About Kerry
Introduction
Kerry Grace is known for her authentic approach and ability to get things done in regional communities.
Kerry has worked as a trusted senior regional leader in the role of Director of Regional Development for Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (2016-2023). She has also delivered many projects for all levels of government for small regional communities over the past two decades.
A passionate regional Australian she learned from a very young age that many skills are required to enable the social change she is passionate about, the most important one being the ability to build trust.
skills
Impact facilitator, MC & community advisor
Like many entrepreneurs Kerry is multi-skilled with skills ranging from community and economic development, writing and community engagement to business management and enterprise development.
Through her decades in the workforce Kerry has honed a unique mix of practical skills, connections, deep understanding and abilities which make her a sought after person for facilitation, MC and community advisory services.
Kerry works with clients at every level of government, not for profits, Aboriginal Corporations and Corporates. At the heart of her work she thoroughly believes in healthy and sustainable regional communities. The methodologies surrounding the delivery of this goal vary.
Kerry has tertiary qualifications in business (marketing and tourism), life coaching and adult education and is also a graduate of the School for Social Entrepreneurs and the Social Impact Hub’s Fellowship.
Kerry's Story
A Regional Australian
Kerry worked in the corporate world with a focus on advertising, marketing and business services through the early years of her career then transitioned to adult education where she enjoyed over a decade as vocational education teacher, then a senior business development team member for TAFE NSW. Through this time she grew her business Evolve Group Network which has served the regional Australian communities for almost 20 years.
Kerry lives in the Mid North Coast of NSW. She is mum to three grown up kids and has a quirky collection of pets including alpacas. Like many regional kids of the time Kerry left home soon after completing her HSC. She returned home in 2003 to raise her family. Kerry established Evolve Network in 2004 as a means of balancing her growing family and a flexible way to make a living in a small town. The business always set out to achieve social impact and through the years it most certainly has.
Once upon a time Kerry Grace was an ‘accidental leader’.
She describes this phase as a time of overcoming the ‘tall poppy’ syndrome that had plagued her younger life. Something that Kerry admits held her back for many years.
Still, Kerry rose above her earlier challenges and now mentors regional leaders through her writing and public speaking.
Through her life and career experiences Kerry continues to demonstrate integrity, passion, and love of what she does.
Reviews
What clients say
Michele Donovan
Personally and Professionally I have had a strong, sincere working relationship with Kerry over many years – Kerry does become invested in her projects, she is a great listener and advocate. She is a great people person, loves being engaged at the Grassroots level to gain a better understanding of the real issues, and develop with and alongside community the best way forward.
Tracy Singleton
Over more than 20 years my observation of Kerry’s practice in regional communities has evolved into one grounded in humility, deep listening, and co-design. Kerry has seen the gaps, the lack of consistency and poor support people in regional Australia experience. She focuses on bridging them by building strong relationships and creating space for Regional voices to lead. Her work brings together community members, service providers, government and businesses to collaborate in ways that are purposeful and respectful, even when trust has been broken in the past.
Kellon Beard
I have known Kerry since she took on the role as CEO of Regional Development Australia on the Mid North Coast in 2016. What has impressed me about Kerry is her dedication and commitment to the role in what have been some very tough times. Kerry has always shown great leadership and creative problem-solving approaches. Kerry has shown great leadership and has inspired those around her and dedication to see things through.
Heather Cavanagh
Kerry Grace is a passionate, effective advocate for economic development and sustainability in regional Australia. She utilises outstanding leadership and strong negotiating skills to achieve optimum outcomes, even where (at an early stage) this may simply be achieving a more widespread awareness and understanding of the issues and, of course, the associated opportunities!
Connect
Would you like to work with Kerry?
If you would like to work with Kerry, require more information or simply wish to touch base and connect, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Kerry is always looking to broaden her network as well as answer questions that potential clients might have.