Donna Cain-Riva

Mrs Donna Cain-Riva is a senior executive leader with over 24 years of experience in advancing Australia’s national security, defence capability, and organisational transformation. She currently serves as Deputy Head of the National Support Division, leading whole-of-government engagement to deliver strategic objectives under the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Her responsibilities include shaping national support policy, synchronising Defence mobilisation planning, and fostering collaboration with Commonwealth agencies, State and Territory jurisdictions, industry sectors, international partners and academics to strengthen Australia’s resilience and preparedness for crisis and conflict.

Previously, Mrs Cain-Riva was Executive Director of Logistics Capability Branch, overseeing the multi-billion-dollar theatre logistics capability program and driving accelerated logistics reforms in response to the 2023 Defence Strategic Review. She also led the Defence Strategic Review – Logistics Task Force, ensuring enterprise-wide implementation of key recommendations. Her earlier roles include Director of Future Logistics Capability – Air Force, where she led the development of the inaugural Air Force Logistics Operating Concept 2030 and advanced interoperability initiatives with the United States Air Force.

Academically, Mrs Cain-Riva holds a Master of International Relations, a Master of Engineering, a Graduate Certificate in Management, and a Bachelor of Social Science. She graduated from the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian War College in 2020, earning the Secretary of Defence and Chief of Defence Force Academic Prize for her thesis paper on ‘Comprehensive Collective Balancing in the South Pacific: An Alternative Strategy for Counter Coercion in an era of Strategic Competition’.

Her contributions have been recognised through multiple awards, including the Chief of Joint Capabilities Gold Commendation, Chief of Air Force Gold Commendation, the AVM Tony Deitz Memorial Quality and Achievement Medallion, and an Australia Day Achievement Medallion.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs Cain-Riva is passionate about the outdoors, enjoying trail running, water-skiing, and hiking adventures. She resides in regional New South Wales (near Canberra, Australia) with her husband, son and Australian kelpie dog.