Parks Victoria Executive and Leadership Team

Lee Miezis, the Chief Executive Officer at Parks Victoria, directs the overarching strategic vision for state-wide land management and conservation initiatives. Overseeing complex stakeholder relationships, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between government policy and environmental protection mandates. This leadership role involves navigating sensitive ecological issues, such as the welfare of feral horse populations in Barmah National Park, while maintaining transparent communication with local communities. By coordinating with the Board and executive leadership, Lee Miezis drives organizational efficiency and long-term sustainability goals. The Chief Executive Officer prioritizes the implementation of strategic action plans to guide future land use and biodiversity preservation. Through rigorous oversight of operational performance, Miezis secures the integrity of public assets. Ultimately, Miezis fosters a culture of accountability and excellence, ensuring that all agency activities support the broader mission of protecting Victoria's natural heritage for future generations.

Sara Williams, the Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer at Parks Victoria, manages the internal governance frameworks and executive communications that support agency-wide decision-making. Coordinating closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer facilitates the flow of critical information between departments and external stakeholders. This role involves synthesizing complex policy updates into actionable directives for the broader organization. By streamlining administrative processes, Sara Williams enhances the responsiveness of the executive team to emerging environmental challenges and community concerns. The Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer monitors the progress of key strategic initiatives, ensuring that departmental outputs remain consistent with organizational objectives. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional collaboration, Williams maintains the operational rhythm of the executive office. Ultimately, Williams provides the structural support necessary for the agency to execute its mandate effectively across all regional operations.

Leon Zheng, the Chief Financial Officer at Parks Victoria, oversees the fiscal health and resource allocation strategies required to maintain extensive public park infrastructure. Managing the budgetary requirements for conservation projects and operational maintenance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with the agency's long-term environmental goals. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of capital expenditure and revenue streams to support sustainable land management practices. By implementing robust financial controls, Leon Zheng drives transparency and accountability across all departments. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to secure funding for critical initiatives, including the monitoring of wildlife welfare and forest management programs. Through precise financial forecasting and risk assessment, Zheng optimizes the distribution of state funds to maximize public value. Ultimately, Zheng secures the financial stability needed to uphold the agency's commitment to protecting natural landscapes and providing high-quality visitor experiences.

Thalash Gabadage, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Parks Victoria, architects the digital infrastructure and data management systems that support modern land management operations. Overseeing the integration of technology into field monitoring and administrative workflows, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that staff possess the tools necessary for efficient data collection and analysis. This role involves upgrading legacy systems to improve the tracking of environmental metrics and visitor engagement data. By driving digital transformation, Thalash Gabadage enhances the agency's ability to respond to ecological shifts and operational demands. The Deputy Chief Information Officer collaborates with IT teams to maintain cybersecurity standards and data integrity across all regional networks. Through the deployment of scalable technology solutions, Gabadage supports the agency's broader mission of evidence-based conservation. Ultimately, Gabadage ensures that technological capabilities remain aligned with the evolving needs of the organization and the public.

Shelley Cussen, the Chief People Officer at Parks Victoria, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives that empower a diverse workforce of rangers, scientists, and administrative staff. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee engagement, and workplace safety, the Chief People Officer ensures that the agency maintains a high-performing culture capable of managing complex environmental responsibilities. This leadership role involves designing training programs that equip personnel with the skills needed for field operations and community consultation. By fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, Shelley Cussen drives employee retention and operational excellence. The Chief People Officer collaborates with the executive team to align workforce planning with the agency's strategic goals, including the implementation of new conservation policies. Through the development of robust HR policies, Cussen promotes professional growth and organizational health. Ultimately, Cussen ensures that the workforce remains motivated and prepared to protect the state's natural assets.