Jo Sheppard | CEO
Queensland Farmers' Federation

Jo Sheppard

Originally from a sheep and cattle property near Cunnamulla in far SW Queensland, Jo has worked across a number of industries from agriculture, small business and local government to education, communications and the NFP sector developing skills in both public and private sectors. Jo operated her own business for 10 years delivering Vocational Education and Training to the agricultural industry partnering with RTO’s across Queensland and NSW.
Formerly an elected councillor for 12 years including Mayor for 4 years with the Paroo Shire Council, Jo has a sound understanding of regional and remote Queensland and extensive experience in economic development and advocacy.
Previously the CEO with the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, and Director – Stakeholder Engagement with the University of Southern Queensland, Jo is now CEO with the Queensland Farmers Federation. QFF is Queensland’s peak agricultural representative body, working collaboratively with its 20 peak body members to progress issues and challenges facing farmers across the State. Collectively, QFF and its peak body members represent over 14,000 Queensland farmers.
Jo holds a Bachelor of Business (University of Sydney), a Diploma in Executive Leadership (Oxford University), is an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate and has held a number of board and advisory roles including previously Commissioner with the Queensland Local Government Grants Commission, Director with Sunwater, Director with the Australian Agricultural Colleges Corporation and currently the Chair of Eco-Markets Australia. Jo is a strong advocate for the agricultural sector and has a special place in her heart for regional and remote Queensland.