VicGrid today announced its board is complete with the appointment of three new members who all have strong track records serving their communities.
Late last year VicGrid became a state business corporation reporting to an independent board and formally took up responsibility for planning and delivering Victoria’s shared transmission network and renewable energy zones.
At that time, Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio appointed Board Chair Steve Rieniets, Deputy Chair Sarah Clarke and two board members, David Stegehuis and Kane Thornton.
The recruitment process has continued for the remaining board positions and today Minister D'Ambrosio appointed a further three members: Seona James, Wayne Weaire and Jess Howard.
Ms James is a Yorta Yorta woman from Shepparton with 30 years' experience in the public and private sectors working across water, energy, environment and indigenous consultation. She is the managing director of Indigenous Cultural Connections, which works to create culturally respectful consultation and workplaces.
Mr Weaire is an experienced director and former chief executive with 40 years' experience in governance and leadership and a focus on improving health outcomes across regional Victoria. He is a farmer, clinical family therapist and a director of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.
Ms Howard is an experienced public sector leader currently working as Director of Healthy Communities and Environments at the City of Greater Bendigo. She leads teams responsible for community partnerships, climate change and environment, emergency management, regulatory services, sport and recreation, health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.
VicGrid Chair Steve Rieniets welcomed the appointments and said he looked forward to working with the new board members to help VicGrid achieve good outcomes for Victorians.
'VicGrid has an important task ahead of it to deliver the energy infrastructure Victoria needs in a way that respects landholders, Traditional Owners and local communities and ensures there are lasting benefits for regional Victoria,' he said.
'Seona, Wayne and Jess each bring valuable experience serving their communities and I know they will make great contributions to helping VicGrid deliver for all Victorians.'
VicGrid Acting Chief Executive Jasmine Doak said VicGrid would benefit from the broad range of experience and capability across the board.
'VicGrid is very lucky to have such a strong group of leaders with a diversity of experience that will help us get the balance right as we put in place a new approach to delivering energy infrastructure,' she said.
'The board features people with deep energy experience but also people who have dedicated their lives to serving regional communities, and this is the perfect mix to oversee VicGrid's work.'
Page last updated: 10/02/26