Executive team

Romilly Madew is the CEO of Engineers Australia, driving urgent action to build a strong, skilled and diverse engineering workforce to ensure Australia can meet its current and future needs. 

Representing more than 134,000 members, Romilly says Australia’s future relies on engineers – whether to support the energy transition to net zero, to deliver critical infrastructure for thriving cities and regions, to build advanced manufacturing capabilities, integrate digital and automation solutions to unlock productivity, or to develop the diagnostic tools and innovative therapeutic medical devices that save lives.

In her previous role as CEO of Infrastructure Australia, Romilly led infrastructure reforms to better serve communities, and helped governments to prioritise nation-building projects.

In her capacity as CEO of Engineers Australia, Romilly sits on the STEM and Health Champions of Change committee. She is currently a Member of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Infrastructure Forum, Director of Placemaking NSW Board, Chair IFM Australian Infrastructure Investor Advisory Committee, Federal Government appointee G20 EMPOWER – Empowerment and Progression of Women's Economic Representation, Chair UNSW Institute of Industrial Decarbonisation IAC, Member Industry Skills Australia IAC, Independent Chair of the Currawong State Park Advisory Board (NSW), Member Infrastructure Net Zero Steering Committee, Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers Enabling Better Infrastructure Steering Group (UK) and Director of Minerva Network (supporting Australia’s elite sportswomen).

Romilly has previously been a Federal Government appointee on the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group, Member of the Urban Policy Consultation Network, Member of the National Women in Transport CEO Advisory Group and Director of Sydney Olympic Park.

Romilly has delivered keynotes speeches and participated in panel discussions at major national and international events, including the AFR Infrastructure Summit, UNSW Women in Engineering Awards, Foundations and Frontiers, IoT Impact Conference and many more. 

Katherine Richards AM CSC HonFIEAust CPEng EngExec NER is Engineers Australia’s Chief Engineer. In this position, she advocates for the engineering profession nationally and internationally, providing expert insights to support strategic initiatives of national importance. She engages with media, government and industry to amplify the voice of engineering in public discourse and decision-making. 

Prior to joining Engineers Australia, Katherine served in the Royal Australian Navy. She joined the Navy as a midshipman and graduated Dux of her Naval Class at the Australian Defence Force Academy with First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering. Over a distinguished 36-year career in the Navy, she rose to the rank of Rear Admiral, retiring from active service in December 2024.

Her achievements during this time included Command of HMAS CERBERUS, as well as leadership roles as Head Navy Engineering and the Defence Seaworthiness Regulator. Following the AUKUS announcement, Katherine was appointed to design the Australian Naval Nuclear Powered Submarine Safety Regulator, overseeing the safety and environmental performance of the nuclear submarine program. 

Katherine is a Board Member of Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). In 2024, she achieved a post graduate qualification in quantum physics from the ANU.

Katherine has been awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross and is a Member of the Order of Australia. Katherine Richards is an Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Chartered Professional Engineer. 

Bernadette Foley FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER was appointed Group Executive Professional Standards and Engineering Practice in December 2024. She has held several roles at Engineers Australia since joining in 2019, including: Head of Accreditation, General Manager of Professional Standards and over a year as Acting Chief Engineer.

Bernadette is a civil engineer with more than 30 years’ experience across industry and education in Australia and the UK. Her technical expertise is in urban concept planning, water resource management and sustainability. Prior to joining Engineers Australia, Bernadette was the Associate Dean (Curriculum and Accreditation) in the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Adelaide.

Bernadette has a background in engineering education including curriculum reform, improving educational outcomes and graduate employability, improving professional standards and strengthening connections between academia and industry. She was an International Engineering Alliance working group member for the 2021 review of the international Graduate Attributes and Professional Competencies for the engineering profession.

Bernadette holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with First Class Honours and a Graduate Certificate in Education (Higher Education) from the University of Adelaide. 

Jo Gullick joined Engineers Australia in April 2023. Jo leads the Finance and Risk teams that provide financial and risk management services, business partnering and reporting for the organisation and its subsidiaries. Jo is focused on ensuring sustainable and responsible performance and growth of the organisation into the future.

Prior to her current role, Jo was the CFO, Company Secretary and Head of Business Innovation at the Property Council of Australia, and prior to this Chief Accountant for The Australian Industry Group. She has held roles in a broad range of industries including an ASX publicly listed company, NFP industry associations, performing arts, retail and chartered accountancy. Jo has more than 30 years’ experience in finance and corporate governance.

Jo is a Fellow of both CPA Australia and the Governance Institute of Australia and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University.

With a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (first class honours), Michael has more than 25 years’ domestic and international experience. Michael has worked across the manufacturing, finance, and professional services sectors with Ford Motor Company, Pacifica Group, National Australia Bank, Deloitte and PwC. His career journey has seen him go from fitter and turner, to engineer, to consultant. Most recently, he was a Director of Business Operations Consulting at PwC where he led the firm’s process excellence capability. 

Ricky joined Engineers Australia in October 2020 as the Executive General Manager of People and Transformation. He is now the Group Executive, Member and Customer.

During his career Ricky has held several HR leadership roles and most recently was the Director – Human Resources for the CSIRO, leading a team of more than 100 across Australia. Ricky’s strong business acumen and track record of delivering impact has positioned him to be a valued business partner across many industries including research and development, technology and the public sector. He has a strong focus on driving business outcomes through shaping organisational culture, developing high performing teams and creating exceptional employee experiences. 

Ricky is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Directors and holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) with Honours.