Chief Executive Officer - Dr John Chang

Dr John Chang joined in January 2009. John previously led Canterprise Ltd, the University of Canterbury’s commercialisation company, from 2004-08 before establishing Jardoo Investments in early 2008.
John has a strong executive management background with 15 years of executive leadership roles in: technology start-ups for private and public companies; publicly listed company and university environments.

Chief Financial Officer - Mark Dawson

Mark joined Development West Coast in 2004. He is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and Institute of Directors. He has over 20 years of accounting experience.

Chief Operating Officer - Warren Gilbertson

Warren joined Development West Coast in September 2005.  He has significant experience in banking and finance roles, both in the private and public sectors.

Business Services Manager - Julie Kissell

Julie joined Development West Coast in 2005. Julie has 25 years experience in administration and ran a logging contracting business with her husband for 15 years. 

Project Manager for RPN Programme - Nelia Heersink

Nelia joined DWC in June 2011. She has 18 years experience in education and training making the best of her tertiary qualifications. She made New Zealand her home in 2007 when she moved with her family to the West Coast enjoying the diversity and culture. 

Senior Business Development Manager – Peter Walls

Peter joined Development West Coast in 2005.  Prior to working at DWC, Peter worked in local government where his main roles included the development, management and maintenance of leisure facilities, community funding and major event feasibility and assessment.

Business Development Manager – Helen Wilson

Helen joined Development West Coast in August 2006.  Her previous employment included university research, 18 years secondary teaching and a short spell guiding and driving for a local tour company. Helen recently gained a Graduate Diploma of Economic Development through AUT.

Accountant - Debbie Johnston

Debbie joined Development West Coast in February 2009.  Previous employment includes 18 years experience in a wide range of commercial organisations in South Africa.  She completed a Bachelor of Accounting Science Degree majoring in accountancy and auditing at the University of South Africa.  Debbie has very recently moved to the West Coast from South Africa.

Accounts Assistant - Loekie Myburgh

Loekie joined DWC in January 2010. Previous employment includes 18 years experience in admin and financial matters for several medical companies in South Africa. She holds a University Diploma as a Pharmacy Technician and has 2 years experience in payroll matters for Anglo Gold South Africa. Her family moved to New Zealand in September 2009.

Executive Manager – Belinda Lunn

Belinda has been with Development West Coast since May 2002.  Belinda had 9 years at Grey District Council and a short term at Westland District Council prior joining DWC.

Administration Officer - Tara Coates

Tara joined Development West Coast in August 2010.   Previous employment includes 11 years at Community and Public Health working in both administration and health promotion roles. 7 years at West Coast District Health Board, Senior Data Entry Officer and 5 years West Coast Regional Council, Office Administrator.

Administration Assistant – Samantha Coll

Samantha started working at Development West Coast in July 2011.   Samantha enjoys sports and plays squash and netball.