Shawn is a diversity and inclusion specialist, who has over 15 years experience working in government and sport to address discrimination and enhance inclusion for individuals and communities experiencing intersecting forms of exclusion, discrimination, inequity and injustice. He is passionate about bringing business, government and the community together to create shared value and collective impact.
Shawn is currently the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of Defence, responsible for enterprise-wide strategies, policies and programmes to build Defence capability through inclusion. Previously, he served in executive roles at the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Victoria, as the Director of Service Systems Reform and Director of Strategy and Development. His main responsibilities included enhancing the social service system for individuals with complex needs facing entrenched disadvantage and supporting the Aboriginal community through Australia’s first treaty process. Shawn held additional responsibilities including strategic planning, culture development and business operations.
Prior working in government, Shawn held a range of roles across the AFL industry the most recent of which was an executive position with the Carlton Football Club as Head of Diversity, Community and Strategic Projects. In this role, Shawn worked to drive gender equality across the organisation, advance reconciliation with Australia’s First Peoples, and foster social inclusion and cohesion across the broader community.
Shawn has previously sat on the committees of local AFL clubs, where he has worked to develop welcoming and inclusive local environments to ensure clubs are places of belonging where people can connect, feel valued and enhance their wellbeing.
Shawn holds an undergraduate degree in Business, and Masters in Public Administration, and Business Administration.
