Judging Panel

Sarah Smith

Director, Startup Growth and Investment, The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Sarah is passionate about all thing’s innovation and start-ups, creating and leveraging partnerships, enhancing reputation and driving transformation.

Sarah has more than 22 years’ experience as a leader, business owner and board director in both the private and public sectors and is commercially minded, creative and collaborative with expertise in business strategy, marketing communications and stakeholder engagement.

Donna Kramer

Co-Founder, Aruga

Donna Kramer is the Co-Founder of award-winning marketing agency Aruga and one of Queensland’s most respected strategic communications professionals. With two decades of experience across the cultural, tourism, lifestyle, property and not-for-profit sectors, she has led campaigns for iconic brands and events including Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, RSL Queensland and the G20 Global Summit Cultural Celebrations. A trusted advisor to leaders across government, tourism, business and the arts, Donna champions the power of communications to connect, inspire and drive impact.

Ellen Russell

Marketing Manager, Betty’s Burgers

Ellen Russell brings over six years of experience in brand management, digital content, and social media across private and not-for-profit sectors. She has contributed to rapidly growing businesses such as Betty’s Burgers, and several tech startups. Currently, as the Marketing Manager at Betty’s Burgers, Ellen is passionate about brand development and creating unique consumer experiences through innovative brand activations and across digital channels. Ellen is excited to join the judging panel to celebrate the incredible talent under 40 in Brisbane.

James Frostick

Editor, The Weekend Edition

James Frostick is the editor of The Weekend Edition and one of Brisbane’s leading food journalists. James has documented the evolution of Brisbane’s dining and cultural landscape for more than a decade, engaging with the city’s hospitality figures to help shine a light on the River City’s ongoing evolution. Every week, James can be spotted with his camera at Brisbane’s newest openings, be it a charming neighbourhood cafe, edgy back-alley boozer or high-end restaurant. 

Professor Mark Harvey

QUT Vice-President Engagement and Chief Marketing Officer

Mark is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Vice-President Business Development at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). In this role, he is also the delegated Head of Division, where he provides managerial oversight and leadership for Chancellery.

Highly active within the business and academic community, Mark is also the Vice-President of Business Chamber Queensland and Chair of QUT Enterprise Holdings. Mark plays a key role for QUT internationally; creating industry, government and university collaborations and partnerships which foster research, commercialisation, student and academic growth.

Backed by two decades of experience in senior university and venture capital roles, he has been integral to the formation and growth of more than 20 organisations – managing research and development, engagement, intellectual property, operations, finances and fundraising.

Mark has been on the board of directors at many ASX and NASDAQ-listed public companies plus one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds. He has also been the CEO/partner of two venture capital companies.

Nadine Moore

Chief Growth Officer, Children’s Hospital Foundation

Nadine Moore is a results-driven professional with expertise in Business, Marketing, and Philanthropy. She currently serves as Chief Growth Officer at the Children’s Hospital Foundation, where she leads strategic initiatives across the Foundation’s marketing and fundraising portfolio.

With a strong foundation in academic rigor, Nadine holds a Bachelor of Education, a Post Graduate Certificate in Public Relations, a Master of Business in Integrated Marketing Communication, and a Master of Education in Trauma-Informed Therapy. Her expertise in strategic leadership, business transformation, integrated marketing campaigns, and donor relationship management has driven both organisational growth and significant social impact.

At the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Nadine has focused on enhancing brand positioning, leading innovative philanthropic strategies and launching successful products, resulting in significant market growth. She is passionate about putting people at the centre of decision-making and creating meaningful connections between consumers, employees and communities.

Paul Venus

Partner, Piper Alderman

Paul Venus is a prominent lawyer with over 30 years of experience in commercial litigation, dispute resolution, and commercial law. 

He has represented clients at all levels of the Australian Court system. 

Paul specialises in areas that involve heavy regulation such as competition and consumer law, intellectual property, privacy, franchising, and technology. Paul is also an experienced commercial mediator.

His career includes roles as a non-executive director in the electricity and health sectors, further enhancing his practical industry knowledge.

As a Partner at Piper Alderman, based in Brisbane, Paul provides strategic advice to a wide range of clients, from multinational corporations to high-net-worth individuals.