Dr Lesley Fitzpatrick provided seven years of leadership to the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation in her role as its Chief Executive, from 2007 until 2014. During this time, she drove the diversification of program offerings and educational frameworks, as well as broadening the spectrum of those undertaking its leadership programs. Lesley was also responsible for attaining university accreditation for the Australian Rural Leadership Program through James Cook University. Lesley has a Doctorate and a Masters degree in sociology. A fellow of the Sir Gustav Nossal International Fellowship for Leadership in Health Reform and a Finalist in the Telstra Business Woman of the Year, Lesley is also the recipient of an innovation award from the Australian Institute of Management. In 2012 she was named one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence.