CASA Media Release - Wednesday, 14 March 2001
New senior staff appointed
An experienced public servant and a senior military officer are to join the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's senior management team.
Mr Bruce Gemmell fills the newly created position of Deputy Director of Aviation Safety.
Mr Gemmell is currently First Assistant Secretary in the Department of Transport and Regional Services, with responsibility for aviation policy.
US Marine Corps Colonel Mike Williams has been appointed as Executive Manager Aviation Safety Compliance.
Colonel Williams is currently Chief Operations Officer (Future Operations) for the Marine forces based in Okinawa. He recently completed directing and supervising the US contribution to humanitarian relief operations in East Timor.
Mr Gemmell has wide experience in public sector administration and a lengthy involvement in aviation issues.
He undertook the initial project management for the introduction of TAAATS, lead the Transport Department's response to last year's avgas contamination crisis and is a member of the consultative body, the Aviation Safety Forum.
CASA's Director of Aviation Safety, Mick Toller, says Mr Gemmell will bring strong administrative skills to the management of CASA.
"Mr Gemmell's skills complement my own operational background in civil aviation and Colonel William's experience in operational safety," Mr Toller says.
"Mr Gemmell has a broad knowledge of the Australian aviation industry as well as experience and knowledge in public administration and government.
"Colonel Williams is a 31 year veteran with the US defence forces with 4700 hours of flying experience as a helicopter pilot, having seen service in Vietnam and numerous other locations.
"He has worked as an aviation safety officer, investigated accidents, flown as a maintenance and operational test pilot and overseen aviation training, maintenance and acquisition programs.
"While Colonel Williams will be learning about the Australian aviation environment, he has exceptional leadership qualities and vast experience in aviation
"He will bring fresh ideas and knowledge to both CASA and the whole of the Australian aviation industry. That's a real plus for safety in Australia's skies."
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0112