our team

At FAR Lane, we wear many hats; economist, strategist, consultant, innovator, mentor and investor.

Our team of versatile and talented professionals combine years of expertise in the fields of regional development, spatial economics, economic development, and corporate strategy.

A little irreverent, we thrive in collaborative environments, where we work side by side with our clients to produce tangible outcomes for every project.

Jason McFarlane - Managing Director

Jason is a father, surfer, strategist, and economic development professional.  He has spent over 15-years working with entrepreneurs, communities, government agencies, and investors to deliver transformative projects and initiatives for local benefit. His work focuses on delivering evidence-based analytics and strategy that realises real-world outcomes.

Jason has as Masters of Business Administration (California State University East Bay) and a Bachelor of Science (UWA), a Certificate in Strategic Foresight (University of Houston) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Jason is Chair of Economic Development Australia (Australia’s peak body for economic development professionals), an Independent Director of Pollinators (a regional not-for-profit enterprise focussing on innovation and entrepreneurship) and sits on the Advisory Board of the WA AusCyber Innovation Hub.

Kaitlyn Scannell - Director

Kaitlyn is a self-confessed data nerd. She has over 10-years of experience across consulting, not-for-profit and public sectors, with a powerful reputation as an analyst whose insights shape public and corporate strategy, policy, and major investment decisions. She brings an unparalleled intellectual rigor to her work that is reflected in the trust that clients place in her findings. She is constantly developing her skills and knowledge, setting the bar for tomorrow's industry best practice. 

Kaitlyn has as Graduate Diploma—Economics (UWA) and Bachelor of Commerce (Curtin University).

Giles Tuffin - Senior Consultant

Giles is passionate about economics and its ability to improve lives on a global scale. Prior to commencing work with FAR Lane in October 2021, Giles was employed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), with his work focussing on economic development, analysis, innovation and entrepreneurship. He has also worked extensively on an array of socioeconomic challenges in other roles, including social investment, place-based development, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Giles’ varied career has provided him with a multidisciplinary approach he uses to tackle problems and create innovative solutions. He enjoys challenges and is skilled at communicating with stakeholders to better understand issues and gain important insights.

Nikki Harvey - Senior Consultant

Following 8 years working on Pacific focused international development programs, Nikki joined the FAR Lane team in June 2019. She is passionate about projects with heart, delivering meaningful results for clients and communities and is looking forward to bringing all she has learned into the economic development space.

Nikki has a Master of International Relations (Australian National University) and a Bachelor of Arts & Communications Studies (University of Western Australia).

Nikki enjoys giving and receiving unsolicited podcast recommendations.

Chris Massey - Analyst

Chris is a highly motivated economist and data analyst, with a strong interest in business strategies and entrepreneurship, as well as innovation in economic development. He supports the FAR Lane team and its clients through document/data capture and review, trend analysis, cluster analysis, scenario profiling and dashboarding.

Prior to commencing work with FAR Lane, Chris worked as an economist and data analyst in the public service sector, primarily focusing on modelling labour market dynamics and household incomes. His work also included consulting with various policy areas and stakeholders to assist in delivering evidence-based policy through interpreting modelling output to deliver valuable economic insight.

His qualifications include a Master of Economics (University of Western Australia), a Bachelor of Commerce (University of Western Australia) and a Bachelor of Science (University of Western Australia).

Tess Ntoumenopoulos - Administration and Communications Officer

Tess is a creative, yet practical solutions-driven communication professional. She has a flair for writing and assists the FAR Lane team in creating dynamic, succinct and engaging content. She also supports FAR Lane and its clients by aiding in project facilitation and project management support.

Tess’ qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communications) from Curtin University.