Carley is a sought-after commercial space and strategy expert. At Space CoLAB, Carley encourages international collaboration in the space sector through the investigation of; systems that can streamline access to space, responses that address opposing narratives effectively, and, disruptive technology uses that can improve scientific and security outcomes for allied nations.

Carley is also a strategic advisor to the Victorian State Government on defence and environmental matters, particularly with a view to strategy, space, and technology innovation.

Previously, as the inaugural CEO of an award winning economic development company, and later, as CEO beside the founder of ELA, Carley worked to establish the world first contract with NASA for the successful launch of US rockets and heliophysics payloads from an Australian commercial launch site in 2022. This required the import of US vehicles without a TSA, delivery of a remote site set up during a pandemic, securing land use agreements and environmental approvals alongside regulators, demonstrating her renowned collaborative leadership style and effective negotiation skills.

Carley has also been an advisor to the CSIRO Advanced Manufacturing Committee, board member of the Space Industry Association of Australia, and guest lecturer for RMIT’s rocket-science physics sessions.

Awarded Australia’s pre-eminent recognition for service with the ‘Order of Australia Medal’ in 2021, ranked in the top ‘100 Women of Influence’ by AFR in 2019/2020, and winner of the ‘Telstra Business Women’s Award’ in 2017, Carley is a recognised for her positive impacts on Australian industry and community.

A current member of United Nations Association of Australia (Victoria), the Victorian Rocketry Association, and graduate of Monash University, Carley is passionate about hands-on learning and enjoys testing model rocket fuels and airframe designs with her children on the weekends.