Jo Sheppard | Chief Executive Officer
Queensland Farmers' Federation

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 previously 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.
Other roles have included 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 peak body members to progress issues and challenges facing farmers across the State. Collectively, QFF through its peak body members represent over 13,000 Queensland farmers.
Jo holds a Bachelor of Business (University of Sydney), a Diploma in Executive Leadership (Oxford University), a Certificate in Sustainable Investing (Harvard Business School), 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, and Chair of Eco-Markets Australia. Jo is currently a member of the Queensland Energy System Advisory Board and a director with the Clean Energy Regulator.
Jo is a strong advocate for the agricultural sector and has a special place in her heart for regional and remote Queensland.