Executive Management

Richard Barker, Chief Executive Officer

Richard Barker was appointed as NQA’s Chief Executive Officer in December 2020, after joining the NQA Board of Directors in 2015. Richard has extensive experience in the Airports, Retail and Energy sectors. In his previous role as General Manager of Retail & Commercial at Auckland International Airport, Richard was responsible for the airport’s retail, transport and premium lounge businesses.

Richard has more than 30 years of global experience having worked and lived in New Zealand, UK, USA and Australia. Richard holds a BMS (Marketing / Finance) and a KMI from Kellogg Business School – Chicago and is a member NZ Institute of Directors.

Tracey Mellor, Chief Financial Officer

Tracey was appointed as NQA’s Chief Financial Officer in March 2025 and has responsibility for Finance, Treasury, ICT, Procurement and Business Planning.  She has over 25 years of experience in senior finance roles across Aviation, Infrastructure and Maintenance Services in ASX, Government and Private enterprises and was most recently the CFO for Airport Development Group (Darwin and Alice Springs airports). Her experience covers large scale change programs, M&A and ERP implementations. Tracey holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from QUT, is a Chartered Accountant and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Garry Porter, Chief Operating Officer

Garry leads the Aviation, Operations, Commercial and Marketing teams for NQA. Garry joined NQA in April 2019 as the General Manager Mackay Airport. Garry has considerable experience working in the aviation and tourism sectors and has an in-depth understanding of regional airports around the country. He has a keen understanding of the importance of working collaboratively with stakeholders, the community and airlines to generate industry development. Garry has over 20 years operational, commercial and management experience across the aviation sector within the Asia-Pacific region.

Alan Dugan, General Manager Property and Infrastructure

Alan leads the Property and Infrastructure team for Cairns and Mackay Airports responsible for all of aspects of environmental management, planning, development, construction and asset management. Alan has over 20 years’ experience in infrastructure development from design and construction, through to operation and maintenance. Most recently, Alan has held senior positions at Hamad International Airport Doha and Darwin Airport in the Northern Territory.

Andrea Ferrier, General Manager People and Culture

Andrea has over 20 years’ experience as a People & Culture leader within fast paced environments, coupled with operational experience. She has worked across a variety of industries, including retail, manufacturing, and supply chain, and has supporting qualifications with a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Management.

Andrea is passionate about implementing cultural change programs and developing talent.

Alicia Prince, General Manager Customer and Commercial

Alicia leads NQA’s commercial teams and all customer touchpoints at Cairns Airport, including operational teams in terminals, security, aerodrome and emergency response.  Alicia has over 20 years of airport experience having worked across commercial, project delivery, aviation development and operations.  Alicia is passionate about developing a strong airport community, and working collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver a safe, secure, efficient and welcoming experience at Cairns Airport.  Alicia sits on a number of national committees with industry and government guiding policy decisions impacting air travel, and is heavily involved with the relevant regulatory bodies. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Communications) from Queensland University of Technology and has qualifications in Lean 6 Sigma.