The Development Partner Institute (DPI Mining) is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed rising star Florence Drummond as Executive Director, to lead the organisation into a new phase of growth and impact.
Florence is well-respected within the mining industry, as Co-Founder and outgoing CEO of Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia (IWIMRA), a uniquely positioned organisation working to connect and raise the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women in the resources industry.
Florence brings 6 years of leadership and social impact experience at the helm of IWIMRA, plus extensive global advocacy and awareness projects including work with the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, community engagement across LATAM, multi-year contributions to the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women and official Australian delegation representation at APEC and UNESCAP. She’s also a non-executive Director of ASX listed Taiton Resources and has been recognised for her leadership locally in the WA Business News 40 Under 40 Awards, plus internationally recognised in Women in Mining UK's 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining alumni. Florence was also recently appointed as an advisory board member to the Centre for Australia-India Relations.
Peter Bryant, Co-Founder and Chair of the Development Partner Institute said Florence shows a rare energy and drive, with the perfect blend of experience to champion the cause of mining industry development partnership.
“Florence has the full support of our Board to lead DPI into a new chapter. There has never been a time that the work DPI is doing globally and the goal of development partnership has been more needed by the industry than today, as the industry supports the shift to a minerals intensive energy system. Her determination and commitment to advocacy for Indigenous women in mining has made her a formidable force. With Indigenous concerns at the forefront of responsible sourcing and development partnership across the global mining value chain, we eagerly anticipate Florence’s contributions to our mission.”
“Florence will build upon the great foundation laid by Wendy Tyrrell, our outgoing Executive Director. Wendy’s exceptional leadership has guided and positioned DPI as a powerful voice in the mining ecosystem and from key initiatives like RESCO, delivered tremendous value to multiple stakeholders and owners. Wendy will be pursuing advanced studies on topics close to both our hearts and happily will remain involved as an advisor during the transition and on an on going basis.”
Outgoing Executive Director Wendy Tyrrell praised Florence’s appointment, saying:
“Florence will bring a fresh approach and build on our work to advance the DPI. I have immensely valued the opportunity to immerse myself in the mission of creating development partnership. I will continue to believe deeply in the work and that there is much more to be shaped and achieved for DPI into the future.”
As incoming Executive Director, Florence is looking forward to the opportunity to make her mark on a uniquely placed organisation.
“The opportunity to lead the Development Partner Institute is an exciting one especially since I have been a long-time believer in DPI’s work around operationalising the important values and principles of the Development Partner Framework.”
“I’ve said over the years that a mark of success for IWIMRA is when it becomes a self-sustaining community – I’m thrilled to have reached the point where I have capacity to take on a new challenge, and even more pleased that I’m able to continue to advocate for Indigenous participation in the mining value chain from DPI’s perspective. I look forward to strengthening my relationships with DPI’s stakeholders across the various initiatives and to continue to nurture the brave conversations and lead by example into the future of our sector.”
Wendy will remain involved with work on DPI’s flagship projects going forward. Florence will commence in the Executive Director role effective immediately.