NSW Environmental Protection Agency NSW Government
 

Executive

Our executive team brings a wide range of experience and qualifications to the EPA.

Tony Chappel

Chief Executive Officer

Leading the EPA since August 2022, Tony is a senior executive with extensive experience across the public and private sector, specialising in sustainability, corporate affairs, risk and governance, regulatory strategy, and policy.

His comprehensive experience as a senior leader in highly regulated industries means Tony brings a unique perspective on licensee obligations and the impact industry actions can have on NSW communities.

He is a dedicated advocate for the environment and committed to the task of supporting all stakeholders in their transition to a net-zero economy. Tony has played a critical role in the delivery of the EPA’S Climate Change Policy and Action Plan and is committed to working collaboratively with each sector to reduce emissions while also driving new opportunities.

Tony has a Masters in Environmental Change and Management from University of Oxford and a Masters in Environmental Technology from Imperial College, London.

Jacqueleine Moore

Executive Director, Legal, Governance and People

As head of the EPA’s Legal, Governance and People, Jacqueleine is an experienced lawyer and executive who has focused her career on achieving better community outcomes through government.

She has worked in senior roles in NSW Government agencies, including the Department of Premier and Cabinet and many NSW natural resource, environmental and regulatory agencies, as well as legal roles with the Australian Government Solicitor and Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

In her current role, Jacqueleine is passionate about addressing environmental challenges, taking a strategic approach to delivering better outcomes, and holding polluters to account. She is proud of the enviable EPA success rate in taking regulatory action.

Jacqueleine holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts.

Stephen Beaman

Executive Director, Regulatory Practice and Services

Steve has worked for almost 30 years on developing and implementing policy change and programs, enabling practical solutions to improve the quality of the NSW environment. In 2017 he was awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) for his outstanding contribution to the environment.

He has worked across a diverse range of policy and program areas, including natural resources management, environmental planning and regulation, resource recovery and community programs. His areas of expertise include evidence-based analysis of complex policy issues and delivering innovative regulation programs to protect the community and environment.

Steve has a strong interest in the power of building and leveraging strategic relationships with stakeholders to achieve aligned responses in sensitive or contentious environments.

He holds a Bachelor of Science and is completing a Master of Emergency Management.

Jason Gordon

Executive Director, Operations

Joining the EPA in September 2023, Jason is an experienced executive and has held senior positions at the Department of Planning and Environment (Water) and Transport NSW.

Prior to working in the NSW Government, he ran his own business and has over 20 years experience working in local government with various Councils around the state.

Jason has a Degree in Civil Engineering with First Class Honours, a Masters Degree in Business Administration, a Masters Degree in Commercial Law, and a Masters Degree in Planning. He is a Qualified Mediator and also a JP. Jason is a Qualified Powdermonkey. Jason is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and a Fellow/Engineering Executive Member of Engineers Australia.

Alex Geddes

Executive Director, Programs and Innovation

Alex is an experienced senior executive, having delivered major digital and community focused initiatives and led strategy, advocacy and communications units. Alex loves working with high-performing teams to enhance service delivery and drive outcomes that have true impact. Alex joined the EPA in December 2023, after having spent 5 years at Service NSW where she led teams that have twice been finalists in the NSW Premier's Awards for delivering world class customer service and excellence in service delivery. She has led teams focussed on disaster recovery, grants, fraud control and innovation.

She shares her passion through speaking engagements on customer experience, transformation initiatives, agile ways of working and digital disruption.​

Alex has a  Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) / Laws and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Alex started her career as a corporate lawyer for an international law firm. 

Vanessa Grimm

Director, Corporate Affairs

Vanessa is a senior executive who has managed public service teams for close to a decade, including as Executive Director of Communications and Government Relations at the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, including Destination NSW, Hospitality and Racing, Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner and Create NSW. She also held senior roles at Investment NSW, delivering the strategy for ‘Project Collateral’ four award winning prospectus for priority sectors including Net Zero and the Clean Economy, Agribusiness, Technology, and Medtech. Vanessa also oversaw major project milestones at Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains.

A dedicated communications professional, Vanessa has spent time working for independent research think-tank, Committee for Sydney, supporting renewable energy and nature-based solutions initiatives. Before working in government, she had a long and distinguished career in journalism, both in Sydney and Newcastle, covering major news event including 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires, award-winning coverage of the 2013 Federal Election and the 1999 closure of the Newcastle steelworks.

At the EPA, she leads teams across media, digital, marketing, engagement and government relations with a focus on clear, informative, and accessible communications for all communities.

Vanessa has a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and Communications) and is passionate about our mandate as environmental stewards, driving innovation in the circular economy and protecting and enhancing the state’s environment.