Reforming The Regulator To Protect The Environment

How do a Chair and CEO work together to bring about change?

What better example of two changemakers than Cheryl Batagol PSM and John Merritt. Discussing the first stage of reform at EPA Victoria during 2009 – 2004, they will take us through their process to engage all stakeholders in a reform agenda and their leadership style as Chair and CEO during a period of significant transformation.

Cheryl Batagol PSM is currently the Chair of SERV (Secure Electronic Registries Victoria) and the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities, is a member of the Fishermans Bend Development Board and sits on the advisory boards of Monash Sustainable Development Institute and Literati. She has more than 40 years’ experience in the waste management, water and environmental sectors and has a Public Service Medal for service to sustainability. In June 2020, after more than a decade of service, Cheryl stepped down as the inaugural Chair of EPA Victoria during which time she guided the organisation through a period of significant transition, leading continual reform with a focus on building EPA Victoria into an independent modern regulator. She has previously served on the Boards of Melbourne Water, Sustainability Victoria, the Victorian Catchment Management Council, City West Water, Southern Rural Water, EcoRecycle Victoria and many other government, industry association and not-for-profit boards.

John Merritt has led large and complex organisations for over twenty years. He was the Chair of the Board of WorkSafe Victoria, the Chief Executive of VicRoads, and the Chief Executive of the Environment Protection Authority. He was also the Executive Director of WorkSafe, the Chief Executive of the National Safety Council of Australia and held senior management roles in the Fletcher Challenge organisation. Today, John is a Non-Executive Director, and an advisor on leadership, culture and strategy. He is a Non-Executive Director of the Transport Accident Commission, a member of the Advisory Councils for the Monash University Accident Research Centre, and the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, and a supporter of the St Kilda Football Club, as a member of the club’s Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, a Director of the club’s Foundation, and a Director of the Danny Frawley Centre. He was a Lead Evaluator for Victoria’s Biodiversity 2037 Strategy, and recently conducted the independent review of SafeWork SA for the South Australian Government.

This is an outstanding opportunity for members and potential members to hear from two masterful changemakers about what worked, lessons for the future and having the courage to make a difference.