Steve McDowell
Director
Steve has been consulting since 2006 covering areas such as strategic planning, governance reviews, governance and management training and development programmes, business risk management and emergency management.
Steve is very experienced in designing and delivering training programmes particularly in tailoring to the clients requirements.
Recent projects have included the implementation of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 with both the public and private sector including training for District Licensing Committee members and support staff, and the industry.
Steve is currently a member of a board of a not for profit organisation. He is particularly focused on a clear strategy for boards – outcomes focus with clear guidance on the direction of the organisation.
Prior to working in private practice Steve worked for the Auckland City Council for 20 years in senior management roles.
Steve holds a Postgraduate degree in Local Government and Administration from Auckland University, is a member of the Society of Local Government Managers as well as being a Justice of the Peace and is a member of the Thames Valley Rugby Referees Association.
For more information on courses and consultancy at Meeting and Governance, click here
Vern sits on the board of the Real Estate Authority and was a Director of the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board (Chair 2009-2019) until 2021, a former board member of MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology), Council Controlled Organisations, Metrowater and The Edge and was an elected member for twelve years having served three terms as an Auckland City Councillor and one term as Chair of a community board.
During his final three-year tenure with Auckland City Council he chaired the Finance and Corporate Business Committee, the Audit Sub-Committee, the Directors Review and Appointments Sub Committee, Annual Plan Hearings and Combined Committees.
Vern was also a two-term elected representative of the Portage Licensing Trust from which he was appointed a Director to the commercial board West Auckland Trust Services Limited.
In other governance roles Vern was a trustee of the Aotea Centre Performing Arts Trust and was a member of the Lottery Environment and Heritage Distribution Committee of the Lottery Grants Board for six years.
Vern has an over 40-year finance industry background, is a registered financial adviser, and has owned and operated Vern Walsh Mortgage Finance Limited for over 20 years.
He has been a Justice of the Peace since 1995.
Vern Walsh
Director
