Our People
“As with any successful organisation, it is the staff of Accrete that make our end product successful”. (Mark Leahy – Director, Accrete)
Sincerity, Experience and Enthusiam – the key characteristics of all Accrete staff. Accrete takes pride in the fact that we select qualified industry & business experienced people who can deliver the needs of our clients in a very practical way to enhance desired outcomes. Accrete facilitators are skilled in the application of adult learning principles, facilitation and presentation skills.
Jon Baker:
General Manager
Jon has a wealth of experience in management, with a focus on appropriate industrial practices, business systems, Human Resource Management systems and training coordination.
In a training coordination role, Jon was seconded to ADrail and was responsible for managing the training requirements for the Alice Springs to Darwin Railway project, including apprenticeships, short course ‘on-the-job’ training, and pre-employment training for some 1000 workers. About one third of the training participants were Indigenous.
Jon was also General Manager of the Territory Construction Association (TCA) (now Master Builders Association) prior to setting up his own consultancy in which he played a significant role in establishing the Australian Technical College Darwin as an entity and operational organisation.
Jon’s areas of expertise include Project Management, Business and Strategic Planning, Human Resource Management and Training Development & Coordination.
Jon holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Valuation and Estate Management. He has also represented a number of organisations on various Boards and committees, including;
- Construction Industry Reference Group, responsible for:
- The introduction of the Construction Induction system.
- Security of Payment legislation
- Builders Registration
- Portable Long Service Leave for the construction industry
- NT Government Procurement Council
- Northern Territory Industry Capability Network
- NT Construction Training Board
- NT Business Council (Deputy Chair)
- Alternative member for the Master Builders Australia Insurance Service.
Perhaps Jon’s greatest strength is the ability to provide relevant advice in the areas of HRM, Industrial Practices and Business Systems to enhance organisational efficiencies.
Madeline Lysaght-Wright:
Operations Manager & Training Services Co-ordinator
Madeline Lysaght-Wright joined Accrete in January 2011 as Operations Manager & Training Co-ordinator.
Maddie is highly organised and enjoys managing all aspects of training co-ordination to ensure the end product is delivered to our client’s satisfaction. Having worked in the mining industry on the ground as an operations worker to the HR and recruitment areas, she brings a wide range of experience to Accrete. The level of insight held by her belies her relatively short experience with the company.
Maddie’s current responsibilities include contributing to the strategic objectives of Accrete and ensuring the highest standards of professional behaviour through training/management responsibilities. As part of the Management Team she is accountable for managing and scheduling of all Safety & People, Teams and Business Training, operational requirements and account processes of the business.
Maddie is a very valuable team member and has earned the respect of her colleagues. Perhaps her most important contribution is the positive impact that she has on Accretes’ relationship with its clients with her professional approach to meeting client’s needs.
Mark Leahy:
Director People, Teams and
Business Development & Senior Facilitator
Prior to joining Accrete, Mark was the owner operator of Mark Leahy Training & Management Consultancy from the period 1997 to 2005. Mark established his business after a successful 25 year career in the Australian Regular Army.
Mark has extensive experience in management/leadership training development programs incorporating business coaching and mentoring. He has exceptional interpersonal skills and is able to motivate participants to achieve maximum results. Mark will deliver very practical, value adding solutions to assist anyone operating in today's corporate environment.
He has enjoyed a successful 23-year executive career with extensive leadership and training design, development, implementation and delivery experience. He has had line management accountabilities throughout Australia with international and remote area experience and responsibility for up to 600 professional, technical and administrative staff. He has managed budgets to $300m and inventories to $250m and experienced head office staff responsibilities including strategic planning, resource and budgetary management and international logistics.
Mark's guiding philosophy can be summarised in the statement "Sincerity, enthusiasm and experience are the critical requirements of anybody attempting to develop others."
Areas of expertise: Tailored in-house organisational development programs, Team Building, Project Management, Leadership/Management programs, Executive Corporate Conferences, Executive Management coaching, Strategic/Business planning
Mike Apathy:
Director Safety and Business Development
& Team Leader Marine and Offshore Training
Michael Apathy holds the position of Director of Safety and Business Development Management & Team Leader Marine & Offshore Training, after 10 years as Operations Manager / Project Director / Manager with a high profile Oil & Gas support company.
Michael has considerable experience in managing and supervising staff in high stress and risk situations where OS & H requirements are of paramount importance. He has regularly had sole responsibility for the lives and safety of large numbers of personnel in hazardous scenarios.
He brings a wealth of management experience directly involved in Occupational Health and Safety and over 17 years offshore experience working in the oil & gas industry in the high risk and high demand commercial diving industry.
Michael has worked throughout Australasia as a trainer and training advisor, including Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore, Timor Leste and Thailand.
He is responsible for the development and safety training focussing on oil & gas industry requirements.
Additional to his responsibilities for Safety Training he will be a focal point within Accrete and in direct liaison with clients in the development of client specific / specialised training requirements.
- Member of the Australian Institute of Project Managers
- Nominated for Project Manager of the Year 2008
- Recipient of the Project Management Achievement Award 2005 Northern Territory (A team result)
- Recipient of Northern Territory Initiative Award 2008 (A team result)
- Secretary / Treasurer RAN Clearance Divers Association NT Chapter
Dave Champion:
Safety Trainer
Dave joined Accrete in early 2008 and brought with him a wealth of practical experience. His introduction to the world of safety came when he joined the State Emergency Service in Queensland. During this time he participated in numerous climbing and diving operations including storm damage repairs and rescue.
He has since worked in a variety of industries and locations throughout Australia, on both construction and mine sites and as the OHS manager in a range of diverse businesses. Dave is also a reservist in the Royal Australian Air Force.
At a friend’s suggestion he started recreational diving in 1990 and is a qualified Divemaster. He has dived in Queensland, Malaysia, Thailand, Fiji and Vanuatu, and utilised his hobby to work on cruise ships leading dives for passengers and assisting with instruction.
In 1994, Dave became involved in training after giving one particular organisation an honest appraisal of their induction training. As a consequence he was invited to join their training team. Dave has become a valuable Accrete team member and knowledgeable trainer, able to facilitate in a number of areas.
Bob Kean:
Team Leader - OH&S
Bob joined Accrete in 2010 as a Safety Trainer. His career has been diverse including working in the recreational industry in New Zealand, where he worked with corporate clients training in a variety of areas including; leadership skills, team building, communication and adventure based learning. Bob has also spent time dealing with youth at risk in a back to work rehabilitation program. This included instructing activities such as caving, rock climbing, abseiling, white water kayaking, rafting and more.
After spending a season on Mt Ruapehu 2km above sea level, 30ft off the ground hitting ice with a big wooden stick (de-icing) Bob decided it was time for a change. After a stint as an industrial coordinator scaling buildings and getting dropped into holes, he moved into safety training. After two years training adults in Confined Space Entry, Rescue and safe practices for Working at Height, Bob saw the light and moved to Darwin.
Klayton Robb:
Team Leader - High Risk Training
Klayton joined our team at Accrete in 2010 as an experienced Safety Trainer. He comes to us with a diverse array of skills and knowledge from working extensively in the Training and Assessment area as well as industry.
After a five year stint working within the Australian Defence Force (Navy) Klayton became a First Aid Trainer working with St John Ambulance Service for many years. A qualified Industrial Paramedic, he has been involved with the Emergency Services Training sector and has also adjudicated for the Mines Rescue Competitions held in Darwin annually.
In 2006 Klayton moved into the Training and Assessing area of Industrial and High Risk Licensing. His most recent work in the Learning & Development field of the mining sector, has provided him with a wealth of industry related skills. Klayton is currently undertaking his Diploma in OH&S.
Jan Maciejewski:
Operations Assistant
Jan started her career as a teacher but quickly switched to the less dangerous pursuit of Librarianship, where she worked in a public library for 6 years.
After a short break, Jan was employed to manage a high school resource centre, where she worked happily for 15 years. Another change of direction saw her join an Australian apprenticeship centre where she assumed the role of Customer Service Officer, liaising with apprentices, employers and job seekers.
A new business opportunity brought her family to the NT in 2009.
To Accrete, Jan brings strong customer service skills and a dedication to providing quality service.
Carol Gibson:
Executive Assistant
Carol joined Accrete in early 2008 and brings with her over 25 years experience in office and business administration with a distinct focus on customer service.
The majority of her working life has been spent abroad, predominantly in the Middle East within both the Oil & Gas and Recreation industries. Working within both large multinationals and small niche businesses has provided exposure to a diverse and multi cultural working environment. This has given Carol the ability to be comfortable with people from all walks of life.
Carol’s current responsibilities focus on assisting the management team with co-ordination of projects, review of operating practices, continuous improvement and compliance. Her positive attitude and effective communication skills has ensured her continued rapport with both clients and staff.
