Dr Gretchen Gagel
Judge Chair 2023
Mr Allan Miller
Judge 2023
Dr Elisha Harris
Judge 2023
David Saxelby
Judge 2023
Dr Gretchen Gagel
Judge Chair 2023
A member of the National Academy of Construction, Gretchen is a recognized global expert in the engineering, construction, energy, and mining industries. She advises large corporations and government agencies to support the cost-effective planning, design, and construction of capital assets; and advises contractors, engineering firms, and material and equipment suppliers on how to effectively serve these clients. Her clients include General Motors, Procter & Gamble, United Airlines, Intel, NiSource, Kmart Group, WSP, T.Y. Lin and Dominion Energy.
Gretchen is Chair of Brinkman Construction (US), past Chair of Bridges to Prosperity (Global), Director Conversant (AUS), and Director (membership) of the International Women’s Forum (AUS). Gretchen is a graduate of the Australian Institute for Company Directors. She enjoys interviewing corporate and academic leaders on her popular podcast, Greatness – https://open.spotify.com/show/6y6R7h5H5feBhftuZTAjGF
Mr Allan Miller
Judge 2023
Allan’s career in the Tier 1 contracting sector over some 35 years , primarily with John Holland and Laing O’Rourke, and more recently his own consultancy business, has seen him lead success teams responsible for the delivery of major rail, civil, water, process, building, nuclear and oil & gas projects in both Australia and South East Asia.
Whilst half his career has been in various project delivery roles the balance of his corporate career was in senior management and executive positions both on and off shore.
Being well experienced in the vast array of major project delivery and commercial models, and having recently retired from his corporate career, Allan has successfully operated his own consultancy business from 2018 providing a range of delivery and commercial advice to both his industry and client associates.
Allan brings a wealth of major project delivery knowhow and commercial experience to the ACAA judging panel.
Dr Elisha Harris
Judge 2023
Dr Elisha Harris is a structural engineer with over 20 years of experience encompassing structural design, assessment and reporting, design management, project management, construction phase services, research and teaching. Her technical ability is complemented by her legal qualifications, strong interpersonal skills and business acumen.
Elisha is the co-founder and co-director of engineering and project management company, Harris Kmon Solutions. Established in 2015, Harris Kmon Solutions has offices in Darwin, Cairns, Townsville and Geelong, providing consulting services in the fields of structural, electrical and mechanical engineering, project management and Defence project services.
Elisha is an Engineering Executive and Fellow of Engineers Australia. She is a volunteer for the Engineers Australia Northern Division committee and the Darwin Community Legal Service. She is also a member of the NT Building Advisory Committee and the Chair of the NT Building Appeals Board.
David Saxelby
Judge 2023
David is one of Australia’s most senior and experienced leaders in the construction, transport and infrastructure sectors, and the Chairman of Earlytrade’s Board which guides rapid growth, governance rigor, and sector entry and expansion strategy.
During his career, spanning 35 years in managing director and chief executive roles for some of the largest construction and infrastructure companies in the southern hemisphere, David served as the CEO of Construction and Infrastructure Australia for Lendlease and was a member of the firm’s Global Leadership Team, before which he was CEO of Thiess and employed by the Leighton Group (now CIMIC) for over 18 years. He also served as the president of the Australian Constructors Association.
David is an active and passionate non-executive director, advising key stakeholders in both private and public sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Sydney and has been listed in the Top 100 Most Influential Engineers in Australia on four consecutive occasions.
Industry Partners
