Introducing Tamara Howarth, Fortem Executive assistant.

Behind every strong organisation is a team of dedicated professionals working quietly and consistently to keep things moving, and at Fortem, Tamara (Tam) Howarth is one of those people.

Tam is the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Directors and has been part of the Fortem family for the past 18 months. In her role, she provides high-level executive support that keeps leadership operations running seamlessly. From coordinating complex meeting schedules and managing travel logistics, to preparing detailed minutes and handling correspondence, Tamara plays a pivotal role in ensuring the CEO and Directors can focus on strategy, partnerships and delivering meaningful impact for first responders and their families.

With an extraordinary 20-year career with the NSW Police Force, Tam joined in 2005 at just 22 as a civilian staff member and concluded her service in 2025. Over two decades, she worked across a variety of operational commands, building deep knowledge of policing environments and the unique pressures faced by those who serve.

One of the standout chapters of her career was spending several years with the Homicide Squad, where she worked as Executive Assistant to Fortem CEO Mick Willing APM. Supporting senior leadership in such a high-stakes environment requires discretion, resilience and an exceptional ability to manage competing priorities – qualities she continues to bring to her role at Fortem.

After 20 years supporting frontline policing operations, transitioning to Fortem felt like a natural next step. It allowed Tam to continue serving the first responder community, this time through an organisation dedicated to strengthening wellbeing and supporting families behind the uniform. Her firsthand understanding of the operational world adds depth and empathy to the work she does every day.

Outside of work, Tam is grounded by family, perspective and a good dose of humour. The best advice she’s ever received didn’t come from a senior leader, it came from her four-year-old daughter. Whenever something goes wrong, her daughter gently reminds her, ‘It’s okay Mum, we all make mistakes. We’re all just learning.’ It’s a simple sentiment, but one Tamara holds close a reminder to offer herself the same grace she so readily gives to others.

When it comes to travel, South Korea sits high on her wish list. ‘I’d love to experience the culture, food and energy, and to see some of my favourite K-Pop bands live’ she explains.

‘Since my kids obsession with K-pop Demon Hunters began, I have now fallen down the K-pop rabbit hole!’

As a child, Tamara’s dream career shifted more than once. For years she wanted to be a veterinarian because of her love for animals, until volunteering at the RSPCA made her realise she found it a little too heartbreaking. She then set her sights on becoming a flight attendant, drawn to the adventure of travel, only to later discover that she doesn’t actually love flying all that much. Safe to say, her career path evolved and ultimately led her to a role where her strengths in organisation, care and leadership support truly shine.

And if she could speak to her teenage self today? ‘Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks,’ Tam said.

‘Life doesn’t have to follow a fixed timeline or hit certain milestones to be meaningful. Being yourself and building a life that feels right to you is enough.’

Wellbeing for Tam is found in simple, consistent rituals. She enjoys walking around the lake near her home – a daily reset at the end of a busy day. ‘Recently, two ducks there had ducklings, and it’s become a bit of a regular event for people from the community to come to the lake to take photos and watch them waddle around,’ she said’

Thanks so much for sharing, Tam, Fortem is so fortunate to have you on our team.