Elizabeth Skirving
Chief Executive Officer
Elizabeth has been Chief Executive Officer of Rural Business Tasmania since 2006 and also holds down an extensive board directorship portfolio. Elizabeth is known as a hard-working CEO, Board Director, and community member, who is fluent in community engagement, diplomacy, industry development, marketing, and finance. She is a strong advocate and recognised leader.
As an experienced Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth has a proven and extensive record of accomplishment for delivering highly successful programs with different stakeholder groups across Tasmania and Australia. Elizabeth has strong relationships across government, primary industry, small business organisations, not-for-profit, business and academia.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Business in 1993 and as a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand and Graduate member of Institute of Company Directors, Elizabeth worked for many years in private practice accounting firms and has held senior positions in large commercial enterprise together with short term consulting, audit, and CFO projects for multiple businesses.
Elizabeth’s financial and management skills and formal qualifications in finance, business and governance are complemented by her understanding of the Tasmanian rural and regional community. From childhood experience, and a 5th generation of a farming family who were active within their community and industry, she has a long history of community involvement including board experience with various not-for-profit associations, including a substantial time with Rural Youth Tasmania. Her current portfolio of Board Directorships includes Deputy Chair, Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (National peak advocacy body) and as an Industry representative of Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) Advisory Board.
Elizabeth is passionate about Tasmania, and in promoting good business management to ensure prosperous rural and regional communities continue. Outside of the office, she enjoys musical experiences, cuddling with her pet cats, extensive travel holidays, lovely gardens and many wonderful times with her close family and friends from around the world.