David Vial holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Amenity Horticulture), and brings to IOSS managerial, academic and practical skills. Prior to the formation of IOSS in 1997, David worked with Brisbane City Council, Queensland, in a number of positions associated with open space planning and management. Between 1986 and 1989 he served as an academic at Charles Sturt University, NSW, presenting internal and external curriculum in recreation, landscape design, soil science and amenity horticulture. From the 1970's to mid 1980's he undertook work in both the public and private sector of the parks and recreation industry in south eastern Australia.

Michelle Prior holds a Master of Natural Resources, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Urban & Regional Planning, and Certified Practising Planner (PIA). Whilst undertaking the Bachelor of Laws, Michelle was invited to join the Golden Key International Honour Society. Michelle is Principal Consultant for IOSS - Environmental Planning & Research. Areas include implications of environmental and land use policy; natural areas; use of public open space; urban green spaces; changing urban form.

Michelle is the Executive Manager of ParksBase - Knowledge Base: an online knowledge database for professionals. Fields include urban open spaces, urban greenery, urban ecology, conservation & protected areas, arboriculture, horticulture, soils, turf, recreation; and associated areas of sustainability and social research. Additionally, she is ParksBase - Knowledge Base’s lead researcher undertaking research and analysis of topical issues, desktop research, literature reviews and database searches.

Prior to these current roles, Michelle was a Director of IOSS for 11 years. Before joining IOSS, Michelle was involved in management and program delivery in the aquatic recreation industry.