Branch Council

The operations and policy-making of NECA SA/NT are developed and governed by the Branch Council, which is a group of members elected each year from the NECA SA/NT membership.

Current Branch Councillors

Andrew Cross

President of NECA SA/NT

Managing Director of NSG Boffa

Andrew is the Managing Director of NSG Boffa – a leading electrical contracting and technology integration firm based in Adelaide, South Australia. With over 40 years of experience in the electrical, communications, and renewable energy sectors, Andrew has been instrumental in steering NSG Boffa’s growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the business has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality service and maintenance, construction, and 24/7 emergency response solutions. The company is renowned for its expertise in power generation, advanced lighting control systems, and integrated communications.

Andrew holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and qualifications in both Corporate Law and Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Adelaide. His extensive experience spans commercial, industrial, and transmission sectors, where he provides strategic guidance and management to ensure operational success.

Andrew is actively involved in industry leadership – in addition to being the President of NECA SA/NT, he is also the Director and Chair of Electro Careers & Apprenticeships and the Treasurer of the Specialist Contractors Association. His contributions to these organisations underscore his commitment to advancing the electrical contracting industry across Australia.


Greg Hodby

Vice President of NECA SA/NT

Chief Executive Officer of Nilsen Australia

Greg is the Chief Executive Officer of Nilsen Australia, a national leader in electrical engineering, contracting, preventative maintenance, and data communications. With over 45 years of experience in the electrical, communications, and construction sectors, Greg plays a pivotal role in Nilsen’s continued success drawing on deep industry knowledge to navigate complex commercial and technical challenges. His approach consistently delivers outcomes that benefit both Nilsen and their clients.

Starting his career as an apprentice with Nilsen (SA), Greg quickly progressed to leading and delivering major, iconic projects across Australia. He brings a strong focus on innovation, technical excellence, and stakeholder collaboration, with safety as a core principle. Greg is a strong advocate for early, proactive engagement with all project stakeholders to ensure the needs of clients, supply chains, industry associations, internal teams, and end users are aligned and achieved.

A respected industry leader, Greg has dedicated nearly two decades to NECA. He has served on the NECA SA/NT committee for 18 years, including 5 years as President and 10 years as Vice President, and continues to contribute at a national level as a NECA National Councillor and Executive Member for the past 15 years.


Chris Mattner

Treasurer of NECA SA/NT

Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of CME

Chris Mattner is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of CME, a global leader in sports and stadium lighting, with more than 20 years of expertise across the electrical, lighting, and sports infrastructure industries.

A driven and visionary leader, Chris has built his career on resilience, purpose, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Both personally and professionally, he has been recognised through numerous industry leadership and entrepreneurship awards, celebrating his influence in shaping the future of the construction and electrical sectors.

Beyond business, Chris is passionate about empowering others. Through mentoring, mindset coaching, and initiatives such as CME’s Female Apprentice Program for Women in Construction, he is redefining what’s possible for the next generation of tradespeople and leaders.

Respected for his authenticity, high-performance mindset, and pursuit of excellence, Chris inspires others to transform adversity into opportunity and to lead with purpose and conviction.


Dain Venning

Secretary of NECA SA/NT

Executive Director of NECA SA/NT

Dain is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the NECA SA/NT branch, while also working collaboratively with other state branches to address national issues impacting electrical and communications contractors.

He represents the interests of members by actively contributing to a range of industry and government boards at both the state and national levels, where his insights play a vital role in shaping the future of the electrotechnology industry.

In addition to his leadership role at NECA SA/NT, Dain also serves as a Director and the Secretary/Public Officer of Electro Careers & Apprenticeships and is also the Secretary of the Specialist Contractors Association, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing the sector and supporting the industry.


Andrew Russell

Branch Councillor of NECA SA/NT

Managing Director of AHT Group

Andrew is a respected industry leader with over 35 years of experience in the electrical and communications sector. Known for his strong commercial acumen and natural leadership, he has successfully guided teams and projects across a range of complex environments, including a decade as Manager of Communications and Electrical Projects at the former Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Throughout his career, Andrew has earned a reputation for fostering high-performing teams and cultivating a workplace culture built on accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

In his current role as Managing Director of AHT Group, Andrew remains deeply committed to the growth and wellbeing of his team. He is focused on building lasting relationships with clients, partners, and industry stakeholders, while ensuring the business consistently delivers innovative, dependable, and user-focused solutions.


Simon Butler

Branch Councillor of NECA SA/NT

Managing Director of Tapp Electrical, Matrix Electrical Solutions and Matrix Solar Solutions

Simon is an accomplished electrician with more than 31 years of hands-on, leadership, and business experience in the electrotechnology industry. Renowned for his technical expertise and unwavering commitment to safety, Simon has built a career defined by quality workmanship, strategic thinking, and strong industry relationships.

As the Owner and Managing Director of Tapp Electrical, Matrix Electrical Solutions, and Matrix Solar Solutions, Simon leads a diverse portfolio of electrical projects across South Australia. His work spans small and large-scale residential developments through to medium commercial installations, where he oversees multidisciplinary teams and ensures every project is delivered to the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

Dedicated to the future of the electrical trade, Simon plays an active role in industry advocacy and development. As a Branch Councillor for NECA SA/NT, he proudly represents smaller contractors and contributes to initiatives that address skills shortages, strengthen training pathways, and support a sustainable workforce.

Simon brings extensive expertise in electrical design, project management, regulatory compliance, renewable energy integration, and workforce training. His collaborative approach, commitment to integrity, and focus on innovation and safety make him a respected leader and trusted advocate within the electrical industry.


Jarrod Poulton

Branch Councillor of NECA SA/NT

Co-Founder and Director of Nexphase Electrical

Jarrod co-founded Nexphase Electrical in September 2014, transforming a vision conceived around the kitchen table into a respected and thriving electrical services business. With more than 17 years of prior industry experience, Jarrod brought both technical expertise and strategic insight to the company’s foundation. His leadership journey has shaped his deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that define small and medium-sized enterprises.

Under Jarrod’s direction, Nexphase Electrical has built a strong reputation for reliability, quality, and long-term client relationships. He leads with a people-first philosophy, fostering a culture that values teamwork, accountability, and sustainable work–life balance.

A results-driven and forward-thinking leader, Jarrod’s professional strengths include cost management, estimating, project administration, and value management. He is dedicated to continuous improvement and driving operational excellence across all facets of the business.

Beyond the company, Jarrod is a committed advocate for the growth and integrity of the electrical industry. He actively supports apprenticeship programs, contributes to the NECA SA/NT branch committee, and participates in initiatives such as the NECA Apprentice Awards, helping to inspire and develop the next generation of electrical professionals.


Brad Maurits

Branch Councillor of NECA SA/NT

Managing Director of CITE Services

Brad brings over 20 years of experience in the construction and defence industries, with a proven track record of delivering complex projects to the highest standards. For the past seven years he has led CITE Services, guiding the organisation with a clear focus on quality, collaboration, and client satisfaction.

Brad’s extensive industry knowledge and hands-on leadership have been instrumental in strengthening CITE Services’ reputation for reliability and excellence. His commitment to building strong relationships, empowering teams, and maintaining exceptional project outcomes has established him as a trusted and respected leader within the industry.


Notice of Branch Council Elections

Please be advised that a copy of the AEC Post Election Report for the NECA SA/NT Branch Council elections for 2024 is available on request from the NECA SA/NT Office.

Office and Related Party Disclosure Statement

In accordance with the requirements of Section 293J of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 we provide notice that a copy of the Officer and related party disclosure statement for The National Electrical Contractors Association – South Australia / Northern Territory Branch is available for members to view via the following link: Office and Related Party Disclosure Statement.