Paths & Perspectives: Kellie Dean
This series is more than just a collection of career stories; it’s a celebration of the inspiring women who bring spatial sciences to life. It aims to highlight the diverse career paths and perspectives within this often-overlooked field. At Veris, we recognise that our strength lies in our diverse talents, collaborative spirit, and commitment to innovation. When we work together, we create something truly special.
Meet Kellie, General Manager – Property Survey
What do you love most about your career?
I am passionate about what I do, and I have a keen interest in land administration and how to develop land to create homes for our community sustainably. With every project I do, I feel like I am positively contributing to my client’s successful project outcomes and the society around us by creating a diverse mix of housing types and necessary infrastructure to meet our community’s needs. Every project is unique, and as a Licensed Surveyor, I have worked on a broad mix of iconic city-shaping projects, from major infrastructure construction works that create better travel options for our society to high-rise towers, large master-planned communities, and infill sites that take un-used land and convert it into a thriving community.
What is your favourite part of your role?
My favourite part of my role is communicating to clients how to navigate the legislative development framework most effectively and being the consultant in the team focused on spatial accountability for the constructability of new places.
What’s your biggest career challenge so far?
I have enjoyed my leadership journey to date and the challenges that come with it. My most challenging role has been as the President of the Institution of Surveyors Victoria (ISV) from 2018 to 2020, where we dealt with the uncertainty of COVID in arguably the most locked-down city (Melbourne) in the world!
What’s your biggest career achievement so far?
Key achievements I am proud of over my time volunteering with the ISV Board include being a part of the scoping study for the commercialisation of Land Registry, creating a member assistance program, leading the board to aim for 40% women participation at conferences and seminars, suggesting a review into the licensing process for Victorian Licensed Surveyors, creating a Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement and being a visible role model for our profession.
What initiatives at Veris are you proud to have contributed to?
At Veris, we are leading the way with our Young Professionals Program and our alliance with Wumara Group, and I am proud to have contributed to these initiatives, which have helped our business thrive and created better career pathways for young people.
I’m also excited to be the mentor and supervising surveyor for one of our team members in Victoria’s Pilot Licensing Program, being conducted by the Surveyor’s Registration Board of Victoria over the next three years.
What excites you about the future of Veris?
I’m excited by the emerging technology and the unique digital solutions that we are creating for our clients. As experts in the science of measurement, data collection and visualisation, surveyors are critical to the success of projects and creating sustainable solutions for our world. This is an exciting time for the profession and my team as we pursue different ways of addressing traditional challenges, whether they are project or capacity-related.
Kellie’s career journey is a prime example of the diverse opportunities and impactful work within the spatial sciences industry. From shaping cityscapes to championing industry initiatives, her passion for sustainable development and advocacy for the profession continues to leave a lasting impact. At Veris, we’re proud to support leaders like Kellie, who not only drive project success but also inspire the next generation of spatial professionals.
If Kellie’s story has inspired you, explore our career pathways or find your next opportunity among our current vacancies, where leaders like Kellie can mentor you and help shape your career.