Frank is:

 

• A highly experienced Director and CEO skilled at stabilising and consolidating mismanaged and financially challenged organisations, with a track record in organisational turnaround to regain stability and growth.

• A strategist who can pinpoint a changing environment and evolving trends to then work ahead of the change curve to refocus, reprioritise and develop the right business plan. 

 

A strong applied science background means Frank is adept at weighing evidence, identifying strategic options, using judgement and guiding due diligence.
 

Most recently, Frank was Director of the Australian Museum, and before that, Director of the Sydney Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust.  
 

Between these roles he helped establish the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation.  
 

Before moving to the environment and cultural sectors Frank worked in transport, industry and technology policy roles in government.

 

 

Making organisations more relevant, productive and sustainable
 

Throughout his career, Frank has worked to achieve organisational change. 
 

He draws on idea generation, creativity and innovation to:
 

• source commercial funding

• design strategies for cultural place-making and precincts in modern cities

• develop philanthropy and sponsorship

• deliver better cultural outcomes for indigenous peoples and make science research programs more relevant and productive

 

Frank is astutely aware of how all things digital influence operational practices to build new audiences; and relate to and engage customers, visitors and communities.  
 

He has sound understanding of complex stakeholder relationships, going well beyond immediate users to the key influencers, whether they be the three levels of government, funders (commercial, philanthropic and government) or international associates.

 

 

Harnessing change

 

His recent work has work has focussed on issues that will significantly change culture and leisure-focussed organisations, including: 
 

• Harnessing the digital revolution to build new audiences and wider community engagement.

• Developing strategies to address changing audience demographics including declining baby boomer audiences and the need to engage Gen Y and Millennials.

• Guiding organisations through changing funding sources, including reduced government funding and the need to build commercial, sponsorship and philanthropic revenue.

 

 

Clients

 

• National Museum of Australia

• Australian National Maritime Museum

• Bathurst Regional Council

• Southern Highlands Arts Precinct Enterprise

• University of Wollongong Early Start Discovery Space

• Friends of the Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby

 

 

Collaborators

 

• UTS Business School

• AEA Consulting

• The Stafford group

 

 

Chair and directorships 
 

With a membership and fundraising focus:
 

• Museums Australia
  National President (chair of the Council), 2013 to present.

• Australian Museum Foundation
  Co-founder and board member, 2005 to 2015.

• Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation
  Board member, 2004 to 2014.

• Museums and Galleries NSW
  Board member, 2005 to 2013

 

Environment and cultural sector foundations, boards and committees:

 

• Council of Australasian Museum Directors
  Executive Member, 2004 to 2014

• The Somerville Collection Limited (The Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum)
  Director, 2004 to 2014

• Museum & Galleries NSW
  Director, 2005 to 2013

• International Council of Museums Australian Committee
  Chair of the Executive Board, 2008 to 2013

• Atlas of Living Australia Management Committee
  Chair, 2008 to 2010

• Coral Reef & Marine Science Foundation
  Trustee, 2004 to 2012

• Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute Limited
  Chair and Director, 2004 to 2005

 

Management and leadership expertise:

 

• Frank Howarth and Associates Pty Ltd
  Managing Director, 2014 to present

• Australian Museum
  Director, Chief Executive, 2004 to 2014

• NSW Department of Environment and Conservation
  Executive Director Policy and Science, 2003 to 2004.

• Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney, 
  Director and Chief Executive, 1996 to 2003

 

Qualifications and Awards in governance, science, society and leadership
 

• Australian Institute of Company Directors
  GAICD, 2013

• Public Service Medal
  Award in the Order of Australia, 2012

• Leadership Program in Los Angeles
  Getty Museum, 2009

• Master of Science and Society
  University of NSW 

• Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Geology
  Macquarie University