THE Australian Property Institute is holding its 2020 National Board election. The API is urging members to cast their vote and help shape the future of the Institute. Katherine Bartolo is one of the candidates seeking to be elected to the national board of the API.
- What is your interest to come on board with the Australian Property Institute?
With skills acquired in the property industry over the last two-decades, I would like to give back to the profession and broaden API’s scope of influence.
I can see no greater reward than to create value for API members.
- What financial experience or expertise do you bring to the API?
My financial competency has been developed through my professional experiences in senior executive positions.
I currently hold fiscal responsibility for State allocated funds and lead the efficient and effective delivery of the required services. The importance of being frugal with funds to deliver the best possible service outcomes cannot be overstated.
- What governance experience do you bring to the API?
With a career history of operating within sound governance frameworks, I have a deep respect for all facets of its purpose. As a Statutory Officer, I am bound by legislative requirements and must act independently and free from influence.
Since commencing my current role of Valuer-General for South Australia, I have initiated a series of transparency initiatives – welcoming accountability.
I currently Chair a Steering Committee that is responsible for major project assurance.
Further, I participate as a member of a Governance Committee and am Deputy Chair of a not-for-profit Board.
- What strategic planning experience do you bring to the API?
As State Director for CBRE and Valuer-General my deep appreciation of all facets of a valuation practice have been put to effective strategic use.
My work developing and implementing the Office of the Valuer-General Strategic Plan has been taken from desktop to action in the last 6-months with South Australia’s terrifying bushfires and more recently with the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been no room for error or lack of clarity. This has been an outcome rich experience for myself and the team and – if elected – I am keen to roll-up my sleeves and support the API’s strategic directions.
- To further pursue API’s strategic direction, it would be of great benefit if prospective Directors could contribute advocacy, policy and/or digital communications experience to the Board. What is your experience in one or more of these areas?
My competencies in advocacy, policy and technological solutions have been developed through my professional experiences.
My current role charges me with responsibility for establishing a policy framework that incorporates stakeholder engagement. As such, I have created, reviewed and refreshed policies that impact Statutory Authorities; ensuring that the policies that guide our work are fit-for-purpose.
The world is evolving at a rapid pace and any business that thinks it can take a technological breather is mistaken. At the Office of the Valuer-General our ICT solutions are on the “live review” agenda, all-day every day. Keeping abreast of innovation helps us identify ways of doing things better – as why wouldn’t any business wish that for themselves to deliver betterment of outcome for their customers?
My career successes have hinged on advocacy work. As I have matured as have the approaches I have taken to lobbying decision makers and influencers to achieve the outcomes sought. At times advocacy work can be quite tricky. Focusing on the outcome drivers as my customers keeps my resilience and focus in check.
- In general, what can you bring to the API and why should members elect you?
Diversity of thinking is more important than ever for businesses looking to build a sustainable future.
My professional experiences across Australia in commercial, not-for-profit and government sectors, provide a platform that enables me to think laterally and find outside-of-the-box solutions to complex problems.
Underpinned by grassroots to the Valuer-General of South Australia career history, my ability to lead a thriving business – in the face of headwinds – is well documented.
More information on the 2020 Election can be found at https://www.api.org.au/about/api-pty-ltd-board-governance/meet-the-candidates-2020-api-board-elections/
