secure authentication platform designed to protect mission-critical environments for both enterprises and government agencies. 

Since the sale of Dragonfly, Branko has transitioned into an independent trusted cyber security and start-up advisor. 

Recognised for his pragmatic approach and strategic mindset, Branko has forged valuable partnerships and collaborations with industry leaders, driving growth and innovation within the cybersecurity landscape.

Branko is not only known for his expertise in cyber security but also for his exceptional communication skills. As a sought-after speaker, he has a knack for simplifying complex concepts and implementing robust security practices with clarity and precision. Moreover, Branko is passionate about mentoring professionals at all levels, fostering growth and excellence within the cyber security community.

Director - Rajiv Shah

Rajiv runs a consulting business, MDR Security, which helps clients to understand technology, to apply it securely and to implement in a way aligned with their business to deliver value. Rajiv is also a Fellow of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and has published a number of papers and articles on technology and security strategy and policy. He also provides mentoring and advice to start-up and scale-up businesses, and is a regular speaker, presenting on cyber and technology matters to technical and non-technical audiences.
Rajiv has over 25 years of experience in the IT and cyber industry, having held a range of technical and non-technical leadership roles including as Australian country director for the cyber security division of BAE Systems. He also holds a PhD in quantum physics from the University of Cambridge and retains a strong interest in maths and science.

Email: [email protected]

Director - David Savva-Willett

David has been working in Technology and Cyber Security since 2008. He spent the early years of his career in Canberra providing managed services to various Federal Government departments. He moved to Melbourne in 2017 and has been the CISO for Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) since 2019. In this role, he has grown a grass roots cyber capability that now encompasses over twenty people in two different countries. He enjoys the people element of cyber, which is why he has joined AISA. David is passionate about engaging members to educate and uplift the resilience of the Australian public to the ever-growing threats of cyber criminals. In his spare time David is an online content creator who enjoys podcasting along with creative and professional writing. He is currently studying a degree in creative writing online at Curtin University.

Email: [email protected]