our team

Cris Kennedy

President | Royal Australian Mint

Nicole Short

Vice President | Australian Parliament House

Before relocating to Australia, Nicole built her career with MGM MIRAGE Resorts International in the United States, culminating in her role on the opening team of the landmark USD 12‑billion CityCenter development in Las Vegas.

Nicole has held senior leadership roles nationally and internationally, including starting her career leading sponsorship for the National Gallery of Australia during the Stage 1 redevelopment. She served as Director of Sales & Marketing and General Manager of the award‑winning Hotel Hotel and Monster Kitchen and Bar, and later as General Manager Kambri Precinct at ANU partnering with Wiltshire & Dimas, Colony Six and ANU to redevelop, activate and operate the mixed-use precinct.

Nicole is currently the Assistant Secretary – Commercial Operations for the Department of Parliamentary Services at Australian Parliament House.  This role oversees all Commercial Tenancies, Health and Recreation Centre, Beauty and Wellness, Catering, Events and Retail outlets.    Nicole is committed to community leadership, serving in volunteer and board capacities.  She is the proud mother of two children.

Jacqui Smith

Vice President | National Museum of Australia

Jacqui is a creative and dynamic leader, with a wealth of experience in the performing arts, tourism and higher education spheres. She is currently Head of Commercial at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, responsible for tourism, corporate partnerships, venue engagement and retail. Prior to her move to Canberra, she was CEO of the Australian Haydn Ensemble, co-leading the Ensemble’s first international tour to the United States, opening the Australian Embassy in Washington and a debut performance at Carnegie Hall. Her previous roles include leadership positions at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney and University of Technology, Sydney in creative faculties and portfolios. Jacqui also services as Chair of The Song Company and is a member of the Create NSW Classical Music Artform Board.

Paulina Manenica

Treasurer | The Y Canberra

Debra Beetham

Managing Director, Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council

Debra is the Managing Director of the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council, leading industry advocacy, capability development, and business support initiatives across the region. With more than 25 years’ experience in tourism, events, and visitor economy development, she works closely with industry and government stakeholders to strengthen tourism outcomes for the Canberra Region.

As a Board Member of the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), Debra represents the interests of the Canberra Region on the national stage, contributing to industry discussions and initiatives that support tourism businesses across Australia. She leads key industry programs including the Canberra Region Tourism Awards, the Capital Region Showcase, and the delivery of the Quality Tourism Framework, helping businesses enhance quality, sustainability, accessibility, and visitor experience standards.

Throughout her career, Debra has held roles with organisations including the Australian Institute of Sport, Questacon, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and has contributed to the delivery of major events such as Enlighten and the G20 Summit. She holds a Postgraduate Degree in Business Management from the University of Canberra.

Garry Watson

NCETP Program Leader

Garry has been part of the ACT tourism sector for 30 years, and the Project Leader of the National Capital Educational Tourism Project (NCETP) since 1999. Under his leadership the NCETP has had a significant impact on the ACT tourism region with educational visitors injecting 140 million economic value to the ACT annually. Previous to this, Garry worked extensively in the ACT attractions sector including running visitor services and public programs at the National Film and Sound Archive and providing electoral education for the National Electoral Education Centre. He has also been a market research consultant, with a speciality in facilitating search conferences.

Garry has been a key part of the National Capital Attractions Association and Canberra Region Tourism Awards (CRTA) for many years. After 10 years as Chair of Judges for the CRTA, in 2016 Garry was appointed the Chair of Judges for the Australian Tourism Awards concluding at the end of 2018. Garry has been awarded the Canberra Region Tourism Awards, 2001 Outstanding Contribution by an Individual Award and has been included as a Member in the Order of Australia (General Division) for his services to tourism.

Paul McKay

National Portrait Gallery

Adam Robbins

National Capital Authority

Dr Stephanie Smith

Museum of Australian Democracy

Kathryn Carling

DOMA Hotels

Kathryn Carling brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to her role as Area General Manager at Doma Hotels. Driven by a passion for travel, hospitality, and sustainability, Kathryn has built an extensive international career across Japan, Canada, and Australia, with experience spanning remote cabin-style accommodation through to luxury five-star hotels. Her diverse background includes leadership roles with both internationally recognised luxury hotel brands and independent boutique operators, giving her a broad and well-rounded perspective on the hospitality sector. Kathryn is a proud graduate of the University of Canberra and UNSW Sydney, holding a degree in Business Management and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Leadership.

Brod Matthews

Questacon

Broderick is currently the Senior Manager Centre Experience at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre. He loves being in the heart of the National Triangle and is focussed on making it easier for more people to access inspirational science and technology at Questacon.

Broderick began his exploration in science at Flinders University shining lasers on ink but was lured into the world of science communication. He joined Questacon in 2009 and began catapulting cream pies, running on slime and playing bagpipes all in the name of science.

Since then, Broderick has worked at the Australian National University and Department of Defence playing a key role in many STEM initiatives including the Questacon Science Circus, STEM X Academy and the Defence STEM Council.

In his spare time Broderick enjoys pub trivia, playing volleyball and exploring new playgrounds with his three kids.

Jarrod McDaniel

Alivio Tourist Park

Jarrod is the General Manager of Alivio Tourist Park Canberra, with over 20 years’ experience in tourism and hospitality. Leading a 700+ occupancy operation and a team of 50+, he has driven the park’s success, including numerous Australian Tourism Awards. Jarrod is recognised for his focus on team development, guest experience, and innovation, alongside his commitment to sustainable tourism. He also serves as Treasurer of SKAL Canberra and judge of the Canberra Region Tourism Awards.