Meet the Judges of the 2025 Outstanding Enterprise Awards
Sonja Mitchell
CEO, Destination Perth
Sonja Mitchell is the CEO of Destination Perth, with over 25 years of tourism industry experience. A former Commissioner of Tourism WA, she has held senior leadership positions across the sector, including CEO, Managing Director, and consultant roles. Passionate about promoting Perth as Australia’s western gateway, Sonja leads strategic initiatives to grow the region’s tourism appeal through strong industry partnerships and a focus on showcasing the unique experiences Perth has to offer.
Colin Jorgensen
CEO, Business Station
Colin has over 30 years of experience in manufacturing, wholesale/ distribution and business coaching. He is an experienced CEO, supervising all strategic and business aspects of the company and creating a vision for success. This year, Business Station is a proud 2022 State Winner as well as a National Finalist in the Telstra – Best of Business Awards.
Arlene Quinn
Above and Beyond Group
Arlene has over 30 years of experience in transformational leadership coaching, mentoring and facilitation through the creation and implementation of successful strategies in the workplace. Arlene also holds a prestigious Professional Certified Coach qualification from the International Coach Federation.
Manny Papadoulis
Executive Director of Icon Tourism Consulting
Manny Papadoulis is Executive Director of Icon Tourism Consulting, which specialises in strategic tourism management. He has also served as Vice-Chair on the board of Tourism WA since July 2017. He is the immediate past Chair of Australia’s Coral Coast regional tourism organisation, the past President of the Tourism Council WA and has served as Deputy Chair of the Perth Convention Bureau, President of the Australian Tourism Export Council (WA), and the Bus and Coach Association of WA.
Amanda McGovern
Director, Step Within Solutions
Amanda’s mission is to make workplaces a great place for everyone. As a leadership coach and team effectiveness consultant she works with teams and leaders every day to drive healthy and high performing cultures. Amanda has a background in both Public and Not for Profit consultancy and created her business Step Within Solutions 2 years ago, working across all industries across Australia.
Annette Morgan
Co-Founder & Clinic Director of the Curtin Tax Clinic & President of the Australasian Tax Teachers Association
Annette Morgan is a powerhouse in the world of tax. Annette is the Co-Founder & Clinic Director of the Curtin Tax Clinic, and President of the Australasian Tax Teachers Association. Annette also co-founded Australia’s first pro-bono tax clinic, which went on to inspire the National Tax Clinic Program, and she holds senior professional recognitions including Fellow of CPA Australia and Chartered Tax Adviser with The Tax Institute. Her expertise spans commerce, tax education, and representation on several key industry boards and committees.
Peter Lowen
CEO, Wheatbelt Business Network
Peter brings over 20 years of experience in business consulting, workforce development and regional advocacy. Under his leadership, WBN supports hundreds of Wheatbelt businesses through professional development, industry partnerships and providing a strong voice in regional and state economic conversations. Peter is passionate about helping local businesses grow, connect and remain competitive in a changing economy.
Marcus Geisler OAM
Owner and Vigneron, Plume Estate & Founder of MaximOz Group
Marcus Geisler is a distinguished figure in both environmental and viticultural communities and joins us as a special guest judge for the Environmental Sustainability category. Marcus has a noteworthy 35-year international career in waste management and resource recovery, he holds qualifications in Economics and Trade from the Netherlands and is a Fellow of both AICD and AIM, as well as a Companion of Engineers Australia. As the Chair of the Waste Authority, Marcus led the development of the WARR Strategy 2030 at State level and from 2019, he’s played a strategic role in implementing the “linear to circular” WARR strategy with the EMRC and most recently, was awarded an OAM for his work in environmental protection. Marcus is also a beloved local business owner, Vice Chair of Wines of WA and vigneron, crafting hand-made wines at the incomparable Plume Estate.