New Chair for Industry Advisory Board
Tracey Cotter-Martin of Datacom is the new Chair of AUT’s Computer and Mathematical Sciences Industry Advisory Board.
Cotter-Martin, who is Associate Director: Futures and Insights at Datacom, joined the Board in 2023.
"I joined with the goal of ensuring strong continuity between the skills and knowledge we need in industry and the skills and knowledge that our future problem solvers are gaining through their university studies,” Cotter-Martin says.
“The critical role of computer and mathematical sciences – and more broadly of STEM – in helping tackle the global challenges we face is increasingly evident.
“I feel privileged to support the voice of industry in shaping the experiences and acumen our future generations of talent will need to navigate the ongoing pace of tech, disruption and the opportunities this brings,” she says.
“I'm proud to be part of a progressive AUT community, which is clearly dedicated to growing our digital capability locally and for global impact.
“There is a strong alignment with the focus of our work at Datacom, where our organisational purpose is to make a difference in people's lives by turning the imaginable into reality."
Cotter-Martin takes the role of Chair after the retirement of Row Robinson, who held the post for 18 years.
AUT’s Professor Tek Tjing Lie, who is Head of the School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences (ECMS), welcomed Cotter-Martin to the role, and thanked Robinson for his “outstanding service, friendship, and his unwavering support over the years.”
Professor Lie says the Board is “an important bridge between academia, research, and industry, and it has been an honour and a privilege working with Row.
“As part of AUT - New Zealand’s only University of Technology - ECMS seeks to create strong symbiotic partnerships with industry, particularly in areas where technologies are used, developed, or invented,” Professor Lie says.
“These partnerships benefit the University, businesses and communities, and create opportunities for industry-oriented training for our students, including work-integrated or work-based learning.
“Partnerships also mean collaboration and engagement with research that tackles contemporary and future challenges faced by both industry and communities.”
Professor Lie says he is grateful for AUT’s strong industry and community partnerships, which help shape future leaders – and the future of the computer and mathematical sciences industry in Aotearoa and beyond.
As well as confirming Cotter-Martin as Chair at its March meeting, the Board resolved to take a more integrative approach to the ways academia and industry connect to promote resilience in communities and economic prosperity for the country.
The Board also farewelled Nicholas Fourie, Vice President and CIO at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, (who recently took the top spot in the 2023 CIO rankings) after five years as a valued, insightful and supportive member.
AUT’s Computer & Mathematical Sciences Industry Advisory Board members are:
- Tracey Cotter-Martin, Datacom, Associate Director: Futures + Insights (Chair)
- James Grieve, Spotted Dog Consulting, Director/ Consultant
- Andrew Cathie, Harmoney, Data Scientist
- Daniel Brokenshire, Fusion Networks Ltd, Senior Systems / Cloud Engineer / Architect
- Del Mobin, Streamline, Managing Director
- Jane Hwang, Solnet, General Manager Northern Region
- Priya Mathur, Woolworths NZ, Chapter Lead Data Excellence
- Suné Rogers, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Strategy and Planning Manager
- Janhav Khanna, SAS Consulting, Technical Consultant
- Row Robinson, AltoStratus Ltd, Principal
- Mojgan Hafezi Fard, AUT student representative
- Prof Tek Tjing Lie, AUT Interim Head of School, ECMS
- A/Prof Minh Nguyen, AUT, Head of Department, Computer Science and Software Engineering
- Prof Jiling Cao, AUT, Head of Department, Mathematical Sciences
- Leanne Bint, AUT, Manager Engagement & Wellbeing
- Prof William Wong, AUT, Associate Head of School - External Engagement
- Prof Peter Chong, AUT, Associate Head of School - Research
- Donald Ripia, AUT, ECMS Te Kaiwhakatere