AuSAE Welcomes Four New Certified Association Executives (CAEs) in Australia

14 Feb 2025 12:00 PM | Sarah Gamble (Administrator)

The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is proud to welcome four new Certified Association Executives (CAEs) to the growing cohort of credentialed professionals in Australia and New Zealand.

Congratulations to Jennifer Bowden, CAE, Christopher Marrs, CAE, Leigh Clarke, CAE, and Marie Walters, CAE, who have demonstrated their expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence in association management by earning this distinguished global credential.

New CAEs – Australia:

  • Jennifer Bowden, CAE – CEO, Mathematical Association of Victoria (Brunswick, VIC)
  • Christopher Marrs, CAE – Manager, Education & Membership, Migration Institute of Australia (East Gosford, NSW)
  • Leigh Clarke, CAE – Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Healthcare Association (Melbourne, VIC)
  • Marie Walters, CAE – Executive Officer (Melbourne, VIC)

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of AuSAE, congratulated the new CAEs, saying:
"I want to congratulate all the AuSAE members who recently achieved their Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation—an incredible milestone that reflects your dedication and expertise. The CAE credential is a mark of leadership in our sector, and we are thrilled to see more association professionals in Australia and New Zealand committing to this standard of excellence."

The Certified Association Executive (CAE) program is the highest professional certification in the association sector, recognising individuals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and leadership required to drive success in the industry. Administered by the CAE Commission and supported by AuSAE, the program is globally recognised and designed to elevate the standards of association management.

To learn more about the CAE credential, visit AuSAE’s website.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

  • Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
  • Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
  • Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
  • Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

  • Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
  • Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
  • Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

--- ends ---

For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE

E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand

E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia

                    
        


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software