ABL Foundation welcomes Alison Larard as Executive Officer
The ABL Foundation (ABLF) is excited to welcome Alison Larard as its first Executive Officer, selected to lead the next chapter in the delivery of its renowned Advancing Beef Leaders (ABL) Program, as it continues to grow its national footprint.
Guidance and growth
Alison steps into the new role at a pivotal time for the Foundation, as it transitions from its Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) origins to an independent, board-governed organisation focused on long-term sustainability, national growth and strong industry partnerships.
A co-founder of the original ABL Program and one of its earliest Program managers, Alison brings both institutional knowledge and renewed perspective to the role. She is resuming operational involvement following two years spent as a director on the Foundation’s board.
“It’s been fabulous to have been able to support others to shape and lead the ABL Program,” Alison said.
“We are expanding our reach nationally, building new and existing partnerships. My goal is to ensure a stable alumni-focused organisation working together with our dedicated board to guide the ABLF into this next era.”
People-powered
Central to this transitional time is maintaining the Foundation’s alumni-centred approach.
“We are intent on always focussing on our alumni needs and fostering ongoing opportunities for them,” Alison said.
Borne from the unique circumstances of the global pandemic in 2020, the ABL Program has evolved as an adaptive 12-month, online leadership development offering that fuses quality with accessibility.
“Our peer-learning model has proven powerful in addressing the professional isolation often experienced in agriculture,” Alison said.
“More than anything, what we provide is about the connection to others. Creating opportunities for connection builds capacity and extends and accelerates people into spaces they wouldn’t otherwise necessarily go.”
An expanding team
As Alison settles into her new role, the ABL Foundation is expanding to meet program delivery and governance needs. It is currently calling for expressions of interest from experienced, values-driven professionals to join the organisation in the capacity of a Board Director; Company Secretary; Executive Support Officer; Mentoring Coordinator and Program Facilitator / Events Coordinator.
Alison said the recruitment approach reflects ABLF’s longstanding collaborative culture and the desire to harness the enthusiasm of alumni as well as senior industry leaders who want to support the next generation.
“ABLF is offering multiple small, meaningful roles that allow a broad range of people to contribute,” she said.
“We are very encouraging of alumni to step forward and dip their toe in the water as a director; through program delivery; or returning as mentors and guest speakers.”
A big year ahead
Applications for the 2026/2027 Advancing Beef Leaders Program open on 1 March 2026. 22 successful applicants will form a cohort poised to be the Foundation’s most geographically diverse yet.
And, with a steady flow of producers facing key life and business transition points, Alison says the demand for industry leadership “will only increase”.
