Our CEO and Board Chair

Steve Orr - Chief Executive Officer

Steve commenced in his current role as Chief Executive Officer of Local Lands Services in early 2022, where he leads over 1000 staff members who work alongside landowners, helping to secure the future of agriculture and the environment for NSW communities.

Steve was previously responsible for overseeing the Regional NSW corporate functions which include People, Finance, ICT, Legal and Governance. Prior to this Steve was responsible for the Regional Coordination and Regional Development functions within the former Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) which also included a significant role in the economic recovery efforts surrounding bushfires and the response to drought focusing on small communities, young people and businesses.

Before moving into DPIE Steve was the Executive Director, Regional NSW in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and prior to this he was the Executive Director, Local Government Reform responsible for the Government’s program of consolidating the number of councils in NSW.

Steve has also held roles as the Deputy Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government and the Chief Executive of the NSW Livestock Health and Pest Authorities. In 2018/19 he participated in the nine month Leadership Academy for senior executives run by the Public Service Commission, Steve holds a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University, Bachelor or Applied Science with Honours from the University of Western Sydney, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Steve lives in Berry on the south coast with his wife Leanne, sons Sam and Patrick and daughter Rachael and is mastering the art of growing his own vegetables.

Allison Harker - Local Land Services Board Chair

The Local Land Services State Board is a dedicated team who work to better the lives of NSW landholders and farmers through decision making, objectives and responsibilities. Allison was appointed as the Chair in 2022 and previously the Chair of the South East Local Land Services Board. Allison is also the NSW Director for NRM Regions Australia and Co-Chair of the Landcare Joint Management Committee.

Allison is qualified AIDC Company Director and experienced Chair in financial services, primary industry, and government. She has held senior positions in financial services across Australia, the United Kingdom and Asia, including as a Director at Merrill Lynch/Bank of America based in Hong Kong, Director of Prime Super and Chair of the Economic Development Committee .

Allison is a strong advocate for capacity building. Wanting to contribute back to the Ag Industry, she is currently a mentor in the Diversity in Agriculture leadership and Drought Resilience Leadership Mentoring program.