Executive Leadership Team

Damian Tully joined Mid West Ports Authority in March 2020 and was appointed CEO in March 2022.  

Mr Tully is an accomplished maritime executive with over 20 years of experience leading operations both at sea and in ports.  

Responsible for the continued growth and sustainability of Mid West Ports, Damian is focused on ensuring the organisation continues to safely deliver quality infrastructure and services for the benefit of regional WA. 

Damian holds a Masters of Business Administration in Maritime Logistics and Management, a Graduate Diploma in Defence Studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Management and an Advanced Diploma in Work, Health & Safety.  Damian is a graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy, the AICD Company Directors Course and is an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute.

Sandra Pigdon is a senior finance executive with a wealth of experience in the mining and resources sector, having led operational and cultural change through the application of her proactive management style.

Ms Pigdon is responsible for delivering financial value for Port customers, ensuring a culture of good governance and controllership, and providing appropriate technology and systems infrastructure to support MWPA operations.

Sandra has a Masters Degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Business, and is a graduate of the AICD Company Director’s Course. She has also completed the AICD Chair’s Mentoring Program and is a Fellow of the CPA Australia.

Vickie Williams is an accomplished organisational development and cultural change specialist. Her experience includes communications, public relations, human rights, community development, and learning and development.

Ms Williams joined MWPA in 2018 and oversees the strategic direction of Human Resources, Community Engagement, Communications, Cruise, Health, Safety, Environment, Sustainability and Quality at MWPA.

Vickie has a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sociology from Deakin University, a Masters of Business Administration, completed Cambridge University’s Sustainability Leadership and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Director’s Course.

Courtney Ackland joined Mid West Ports Authority as Chief Operating Officer in February 2023.

Mr Ackland is an experienced mining executive, specialising in operations, asset management and WHS.  He has held a number of senior operational management and leadership roles over the last 15 years, overseeing the successful integration of several significant capital projects.

Mr Ackland is responsible for landside and marine operations at MWPA including; operations, marine, maintenance, asset management and engineering.  He demonstrates strong commercial acumen and delivers this with a collaborative leadership style, fostering engagement, culture and diversity of people and thought.  

Courtney has a Bachelor of Science, Post Graduate Diploma of Science and has completed the Australian Institute of Company Director’s Course.

Dave Spencer’s engagement with MWPA commenced in September 2021 as PMaxP Project Director.

Mr Spencer has over 30 years’ experience in delivering marine, civil, structures, and related infrastructure projects including in the roles of Operations Manager, Project Manager and Project Director. His areas of expertise are in specialised constructability, project management, and risk review advice to strategic projects.

Mr Spencer has overseen numerous projects and client portfolios presenting various project challenges including Design & Construct, ECI, and Lump Sum tenders. He has a strong focus on management through systems implementation and process control to accurately identify project risks or management approaches within the context of the project delivery.

Dave has a Diploma in Business and a Bachelor of Applied Science, Construction Management and Economics.

Tracy Fitzpatrick

Executive Officer