Elizabeth Skirving

Elizabeth has been the Chief Executive Officer of Rural Business Tasmania since 2006, while also holding an extensive portfolio of board directorships. She is known for her hard work and commitment, earning recognition as a dedicated CEO, Board Director, and active community member. Elizabeth’s expertise spans community engagement, diplomacy, industry development, marketing, and finance, making her a strong advocate and respected leader.

As an experienced CEO, Elizabeth boasts a proven track record of delivering successful programs involving diverse stakeholder groups across Tasmania and Australia. She has cultivated strong relationships across various sectors, including government, primary industry, small business, not-for-profit organisations, business, and academia.

Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Business degree in 1993 and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand and a Graduate member of the Institute of Company Directors. With extensive experience working in private practice accounting firms, she has held senior positions in large commercial enterprises, in addition to engaging in short-term consulting, audit, and CFO projects for various businesses.   

Her strong financial and management skills, supported by formal qualifications in finance, business, and governance, are complemented by a deep understanding of Tasmania's rural and regional communities. A fifth-generation member of a farming family with a strong tradition of community involvement, Elizabeth has a long history of board experience with not-for-profit associations, including a significant tenure with Rural Youth Tasmania including time as State President.

Her current portfolio includes roles such as an industry representative on the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) Advisory Board and the Tasmanian Farm Innovation Hub, where she serves as Deputy Chair. She is also a Board Director of the Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group Ltd and Treasurer of the Tasmanian Small Business Council. Elizabeth's past roles include Deputy Chair of the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia, a national peak advocacy body.

Elizabeth’s dedication to promoting good business management has earned her recognition, including as a finalist in the prestigious Career Achievement Award for the Young Achiever of Australia – Tasmania. She is passionate about fostering prosperous rural and regional communities. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys musical experiences, spending time with her pet cats, traveling, tending to her garden, and sharing wonderful moments with family and friends from across the world.