Monday 7 September 2020 11:52am
Professor Jessica Palmer.
Faculty of Law Dean Professor Jessica Palmer has been named the Otago Southland Branch Emerging Director for 2020.
In addition to her role with the Faculty, Professor Palmer is a member of the University of Otago Division of Humanities senior leadership group.
She is also a member of the Board of Presbyterian Support Otago, Deputy Chair of Knox College and Salmond College, trustee of the Wilberforce Foundation and Chair of Laidlaw College.
The Otago Southland Branch Emerging Director Award was established to foster upcoming talent in governance through mentoring, formal training and access to leading speakers at events across the region.
In choosing Professor Palmer for this annual award, the Institute’s selection panel said her motivation to pursue a career in governance, and her extensive experience in management and leadership, would be beneficial in future roles.
“Professor Palmer clearly gains value from her governance roles and balances the desire to be curious with a patient and common-sense approach. She has high standards and a sense of responsibility and duty that will serve her well in the future,” the judges said.
Professor Palmer is delighted to receive the award, which she says recognises not only her efforts but the “incredible work many do to make the organisations I’m involved with succeed.”
“Good governance in any organisation is really important to help it achieve its mission, keep it on track, and to anticipate and plan for what the future might throw at it. But, ultimately, to me governance and leadership are about building the organisation to serve the community around it as best it can. I feel very lucky to be involved in several very different organisations which, at their core, are all concerned with making life more meaningful, including through tertiary education, providing social services, and accommodation and pastoral care for both university students and retirees.”
Division of Humanities Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Tony Ballantyne says he is “delighted for Professor Palmer, but not surprised.”
“She is an excellent leader and I know that she is really committed to her governance roles beyond the University. Professor Palmer thinks strategically, focuses on how best to achieve the aspirations of the group she leads as well as the wider institution, and is carefully attuned to the shifting environments in which organisations operate. She makes a fantastic contribution to the leadership of our Division and this award is further confirmation of her ability as a leader.”
As winner, Professor Palmer receives complimentary membership of the IoD for 12 months, complimentary attendance at branch functions for 12 months, $1,500 towards IoD professional development and mentoring with an experienced director for 12 months.
Otago alumna and Dunedin-based law partner recognised by the Institute of Directors
Stephanie Pettigrew.
Otago BA (Japanese) and LLB alumna Stephanie Pettigrew, who is a partner at Dunedin law firm Marks & Worth and deputy chair at Presbyterian Support Otago, was named runner-up. The committee recognised Pettigrew for her level of experience and achievements to date and her strong desire to give back through her governance roles.
“Stephanie clearly enjoys playing a part in creating sustainable and well led businesses and community organisations and enjoys working with business and community leaders to solve problems, create effective culture and encourage community flourishing. As runner-up Stephanie will receive mentoring with an experienced director.
“The branch committee would like to congratulate all those who entered the award, in particular Jessica and Stephanie, and look forward to seeing them build their governance careers in the region.”
For further information, contact:
Professor Jessica Palmer
Faculty of Law Dean
University of Otago
Email Jessica.palmer@otago.ac.nz
Stephanie Pettigrew
Marks & Worth Lawyers
Tel +64 3 474 9272
Philippa Murrell
Otago Southland IoD Branch Manager
Email Philippa.murrell@iod.org.nz
Vanessa Glennie
Institute of Directors
Email vanessa.glennie@iod.org.nz
Sam Stevens
Communications Adviser – Division of Humanities
University of Otago
Mob +64 21 279 8143
Email sam.stevens@otago.ac.nz