Operations Team
Kathy La Macchia, General Manager
Kathy La Macchia is the General Manager of the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC), bringing over 25 years of expertise in food and dietetics. She has held leadership roles in nutrition strategy and communications across Australia, the Netherlands, the US, and Italy. Kathy is deeply committed to sustainability, plant proteins, gut health, and immunity, with a special focus on improving health outcomes for infants, children, and the elderly.
In addition to her role at GLNC, Kathy serves as a member of the Pulse Council for Grains Australia, the Standards Australia Food Standards Committee, and as a Council Member of the Australian Grain Science Association.
Theresa Pham, Nutrition Manager
Theresa is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and has experience working in community health and the non-for-profit sector.
She has worked on complex nutrition programs and Commonwealth funded projects to monitor and achieve improvements within the Australian food supply. Theresa has a keen interest in nutrition data analytics and working on evaluation projects. She is people orientated therefore enjoys working collaboratively with stakeholders to learn from others and achieve quality solutions with the goal to improve health outcomes of the population.
Toni Gam, Industry Engagement Manager
Toni is the Industry Engagement Manager at the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council. As a nutritionist with over nine years of communications and marketing experience, Toni specialises in simplifying research into easy-to-digest content for government and not-for-profit organisations, the food industry, health professionals and consumers.
In her role, she identifies opportunities for collaboration with stakeholders, and leads the development and execution of the annual communications strategy, orchestrating impactful campaigns, events, and marketing initiatives. Toni is passionate about making health and nutrition accessible for all and encouraging sustainable eating patterns for public and planetary health.
Board of Directors
Ron Storey
Chair, Appointed 2020
Ron Storey was appointed as GLNC Chair in 2020. He is an agribusiness consultant with specialist grains industry experience. Ron spent 20 years in international grain marketing, before establishing his own consulting business in 2000.
Ron manages Storey Marketing Services, an agribusiness advisory service to the Australian grains and related industries. Ron is currently Chairman of Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC), and a former director of Pulse Australia, Mallee Sustainable Farming and Five Star Flour Mills (Egypt).
Dr Lisa Ronquest Ross
Director, Appointed 2024
Lisa is a passionate Food Scientist with extensive global R&D experience working for a variety of multinationals that include Unilever, Mars and Woolworths.
Before joining v2food in Australia, Lisa was the R&D Executive for MANE Flavours leading their Innovation Centre and R&D program for Sub-Saharan Africa based in Cape Town.
Lisa is currently Chief Science Officer where she is responsible for developing, leading, and translating v2food’s science research strategy into breakthrough products that help unlock barriers to plant-based meat adoption. Lisa has a passion for ensuring the application of science and technology is meaningful for both people and planet. Lisa has recently completed her PhD in Food Science through the University of Stellenbosch.
Richard Simonaitis
Director, Appointed 2024
Based in Perth, Richard brings a breadth and depth of industry experience to the role of Grains Australia CEO, having worked in senior management roles in the grains industry and in export-commodity industries.
Most recently, Richard led the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) to significant accomplishments including research to support the commercialisation of new oat rice and noodle products, developing soft and cookie wheat supply chains, and delivering valuable business insights into the future outlook for Australian grain.
Andrew May
Director, Appointed 2024
Andrew is the Co-CEO of Essantis (formerly Unigrain) and has over a decade of experience in the cereal and food manufacturing industry. Andrew has been heavily involved in Essantis’ continuing evolution, particularly relating to its investments in building large-scale alternate protein and oat milk supply chains in Australia.
Andrew’s original background is within the finance sector where he worked in a range of corporate advisory roles within Australia and the UK.
Dr Kirsty Germaine
Director, Appointed 2024
Dr Kirsty Germaine is a technical business leader with 25 years’ experience in the grains industry working both in research and the bakery ingredients industry. She holds a PhD in Human Nutrition and Cereal Science from Sydney University and spent her early career in grains research at BRI Australia and the Grain Foods CRC.
She has also been actively involved in industry good activities, as a member for George Weston Foods at GLNC, and on the Wheat Quality Australia and Grains Australia Wheat Councils since 2017.
Kirsty holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Science) and is a qualified baker, bringing a unique understanding of nutrition, food ingredient functionality and their commercial applications. In her current role, Kirsty is responsible for the technical, quality & sustainability functions of Mauri, one of Australia & New Zealand’s largest bakery ingredient and animal feed businesses.
Courtney Draper
Director, Appointed 2025
Courtney Draper leads AEGIC, leveraging her deep experience in trade, market insights and governance to guide AEGIC’s diverse projects and position Australian grain as the preferred choice in international markets.
Hailing from a generational Australian grain farming family, Courtney has a professional and personal passion for the future of the Australian grains industry and its relationships with consumers.
A former lawyer, Courtney has held several senior roles in trade and governance, including previously leading AEGIC’s Economics and Market Insights Team.
Courtney holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons)/Bachelor of Arts (Politics/Japanese), a Master of International Relations, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Interested in joining our team?
As a small organisation, positions at GLNC are limited. However, we encourage you to follow our LinkedIn page, where we advertise any current open positions.
If you’re a student, researcher or organisation with an interest in the grain, legume or alternative protein space and want to contribute to our next research publications, forums or events, please contact us.