Jeff Rea has been involved in music all his life as a singer/songwriter and recording artist, with multiple television appearances and three albums to his credit. He spent ten years touring as a professional musician in the USA and returns annually to perform. He has vast experience in sound engineering, event production and producing albums for other artists. He has also had considerable experience in governance roles and is currently Chairperson of the New Zealand Songwriter’s Trust. Jeff resides in West Otago where he runs a family farming operation with his wife and sons.

Philip Geary has convened the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards Committee for 22 years and been a committee member for 25 years. Prior to this Philip and his wife Jackie were keen spectators at the NZ Gold Guitar Awards and then became members of the Gore Country Music Club.  Philip completed a five-year apprenticeship in Invercargill as a fitter/turner. This led to a career as an engineer having 14 years on merchant ships worldwide achieving a ranking of Chief Engineer. After marrying wife Jackie, Jackie joined Philip at sea for three years.  Philip was born in Winton and the oldest of seven siblings. He returned to Winton after his career at sea, then shifting to Mataura and working as an engineer at the Mataura Freezing Works. Phillip retired in January 2020 from the Mataura Freezing Works and continues his involvement with country music.

Julie Mitchell is a passionate member of the Gore Country Music Club and a trustee of the New Zealand Songwriter’s Trust.  Julie’s early career was with the banking industry and she has 22 years in the real estate industry. Julie was educated at St Peters College and her and husband Ron have three daughters.   Julie has a passion for Gore and Country Music and is keen to see the district thrive economically and New Zealand Country Music Festival contributing to that success.

Roger Bowie is a Certified Advisory Board Chair, and current Chair of the Advisory Board Centre New Zealand Chapter. He is also a writer and music reviewer and a keen Americana fan. He is still shy but not quite retiring from a long and varied corporate career. He has bought, stolen and borrowed 1.8 albums every week since 1970 to amass an eclectic collection, and curates a  monthly radio programme in order to showcases these assets. He lives in Auckland but was born in Tuatapere and is delighted to be “home” and  playing a part in the  success of the Tussock Country.

Lana Doublet is a multi-award winning singer-songwriter, and advocate for original music and supporting young artists. While born in Christchurch, where she currently resides, she grew up in Invercargill – which still holds a special place in her heart. Her career spans 18+ years around learning and development, HR admin, recruitment, learning/graphic design and more recently into employee experience. Lana’s involvement in many country music awards and events spans various capacities. She is super excited to join the  NZ Country Music Festival Trust, and be a part of growing the event to attract visitors from around Aotearoa (and beyond) to beautiful Southland.