Our People
Dr Damien Farrelly
Chief Executive Officer
Damien is a strategic leader with nearly a decade of experience in the horticulture industry. He holds a PhD and First-Class Honours degree in Biosystems Engineering from University College Dublin, where he studied food engineering, food safety, bioprocessing and crop science. Damien is passionate about leveraging collaboration to improve food safety outcomes for growers and consumers alike.
Prior to joining FPSC, Damien was the General Manager of NZGAP (New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice) at Horticulture New Zealand, which enables the production and supply of safe and sustainable fruit and vegetables via certification programmes for Food Safety, Social Practice and Environment.
Damien lives in Wellington with his wife where they have been based since leaving Ireland back in 2015. It began as a one-year-trip, but they were captivated by the New Zealand outdoors, lifestyle and community, while Damien became hooked on the horticulture industry.
Susannah Roelofsz
Technical Officer
Susannah holds a Master of Science Degree in Microbiology and joins FPSC with over 20 years of Global Experience gained through Scientific Research and International Publication, Laboratory Services, Food Manufacturing, Regulatory Food Safety and Quality Auditing, Training and Assessment, Technical and Quality Management. Susannah has worked with all areas of Supply Chain and Key Stakeholders including Growers, Post-harvest facilities, Manufacturers, Suppliers, Regulators, Customers, Food Service, Retail, Transport and Storage, Laboratory and Certification.
In her most recent role as Zespri Quality Assurance Manager, Susannah provided Strategic Leadership in the implementation of the Quality Assurance Program, and was a key communicator across Global Operations Teams, Post-Harvest Sector and Global Markets. Her professional interests are in food safety, quality, HACCP and the microbiological ecology of foods.
Susannah has recently immigrated from NZ to Brisbane with her husband, two boys & labrador, and enjoys sightseeing, photography, cooking and biking in her spare time.
Jody Sharpe
Communications and Events Officer
Jody is a marketing and design allrounder with over 25 years of experience, specialising in creative communications, strategic stakeholder engagement and event coordination.
With a professional ethos centred on excellence and collaboration, Jody’s expertise extends to developing and implementing tailored engagement plans, curating compelling visual and written content, and coordinating high-profile events that drive meaningful connections and outcomes. By combining creativity with a results-driven approach, Jody ensures that every initiative enhances the FPSC’s brand reputation and fosters strong relationships with stakeholders.
Jody lives on the sunny Central Coast of NSW with her husband, has two adult children and a fur baby who loves to tag along on caravanning and sight-seeing adventures!