Stephanie Macdonald has extensive experience in community engagement, currently serving as the Community Engagement Team Leader at Bay of Plenty Regional Council since June 2009. Previous roles at the same organization include Senior Community Engagement Advisor, Community Engagement Advisor, Education Officer, and Community Relations Officer. Prior to joining the Regional Council, Stephanie worked as a Community Relations Ranger for the Department of Conservation from January 2006 to June 2009. Stephanie holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from The University of Waikato, a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, and a Bachelor of Arts in History, both from the University of Otago.