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Founder and Director, Orange Compass; Honorary Associate, School of Geosciences, University of Sydney

Dr Fiona McKenzie is a human geographer with a PhD on innovation and expertise in both public policy and academic research. She is the Founder and Director of Orange Compass, a consultancy dedicated to supporting change makers on their journey to transform systems and build better futures. Before founding Orange Compass, Fiona was the Co-Founder and Director of Strategy for the Australian Futures Project, where she led the design and implementation of a range of unique programs including ‘social innovation labs’ on early childhood development and agriculture. Fiona is respected for her ability to rapidly synthesise complex topics for decision makers and co-design systems change processes with stakeholders. She has more than 15 years of experience working with a range of academic, corporate, government, non-government, and intergovernmental organisations. This includes organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme, Terrestrial Carbon Group, Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, University of Sydney, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and numerous government and non-government agencies in Australia and internationally. Fiona is an Honorary Associate in the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney and a Councillor for The Geographical Society of New South Wales. She has published on a wide range of topics and is a sought-after speaker for her insights into today’s wicked challenges as well as trends shaping the future.

Experience

  • 2018–present
    Founder and Director, Orange Compass
  • 2018–present
    Honorary Associate, School of Geosciences, University of Sydney
  • 2013–2018
    Director of Strategy, Australian Futures Project
  • 2013–2018
    Honorary Associate, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University
  • 2012–2013
    Research Associate, School of Geosciences, University of Sydney
  • 2008–2011
    Policy Advisor, Terrestrial Carbon Group

Education

  • 2012 
    University of Sydney, PhD
  • 2002 
    Australian National University, BSc (Hons)
  • 2002 
    Australian National University, BA