SEMZ is thrilled to announce that Wayne Alford has joined the SEMZ team in the role of Project Director.
Talking to Wayne about his career path and experience within Education and Health project delivery, it’s clear that he has significant expertise within both sectors, and is driven to deliver quality facilities to improve opportunities for current and future generations.
‘I’m originally a Medical Scientist, so I have a unique understanding of the Health Sector. I worked with the Red Cross Blood Service for 18 years (now known as Life Blood). The last five years there I was the National Construction Manager.
More recently, I have delivered over 100 Victorian Schools (new school builds and upgrades) over the past five years as Director-Major Projects at the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA).’
Passionate about improving opportunities and experiences, Wayne instils in his team a focus on the end users. “It’s about the end users, the teachers, the students, the doctors, nurses and patients who use the facilities. For any project we’re working on, be it a $2M extension or a $200M new build, it’s the one most important project for the end users.”
During his time at the VSBA leading major projects, Wayne has looked after everything from small refurbishments on a tight time frame through to the $140m Greater Shepparton Secondary College.
“My work involved extensive engagement with everyone from the students through to the Minister for Education.”
The importance of education for generations to come is hugely significant to Wayne. “Education is all of our future. Victorian students have amazing schools and teachers to provide them foundations for life. I do some pro bono work for a not for profit organisation building schools in East Timor. The idea is that if we build schools to educate the kids they can actually educate themselves out of poverty. Schools and education really do have that power.”
Having worked with Wayne for a number of years, we’re very excited to welcome him to our team. SEMZ Director Ken Santamaria explains “From SEMZ’s perspective Wayne’s skillset and expertise is within two key sectors for our organisation and his addition to the team aligns with the principles and objectives of our three-year plan. We are really excited about what the future holds and I feel the ongoing symbiotic relationship will see SEMZ deepen and expand its current client base while also fulfilling Wayne’s professional aspirations within the industry’s consultancy sector.”
Wayne’s decision to join SEMZ was based on an alignment of values and approach.
“I chose SEMZ over some other organisations because the ethos, philosophy and approach that SEMZ has is very much aligned with mine. It’s all about getting the job done for the client and not getting distracted by other project noise. It’s very much all for ‘what’s the best for the project’. The culture at SEMZ is really positive and my DD informs me that it’s a great place to work. I’m excited to have joined the SEMZ team.”
Welcome Wayne. We look forward to working together and continuing to improve health and education outcomes throughout the state and the nation (…and in East Timor)!