The Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Clarissa Brandt to its Board of Directors, following the organisation’s 2025 Annual General Meeting.
Ms Brandt’s appointment follows the retirement of long-serving Board Chair Dr Cameron Archer AM at the AGM. As part of PIEFA’s 2024 Board selection process, a reserve list of highly qualified candidates was established to fill any casual vacancies arising during the 2024–2027 term. With Dr Archer’s departure, Ms Brandt, who topped that list, has now been officially appointed as Director. Her term commenced immediately following the 2025 AGM.
PIEFA Chief Executive Officer Luciano Mesiti welcomed Ms Brandt’s appointment, noting her wealth of experience and industry insight.
“Clarissa is a respected and dynamic leader in the forestry and primary industries sector,” Mr Mesiti said. “Her expertise in communications, stakeholder engagement, and strategic relations will strengthen PIEFA’s connection between industry and education.”
Ms Brandt is the Strategic Relations & Communications Manager at Timber Queensland and a Director of Responsible Wood. Her career spans stakeholder engagement, policy and strategy development, government and media relations, sponsorship management, event delivery, and membership communications. She is known for her ability to identify emerging trends, connect diverse ideas, and build profitable business opportunities in evolving industry landscapes.
Ms Brandt holds a Bachelor of Arts/Journalism from the University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Business Communications (Public Relations) from the Queensland University of Technology. In 2018, she completed the Forestry Leaders Program hosted by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, and in 2021 was a Finalist in the Women in Forest Industries Award of Excellence.
“I’m thrilled to join PIEFA’s Board and champion the role of forestry within Australia’s food and fibre story,” Ms Brandt said. “Forestry is an industry built on renewal and innovation, and I’m passionate about helping students see how it contributes to sustainable futures and vibrant regional communities.”
