Wellington, Tuesday 1 May 2018 – UFBA Board Chair Rick Braddock has today announced the appointment of Richie Smith as
an Independent Director and Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Smith will replace Mr. Braddock whose mandatory six year term concludes in June.
Richie Smith has been in Directorship roles dating back to 1995 covering a broad range of sectors including start-up,
export and foreign investment, farming, transport, FMCG and with New Zealand Post Group.
The board has also taken the opportunity to co-opt Brenda Pilott to the board, whose formal position will be ratified at
this year’s annual conference when two new director roles will be created as we move towards the formal merger between
UFBA and FRFANZ.
Brenda brings governance and executive leadership experience from a range of social and public sector and not for profit
organisations including Victoria University, PSA and Women’s Refuge Foundation.
Together both will bring extensive business acumen and experience in change management and directing community and high
growth organisations.
The appointments represent positive additions to the UFBA Board at a time where the sector is seeing increased
diversification and inclusiveness.
Richie and Brenda will help shape the growth of the UFBA through a period of change as we look to service a broader
emergency response sector. We look forward to integrating Richie and Brenda’s knowledge and experiences.