Jennifer Evans will close an extraordinary chapter in NATA’s history when she officially retires on July 10, a career defined by scientific rigour, steady leadership, international influence and a deep commitment to the public value of accreditation.
Evans joined NATA on April 6, 1987 as a Scientific Officer in Medical Testing. Over the next 39 years she held senior roles across medical testing, forensic science, medical imaging, corporate diligence and operations before being appointed NATA’s CEO in 2011.
As NATA’s fifth leader, and its first woman CEO, Evans has helped guide the organisation for the past 14 years through significant change while strengthening its role as a trusted part of Australia’s quality infrastructure.
Her leadership has been felt across the organisation, from the creation of NATA’s sector structure and modernisation of systems and service delivery, to stronger stakeholder engagement and a more visible national voice for accreditation.
Internationally, Evans has also played a significant role through her work with ILAC, APAC and most recently Global ACI, helping ensure Australia’s accreditation expertise remains respected and connected globally.
Colleagues and stakeholders consistently point to both what Evans achieved and how she led.
Alison Drury, General Manager National and Economic Security and Trade Branch, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, described Evans’ “technical expertise combined with personal warmth, positive energy and good humour” as a winning combination, noting her ability to “influence, shape, inform, entertain and bring others on board”.
Deb Anton, CEO of the National Measurement Institute reflected on Evans’ contribution to both the domestic and international accreditation environment, including her work with ILAC, APAC and the Australian Technical Infrastructure Alliance during COVID. “We really appreciated the partnership,” she said, “and wish her all the best with the next phase of her life.”
Graeme Drake, who worked with Evans at NATA and later as APAC Secretariat where she was APAC Chair, paid tribute to her professionalism and high standards. “Jennifer has always proven to be a very professional colleague with high standards for both herself and the rest of us,” he said, adding that he considered it a privilege to have worked with her.
NATA Chair Dr Sanmarie Schlebusch acknowledged Evans’ long-standing contribution: “Jennifer has given 39 years of service to NATA, including 14 as Chief Executive Officer. Her leadership, commitment and advocacy for accreditation have made a lasting contribution to NATA and to Australia’s quality infrastructure. We thank Jennifer sincerely for her service and recognise her contribution as she concludes her time with NATA.”
Evans’ final official duty was Accreditation Matters 2026, an initiative she strongly supported as a platform to raise NATA’s visibility and bring Australia’s standards and conformance community together. It was a fitting final engagement for a leader who has spent her career building confidence in people, in systems and in the value of accreditation itself.
On behalf of NATA’s members, staff, Technical Assessors and stakeholders, we thank Jennifer Evans for her remarkable service and wish her a happy and well-earned retirement.
Jennifer Evans – This is Your NATA Life
- April 6, 1987 – Scientific Officer, Medical Testing
- Oct 1988 – Senior Scientific Officer, Medical Testing
- Jun 1989 – Regional Manager, Medical Testing
- Oct 1993 – Dual role as Regional Manager, Medical Testing and Manager, Forensic Science
- Nov 1998 – Dual role as Manager, Forensic Science and Manager, Medical Imaging
- Oct 2001 – Manager, Corporate Diligence
- May 2006 – General Manager, Operations
- Apr 2011 – CEO