Meet our
team
our team of experienced and diverse specialists is led by CEO ALister Jordan and founder annie o'rourke
ALISTER JORDAN
Chief Executive Officer
Based in Melbourne.
Alister has spent the past 20 years in senior government and business roles. He has a proven track record in leading teams to deliver outstanding strategic and commercial results.
Alister puts people first and firmly believes that success is simply an output of creating and nurturing a great culture.
Prior to joining 89 Degrees East as its CEO in 2020, Alister spent a decade in senior corporate roles, including as Chief Executive of Coles Express, Australia’s second largest petrol and convenience retailer and Chief Executive of Coles Online, one of the biggest online retailers in the country.
In these roles he led teams of up to 6,000 and was responsible for driving transformational change in a challenging retail environment.Prior to moving into the corporate world, Alister worked in the Federal Parliament for close to 10 years.
Between 2008 and 2010, Alister was the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister.
ANNIE O'ROURKE
Founder and Chief Creative Officer
Based in Byron Bay and Brisbane
Annie is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of 89 Degrees East, a role she loves because “it allows me everyday to work alongside some of the brightest, creative and connected individuals in the country”.
Through her 30 years of experience in strategic communications, media and public relations, Annie is well respected throughout government, political and private sectors. She’s been a Senior Advisor to a Prime Minister, the founding CEO of Media Team Australia, and has directed major Federal Government campaigns.
She is passionate about how technology can contribute to social policy outcomes and makes the world a better place. Annie’s favourite social campaign from the past is the Anti-Apartheid Movement, which was the first campaign she became aware of people power and how people achieved amazing results through the election of Nelson Mandela.
Fleur Anderson
Director - Business Development
Based in Canberra.
Fleur’s professional background includes senior political journalist and parliamentary sketch writer with The Australian Financial Review, a regular panellist on ABC’s Insiders, and Vice-President of the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery.
One of Fleur’s notable achievements with 89 Degrees East was assisting the delivery of the Academy for Enterprising Girls through the Australian Government’s Future Female Entrepreneurs Program.
She also wrote ‘On Sleep’, a book about slumber (or lack of it) and its impact on politics.
Her favourite social movement was the #RethinkRoleModels campaign by the Australian Diamonds netball team because it highlighted the grit and determination of our female sport stars, and instigated a move away from the sexualisation of female athletes by major sponsors.
Lauren Martyn-Jones
Director - Corporate Communications
Based in Sydney.
Lauren is a strategic communications professional with two decades of experience distilling complex ideas into purposeful and compelling communications.
As Director of Corporate Affairs at 89 Degrees East, Lauren has led major communications projects and high-impact media and advocacy campaigns for multinational organisations, ASX-listed companies, government departments and not-for-profit organisations.
Lauren has extensive experience navigating complex policy and stakeholder landscapes to deliver actionable communications and engagement strategies. She provides reputation and issues management advice to clients across the energy, healthcare, tourism and FMCG sectors.
With a background in journalism, Lauren is a skilled communicator with an extensive network of media, political and industry contacts across Australia.
ELLA BROGAN
Director - Operations
Based in Melbourne.
Ella has over 15 years of strategic communications, marketing and business experience spanning a diverse range of organisations both in Australia and abroad.
Ella has held senior roles at Māori Television, New Zealand’s largest indigenous broadcaster, Red Bull and the IRONMAN Group, the world’s largest mass participation and endurance sports provider.
Bringing a wealth of knowledge, passion and experience to the team, Ella prides herself on her ability to deliver innovative digital strategies capable of achieving cut-through in a landscape awash with digital white noise. Her experience includes the development and execution of many unique and impactful multi-channel campaigns.
Dr Rebecca huntley
Director of Research
Based in Sydney.
Dr Rebecca Huntley is one of Australia's foremost researchers on social trends and a Fellow of the Research Society of Australia. For nearly 9 years Rebecca was the Director of The Mind & Mood Report, Australia's longest running social trends report. She has led research at Essential Media and Vox Populi, part of the CIRCA research group, before starting her own research and consultancy business.
She worked closely with The Sunrise Movement on the Climate Compass Project as well as with many other climate and environment NGOs.
She has also authored several books including How to Talk About Climate Change in a Way that Makes a Difference.
Tegan Gilchrest
Digital Strategy Director
Based in Canberra.
Tegan is an experienced marketer and digital innovation strategist with more than two decades of experience in consultancy, media, and national campaigns. A specialist in consumer insights, Tegan is passionate about adopting an audience and customer-first approach to drive behaviour change and deliver successful outcomes. Tegan brings a creative flair to complex problems with a laser-sharp focus on data-driven insights.
As the Director of Digital Business Strategy at 89 Degrees East, Tegan leads the ideation, strategy and scaling of significant projects and has specialised in cyber security, entrepreneurship, small business and national advocacy.
Prior to her work at 89 Degrees East, Tegan spearheaded the digital growth and expansion of Mamamia Media Company as Marketing Director, working across marketing, research, product development and strategic client partnerships.
Glenn Byres
Director - Policy, Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement
Based in Byron Bay and Brisbane.
Glenn has two decades of executive level experience in both the corporate and political sectors, including senior communications roles for two NSW Premiers and a Federal Opposition Leader. He has expertise across strategy, messaging and reputation management.
During his time with 89 Degrees East, Glenn has designed and delivered advocacy, stakeholder engagement and communications strategies for clients across the energy transition, property, infrastructure and health care industries, as well as working with government and not-for-profit clients.
Rachel Howard
Director
Based in Melbourne
Rachel Howard has more than 20 years of policy and political experience, spanning government, multinational, not-for-profit and academic settings in Australia and abroad.
Rachel has worked at senior levels of the Australian Government, including as a Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister (2019-2022).
Rachel enjoys crafting strategic solutions to complex and challenging problems and thrives on collaboration with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
We are...
a dynamic team of strategic and creative problem solvers, digital marketers, advertisers, policy specialists, researchers, data analysts, designers, content creators, senior government advisers, public relations professionals, journalists, storytellers, media managers, and—when it matters most—your trusted communication staff and right-hand support in a crisis.
By combining these skills and experiences, we craft the chemistry our clients need to achieve impactful results.
Sophia agneskis
Senior Consultant
Based in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast
Sophia is a lawyer and seasoned communications and stakeholder relations professional with more than fifteen years of political advocacy and issues management experience working with lawmakers, regulators, peak bodies, interest groups and not-for-profits.
Sophia has worked with senior public figures and community leaders across local, state and federal governments to facilitate public consultation on the issues that are important to their constituencies.
Julia balderstone
Associate Director
Based in Melbourne
Julia is a strategic corporate affairs leader with experience across multiple sectors. Having worked on both sides of the fence – as a journalist and in a corporate environment – Julia understands how to improve trust and reputation through powerful communication and genuine community and stakeholder engagement.
Julia has a strong track record in leading corporate partnerships with not-for-profit organisations and key stakeholders to deliver shared value. In her most recent corporate roles, she led community strategies to deliver improved health outcomes, tackle food security, reduce waste and support disaster relief. With a farming background and extensive experience in the food and grocery sector, Julia also has a deep interest in sustainability, agriculture and rural and regional affairs.
Alice boogert
Digital Marketing Consultant
Based in Byron Bay
Alice is an enthusiastic and driven entrepreneur who’s committed to supporting Australian women to turn their own passions into their professions, she is a testament that dreams come true if you work hard to achieve them! As the co-founder of a successful company in glorious Byron Bay, Alice takes her passion for sports and events and her logistical brain to create memorable business events here at 89 Degrees East.
With a wealth of experience in digital marketing, she’s a true asset to any project. With her incredible knowledge of WordPress, this dynamic individual is always happy to lend a hand to improve your website and enhance its strategy to make it shine!
.
Beth Bryan
Campaign Manager
Based in Melbourne
Beth has 15 years experience in managing and delivering diverse marketing strategies, projects, integrated campaigns, brands, activations, and partnerships for a range of businesses. She has experience across a number of industries including tourism, events and sport, working with globally recognised organisations such as Fox Sports, Visit Victoria, Tourism Queensland and Live Nation Australasia.
With a passion for brand, strategy and creative Beth brings a holistic approach to solving complex marketing challenges.
Sakshi Chaudhary
Research Advisor
Based in Melbourne
Sakshi Chaudhary is a social researcher with five years of experience in research and evaluation, focused on creating meaningful social and environmental change. She has worked across the UK and New Zealand with NGOs, charities and institutional investors to design, deliver and implement evaluations that inform strategy and strengthen impact.
Her expertise spans qualitative and quantitative analysis, stakeholder engagement, and translating complex evidence into clear, actionable insights. Sakshi has contributed to projects across housing, education, health and international development, including impact reports that have shaped investment strategies and secured government funding.
She is passionate about using evidence and community voices to advance equity and drive long-term systemic change.
Aislinn Connelly
Finance Manager
Based in Melbourne
Aislinn is an experienced Finance Manager who brings 20 years experience to her role at 89 Degrees East.
As a CPA, Aislinn ensures accounting compliance and integrity is maintained across the organisation.
Through the years, Aislinn has worked across multiple industries and business sectors which she draws on to provide valuable insights into the financial performance of the organisation and is instrumental in the development and implementation of financial strategies and processes.
Sophie Coyle
Digital Campaign Lead
Based in Byron bay
Sophie is a results-driven marketer who has excelled crafting and executing strategic campaigns. Her expertise extends across international private and nonprofit sectors, specialising in digital marketing, effective communication strategies and brand management. Sophie thrives on collaboration, working closely with stakeholders to ensure the delivery of measurable outcomes.
Driven by a passion to maximise social impact, Sophie played a pivotal role in orchestrating nationwide campaigns for Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia. Her efforts were instrumental in generating much-needed funds to support families facing immense challenges.
Elissa Doherty
Media and Communications Advisor
Based in Melbourne
Elissa is an award-winning journalist and communications specialist, with more than two decades’ experience across Australia, Asia, Britain, Europe and the Middle East.
A former News Corp chief of staff and reporter, Elissa established a successful freelance content and media consultancy in 2017, working across mainstream newsrooms and corporate, health and not-for-profit sectors. She excels in using storytelling and communications to build the media profile and reputation of organisations, and raise awareness about important, under-the-radar issues. Purpose-driven work is her passion and working inside war-torn Ukraine with World Vision to raise global awareness of the humanitarian crisis was a career highlight.
Laura Downey
Media and Communications Advisor
Based in Melbourne
Laura has diverse strategic communications experience in both the public and private sectors across Melbourne and Sydney. She has held roles in media within state government and is adept at cultivating impactful messaging and managing reputational risks. Laura has also worked across a range of long-term communications projects, primarily involving the justice system, and honed expertise in delivering strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.
Laura particularly enjoys building strong and genuine stakeholder relationships and has an unwavering commitment to getting the best results for clients.
.png)
Lara Freidin
Senior Consultant
Based in Melbourne
Lara Freidin is a policy and advocacy expert, with over a decade of experience working in community organisations, politics, and the law.Lara has led national and state campaigns to reform policies, laws and systems to improve people’s lives.
Previously, as Executive Officer of Women’s Legal Services Australia, Lara was a key architect of the legal assistance sector receiving an additional $800 million in Access to Justice Partnership funding.
Lara combines her experience as a political adviser — both for the Commonwealth Shadow Attorney-General and the Victorian Minister for Victim Support — with a deep understanding of the legal system and the community services sector, and her commitment to social justice and intersectional values, to craft winning advocacy strategies.
Scott Gamble
Head of Content & Digital
Based in Byron Bay and Brisbane
Scott is a digital and content leader with more than 20 years’ experience shaping strategy for some of Australia’s most trusted media brands. Before joining 89 Degrees East, he was Head of Social Media at the ABC, where he led large-scale digital content strategies, built high-performing creative teams, and drove audience growth across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram — reaching nearly a third of Australians each week.
At 89 Degrees East, Scott leads the firm’s digital-first content practice, helping clients craft data-driven storytelling and impactful campaigns that cut through the noise. The intersection of compelling content strategies and earned media is critical to building trust in an era of AI-driven attention — Scott’s deep expertise in platform partnerships and creative strategy, and his background at Australia’s largest media organisation position him strongly to help clients navigate this shift.
KIMBERLEY GARDINER
Senior Consultant
Based in Melbourne
Kimberley is a seasoned communications and public affairs professional with a dynamic background spanning government, politics, international aid, and advocacy. After earning her degree in Political Science from the University of Wollongong, Kimberley began her career in Canberra. Over the next two decades she worked for a range of Federal and State politicians, including the first female Deputy Prime Minister and the first female Premier of Queensland.
In 2017, Kimberley undertook a volunteer assignment mentoring young women in Myanmar and then joined Save the Children Australia as Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs. After almost 5 years and deployments to Ukraine, Iraq and Fiji Kimberley joined 89 Degrees East, bringing her extensive expertise in advocacy, strategy, and international perspectives to the team.
Lisa Gercovich
Senior Graphic Designer
Based in Melbourne
Lisa is a seasoned creative professional with 20+ years of experience, specialising in impactful visual communication for diverse clients. Her work spans major brands and boutique businesses, ensuring designs that are both visually captivating and aligned with marketing goals. Passionate about nature and adventure, Lisa’s love for the outdoors fuels her creativity and brings innovation and energy to her work.
Carolynne Hamilton
Senior Project Manager
Based in Melbourne
Carolynne is an experienced digital project and program manager who has led the delivery of transformative digital products and services for the Victorian Government – Business Victoria and the Department of Premier & Cabinet. She has collaborated with clients, and led research, design, content and development teams to create high quality customer experiences.
Prior to joining 89 Degrees East, Carolynne worked in digital innovation for 13 years, and regional newspapers for 20 years.
Jaime ho
Senior Graphic Designer
Based in Canberra
Jaime is a multi-talented and enthusiastic Graphic Designer at 89 Degrees East who is passionate about digital media, branding and illustrations. She enjoys designing creative materials for campaigns related to children and students' rights around the world. She is dedicated to bringing brands to life via social media platforms and social events.
Richard Hocking
Digital Marketing Consultant
Based in Byron Bay
Richard is a growth and digital marketing specialist with experience across agency and global tech environments, including Booking.com and Google. With a background spanning multi-channel growth, strategic partnerships, and end-to-end account management for high-value clients, Richard brings a rigorous, data-driven approach to solving complex business challenges.
As a Digital Marketing Consultant at 89 Degrees East, Richard focuses on driving sustainable, customer-centric growth. He applies a scientific methodology to experimentation across the entire customer journey—testing, analysing, and optimising strategies to improve retention and lifetime value, not just acquisition. His holistic approach encompasses every stage of the funnel, from brand awareness and customer acquisition to post-purchase engagement and turning customers into long-term advocates.
Prior to joining 89 Degrees East, Richard worked within both agency and “big tech” settings, where he developed a deep understanding of digital performance levers, commercial strategy, and stakeholder management. He is skilled at guiding senior leaders and C-suite teams through data-driven decision-making, bringing a commercial, results-focused mindset that supports businesses to scale with clarity and confidence.
Jessica Marszalek
Associate Director
Based in Brisbane
Previously an award-winning political editor, Jessica brings decades of knowledge operating in Canberra and Brisbane to help her clients cut through the noise. A strategic communications specialist who understands the power of storytelling, Jessica has excellent connections across Australia’s media sector and generates widespread coverage for clients.
Katja Matters
Senior Graphic Designer
Based in Melbourne
Katja is a dedicated graphic designer with extensive experience managing creative briefs across diverse industries in Melbourne and London. She has worked for large international and Australian-owned advertising agencies. Her career is defined by a strong commitment to brand consistency and delivering high-quality work, ensuring each project exceeds expectations from concept to completion.
Holly Mccarthy
Associate Director
Based in Melbourne
Holly McCarthy is a social researcher and strategic communications consultant passionate about harnessing the power of language to build a better world.
In her work on policy and behaviour change campaigns, Holly aims to unpack the values and beliefs that explain where people are at and identify the words, frames, and stories that move them.
Madeleine Opitz
Senior Consultant
Based in Canberra
Madeleine has more than a decade of experience in communications, social media strategy, agile delivery and events for government and businesses. She has a proven track record of developing and delivering communications strategies in the Human Centred Design and digital space. She specialises in creating productive and lasting relationships with colleagues and clients.
Having worked across a number of industries including social media startups, retail management, hospitality and government service design, her breadth of cross sector experience is an asset to any project
Victoria Opitz
Partnership and Events Coordinator
Based in Canberra
Victoria is an experienced executive support professional with a strong background in political administration, event management, and international liaison. She has a proven ability to organise high-profile events and conferences to exceptional standards. Victoria is skilled in stakeholder engagement, meticulous administration, and effective communication across the public and private sectors.
Angela O'Rourke
Executive Assistant
Based in Brisbane
Angela demonstrates over 26 years of dynamic experience as a driven and versatile Administration Manager. Her professional journey showcases a remarkable fusion of entrepreneurial flair and administrative proficiency.
Angela’s entrepreneurial acumen is exemplified by her co-founding of a multi-million dollar enterprise, underscoring her business prowess. Moreover, she consistently excels in client-facing roles, testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering constructive relationships.
Miriam rizvi
Digital & Social Content Producer
Based in Sydney
Miriam (Mim) Rizvi is the ARIA Award nominated star of the 89 Degrees East Team, having co-founded children's band, The Beanies, who were nominated for Best Children’s Album in 2019.
Mim is passionate about helping children be their most creative selves through the Australian Children's Television Foundation. Stamping out bullying in schools is also close to her heart, as is R U OK Day.
Kimberley Roberts-Salee
Senior Consultant
Based in Canberra
Kimberley is a senior marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement professional with 15 years of experience across multiple industries including tourism, business events, government, aviation and professional services.
From delivering integrated destination and event marketing campaigns for Cairns & Great Barrier Reef and IRONMAN Cairns, to leading the team responsible for positioning Canberra as a world-class business events destination, and developing communications and engagement strategies for a range of government and private sector stakeholders, she is a passionate marketer and communicator.
GIA RYAN LEWIS
Marketing and Communications Officer
Based in Canberra
Gia brings more than six years of experience in marketing and design, having honed her skills through a variety of roles in digital marketing, graphic design, and brand strategy - her most recent role coordinating the member database and media team at the Australian Institute of Architects.
Gia combines her academic knowledge with her hands-on experience to deliver innovative solutions that enhance the agency's communications efforts. Her work is characterised by a keen eye for design, a passion for storytelling, and an ability to create compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Alex Sampson
Senior Consultant
Based in Melbourne
Alex is a former journalist and experienced communications professional. She has led the launch of global reports, advocacy, marketing and media campaigns, as well as major strategic communications and stakeholder engagement projects across the private, public and community sectors. Alex has worked as a publication editor, media company CEO and in media management for the government and not-for-profit sectors.
She has led marketing, advocacy and PR campaigns for numerous clients while working at 89 Degrees East, including the use of various modes of digital and traditional advertising, and achieving a high level of reach and impact for her clients. She specialises in developing clear, compelling narratives that deliver real impact and results.
Kellie singer
Associate Director, Partnership and Events
Based in Canberra
Kellie is an experienced event, communications and community manager with a demonstrated history working in private and government administration. She has a strong background in event management, with strong organisation and planning abilities to deliver well-executed projects on time. Previously Kellie was the Digital Profession Engagement, Events and Communications Team Lead for the Australian Public Service Commission where she demonstrated strategic thinking and the ability to influence change and deliver solutions. Prior to this Kellie was the Communications Manager -Ministerial & Executive Communication and Coordination (MECC) in the Strategic Communications Team for the Department of Defence. She has a proven history of making sound, justifiable decisions in high-pressure, face-paced event situations and is highly skilled in stakeholder engagement and facilitation.
Nina Stanwell
Executive Officer
Based in Melbourne
Over the last 15 years, Nina has built a career centred on delivering strategic, community-led outcomes with a focus on meaningful engagement. Career highlights include leading inclusive programs and a complex suite of funding initiatives.
With expertise in stakeholder engagement, program management, and policy, she has led strategic reviews, crafted evidence-based policy, and prioritised equity and intentional community involvement across diverse contexts.
Ruth Swinton
HR and Business Manager
Based in Melbourne
Ruth’s professional experience includes law, market research, project management and finance. At 89 Degrees East, Ruth manages all things business.She was previously involved in a successful start-up in the travel industry, which after a period of impressive growth was acquired by a national organisation.
RACHAEL VAUGHN
Digital & Social Content Producer
Based in Melbourne
Rachael is a seasoned digital content strategist and graphic designer with over ten years of experience. Skilled in content creation, digital strategy, and audience growth, Rachael has successfully increased social media followings and led innovative campaigns, transforming government communication into engaging online narratives.
With a background in design and a keen eye for visual storytelling, she brings creative thinking and strategic insight to every project.
EMMA WARDILL
Associate Director
Based in Brisbane
Emma is a strategic communications specialist with broad experience delivering impactful communications and stakeholder engagement campaigns.
With a background in journalism and government relations, Emma understands the importance of clear messaging and quality stakeholder engagement to build trust and drive change.
Emma has worked with ASX-listed companies, multinational organisations and government departments on high-impact communications campaigns and issues management.
Margreet Wiegers
Product Manager Digital Solutions
Based in Byron Bay
Margreet Wiegers is an experienced and capable digital specialist with a career spanning multiple digital marketing, ecommerce and social impact brands and channels. With a career encompassing agency and in-house roles, she has a thorough understanding of the digital landscape and excels in meeting the unique needs of organizations of all sizes.
She holds an MBA, a Masters in Science, and a Masters of Social Sciences, combining practical skills with a strategic mindset and care for social impact.
Carla Zapel
Senior Graphic Designer
Based in Canberra
Carla is a designer and illustrator with over 20 years experience creating impactful design solutions across print, web and digital design. She’s been the designing force behind a broad spectrum of projects, from national public awareness campaigns to illustrating children’s books.
Carla’s design skills are diverse in application, from art direction, branding, event graphics, corporate documents, digital design, through to data visualisation. Across all projects, she combines smart creative flair with sound design principles to produce outstanding, on target graphics for our clients.
career opportunities
We are always keen to hear from talented and creative professionals who would like to join our team. We are committed to creating an environment that values and utilises the contributions and experiences of people from a range of backgrounds. We strongly encourage and support people from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI+, mature aged, Indigenous Australians and people with disability to apply. Get in touch with your CV.
There are no current vacancies.
