Meet The Board

Paul Ingram

Lee Brother's Cabinets & Joinery - Director

Paul is a hands-on director of Lee Brothers Joinery in Rotorua and understands the realities of small business ownership. He has extensive governance experience with NZ Master Joiners, serving as an industry representative director on the JMF New Zealand Board. His leadership extends to the Rotorua Kartsport Development Trust, the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce, and the Rotorua Business Chamber. Paul holds a Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors. His expertise spans trades, small business ownership, and governance, providing a strong foundation for business success.

Michelle Urquhart
Michelle Urquhart Workplace Resolutions - Owner Operator

Michelle Urquhart is a barrister and workplace resolution specialist. She specialises in resolving tricky employment issues through early resolution techniques, mediation, investigation and providing legal advice.  She has a particular expertise in immigration issues. After nearly a decade working for regional law firms, she established her business to focus on delivering tailored support to employers across the wider Bay area from her base in Rotorua.  Prior to becoming a lawyer, she spent 20 years in marketing and business development roles in New Zealand and overseas working in diverse industries such as real estate, finance and insurance.  With 24 years of not-for-profit governance experience, she has served on various boards, including Scouts Aotearoa and Kaharoa School.

Alexandra Stuthridge

Cetogenix Limited – COO & Co-Founder

Alexandra is the COO and co-founder of Cetogenix, a Rotorua-based deep technology company developing innovative deeptech climate solutions. With extensive experience in commercialising science across New Zealand’s public research institutions, she has helped transform research into investor-ready start-ups and supported the growth of the national innovation ecosystem. Alexandra also spent five years in Canada, where she built the University of British Columbia’s BioProducts Institute into a globally recognised research hub and led national initiatives in the circular bioeconomy. She brings a passion for innovation, investment, and building connections that strengthen Rotorua’s business community.

Brent Whibley
Patchell Group of Companies - CEO

Brent is the CEO of Patchell Group, a leader in heavy transport equipment manufacturing. With a background in timber manufacturing, forestry, health, and audit, he brings extensive industry experience. His governance roles include Infracore Ltd, Astropine Ltd, Requisite Ltd, and the Rotorua Business Chamber. Brent is a Chartered Accountant and a Waikato University Business Management graduate. Passionate about leadership and team culture, he fosters innovation and strategic growth. His role extends beyond business, contributing to economic development and workforce sustainability in Rotorua.

Brett Wilson
Watchdog Security - CEO

Brett co-founded Watchdog Security in 2003, growing it into a leading security firm with 60 staff and 4,500 clients. Passionate about Rotorua’s safety and business growth, he focuses on creating a secure environment for the community. A director on the New Zealand Security Association board for nine years, he served two terms as Chairperson. Brett’s leadership in the security industry and commitment to regional development make him a valuable advocate for business resilience and community well being.

Jacky James
The Shine Collective - Managing Partner

Jacky is the Managing Partner of The Shine Collective, a strategic communications agency she founded in 2012. With over 20 years in communications, she has worked with top New Zealand organizations across the police, dairy, education, tourism, and iwi sectors. Specializing in strategic planning, community engagement, media relations, and crisis management, she has earned multiple Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) Awards. A Chamber board member and PRINZ Fellow, Jacky’s leadership strengthens business communication strategies, ensuring impactful engagement across sectors.

Denise Emery
Te Puia - General Manager Visitor Experience

Denise Emery is a seasoned human resources and governance professional with extensive expertise in HR, employee relations (ER), industrial relations (IR), and recruitment. Based in Rotorua, she brings a deep understanding of people, culture, and strategic leadership. Denise is the Director of Kaiaka CQ Recruitment and HR Solutions, where she leads initiatives to strengthen workforce capability and deliver bespoke HR and recruitment services. Her governance experience includes serving on the board of Te Arawa Lakes Trust and the Rotorua Business Chamber, where she has been part of a dynamic group of governors, championing local business development, her special interest areas being Maori business and women in business. In her current role as General Manager of Visitor Experience at Te Puia, Denise is a key member of the Executive team, contributing to the organisation’s vision of showcasing and sustaining Maori culture.

Emma Clapperton

Personnel Resources - Consultant

Emma is a proud Rotorua local, working mum, and MBA graduate with governance training. With hands-on experience across finance, HR, marketing, and operations, she brings a broad understanding of the challenges facing businesses. Passionate about building strong connections, she believes thriving businesses are the foundation of a vibrant Rotorua. Emma is committed to fostering collaboration and strengthening support systems that enable growth and opportunity. Dedicated to representing the real people doing the mahi, she champions a resilient, future-focused, and connected Rotorua Business Chamber.