Barry Ashcroft 
CEO, Leading Age Services Australia - Queensland
Barry Ashcroft is an experienced CEO with particular skills in business start up and business development. Prior to joining Leading Age Services Australia – Qld, Barry was CEO and a Director of one of the fastest growing age services providers in Australia. Previous roles include State Manager of the Government Aged Care Accreditation Agency and other senior management positions with major age services providers, specialising in business strategy and property investment. 

Marcia Balzer
National Public Affairs Manager, Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)
Marcia’s career has encompassed communications, marketing and public affairs roles in not-for-profit and government organisations. As National Public Affairs Manager at AVA, Marcia conceived, designed and implemented an integrated public affairs program to allow the AVA to be a more effective advocate for the profession across governments, stakeholders and the public.   

Val Bartholomew
Executive Officer, Business Educators’ Association of Qld 
A lot has changed since Val became the Executive Officer of BEAQ in 2007. Fast forward to 2015 and three websites later BEAQ now have a powerful website with easy-to-use features for membership management, event organisation, online resources, electronic direct marketing, editable online forms, Google analytics and an online store with online payment options. Val's background is in graphic design hence her interest in the look of the website, forms and resources. 

Richard Bowman
Past President, Victoria Division, Australian Tile Council
Richard Bowman operates Intertile Research, an international tiling system and slip resistance consultancy, whilst also indulging in public good research, standards development, and assisting in the operation of scientific societies and industry associations. Richard is a ceramic engineer and a past president of the International Ceramic Federation, the Australian Ceramic Society and the Victorian division of the Australian Tile Council. 

David Bryant
HR Manager, Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland
David commenced his HR career in 1993, working with a consulting firm in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Canberra. Upon returning to Australia from Dubai in 1999, David worked in HR at various corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations including Emirates Airlines, Anglicare, Department of Prime Minister and is currently HR Manager with Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland. He sees his role as a champion of change and organisational development. 

Chris Champion
CEO, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia
Chris Champion has 30 years experience in Local Government and 14 years in Association Management. He took up the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) in the year 2000. IPWEA is recognised internationally as leaders in the implementation of sustainable approaches to infrastructure management.  

Mark Creyton
Director Education, Research and Policy, Volunteering Qld
Mark Creyton has over twenty years experience as an educator and consultant working with a range of voluntary and non-profit organisations and groups. He has particular interest in supporting social innovation and smaller voluntary organisations and groups and their role in creating a strong and vital civil society. He is currently working with a range of young leaders, new organisations and initiatives and universities exploring new models of engagement, leadership and sustainability.  

Matthew Connor 
Marketing & Membership Services Manager, Australian Dental Association 
Matthew Connor is the Marketing & Membership Services Manager at the federal office of the Australian Dental Association. After 5 years at the ADA, Matt has restricted the ADA member database, improved the results of national oral health promotion, and consolidated the online delivery of Continuing Professional Development, while working to improve member communications and services.

Dan Devlin
Director Membership,  Australian Mines and Metals Association
Dan has extensive experience working with organisations in the service sectors in business development, key account management and sales management roles. His experience spans both the corporate world and the Not for Profit sector including significant work with CPA Australia. Currently working with the Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) Dan brings unique insights into the effective engagement, acquisition and management of members in challenging times.

Nino Di Marco
CEO, Royal Flying Doctor Services Qld
Nino Di Marco has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Flying Doctor Services Qld for over 8 years and oversees 400 staff including pilots, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support services. The Royal Flying Doctors provide a range of aero-medical and primary health care services, funded by the Commonwealth, State Government, donors and sponsors with a $90m budget. Nino is also a member of the Greater Metro South Brisbane Medicare Local Board. 

Thomas Dunsmore
Operations Manager, Australian Boarding Schools Association
Thomas Dunsmore started his role as Office Manager of Australian Boarding Schools Association in late April 2012, and moved into the role of Operations Manager at the conclusion of his Traineeship in April 2013. He completed a Traineeship in Business with ABSA and has achieved both a Certificate III and a Diploma in Business. 

Alice Evans
CEO, Family Planning Queensland
Alice Evans is the CEO at Family Planning Queensland and was the winner of both the leadership and academic excellence awards in the 2012 MBA Awards. Alice started her career as a physiotherapist, working in both hospitals and private practice before becoming regional manager of a rehabilitation services provider and moving into wider HR and management roles. Alice is a passionate and driven leader focused on developing both the team and individual capability to the highest level. 

Tania Goodacre
Event Manager, Australian Trucking Association
Tania is an Accredited In-House Meeting Manager, and holds the position of ACT Branch Chair of Meetings and Events Australia (MEA). In May, 2014 she was awarded the MEA Event Manager of the Year. Tania has more than fifteen years of experience in strategic and operational events planning, events management, public relations, and media launches in association and government environments. Her experience also includes sponsorship procurement and contract negotiation. 

Julie Hood
Director Events, Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association 
Julie Hood has more than 20 years experience in event management. After five years at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition, she moved to the ‘other side’ – to be the client. Today after 14 years heading up APPEA’s events team, Julie is responsible for delivering top-quality events for the Australian oil and gas industry, in particular, the APPEA Conference & Exhibition – the flagship event for the Association. Protecting, promoting and enhancing the brands of APPEA and its conferences is a key focus for Julie and her team. 

Kirsty Kelly 
CEO, Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)
An experienced Certified Practising Planner, Kirsty Kelly has served the PIA in various capacities throughout her career including 4 years on the Board of Directors. She has also operated in private consulting, state government and local government in South Australia and in the Northern Territory, working for key organisations known for their leading practice in the industry. She is a strong advocate for the role planning plays in creating sustainable and productive communities of lasting value. 

Nick Lee
CEO, Jodi Lee Foundation
Nick was a director at Unilever when his career took a major turn after losing his wife Jodi to bowel cancer in 2010. Having witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of the disease, he established bowel cancer prevention charity, The Jodi Lee Foundation. His aim was to inspire others to take a simple bowel screening test and make positive choices to improve their health. Nick was a South Australian Finalist in the 2015 Australian of the Year Awards and was awarded the 2013 EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Central Region) in 2011. 

Anne Maree Liddy
Chief Executive Officer, CheckUP 
Ann Maree is an accomplished health executive with twelve years’ experience as Chief Executive Officer. Ann Maree has extensive financial, management, governance, strategic and operational planning, stakeholder engagement and leadership experience across the health sector, particularly primary health care. In collaboration with the Board of Directors, she has led a significant transformation of General Practice Queensland to CheckUP.

Andrew McCallum
Strategic Projects & Partnerships, Fitness Australia
Andrew McCallum is the Strategic Projects and Partnerships Manager at Fitness Australia, the not-for-profit national health and fitness industry association representing the diverse interests of over 26,000 registered exercise professionals, fitness service providers and industry suppliers. Andrew holds an MBA, as well as degrees in Exercise Science and Journalism. Andrew relishes the opportunity to create innovative solutions to existing problems and develop new strategies. 

Cathy Parker
CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Queensland
Cathy is the current acting CEO at Cystic Fibrosis Queensland and a Fellow of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Governance Institute of Australia. Cathy holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in law, together with a Masters of Business Administration. She is also on several Boards, including National Seniors Australia and Lourdes Hill College. Cathy has wide experience in commercial and corporate law, banking, insurance, financial services and member based organisations. 

Simon Pryor, CEO, Mathematical Association of Victoria
Simon Pryor has experience as an evaluator, policy developer and commentator, strategic planner, curriculum developer, conference presenter, meetings and events organiser, as a business facilitator and trainer, and in economic research. He has also continually served as an executive officer of professional, education and industry associations for the past thirty years. Simon Pryor SAE FAIM is the Immediate Past President and a Life Member of AuSAE. 

Genevieve Quilty
CEO, Optometry Australia
Genevieve Quilty was appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Optometry Australia in late 2011. Ms Quilty has generated significant change in the way this peak professional body delivers services to its members. Most recently, she implemented a major rebrand which resulted in a new name and a strong, recalibrated business direction. Ms Quilty has reinvigorated the federated organisation whose membership comprises over 90% of Australia’s optometrists. 

Craig Richards
CEO, Bicycle Network
Everyone has a skeleton in their closet – Craig’s is he was a lawyer. While he’s been in commercial roles now for 17 years, he can’t outrun his past. So he’s given up trying. Now he tries to help other commercial people by making the complex world of law as simple (and entertaining) as possible. In his day job Craig is currently the CEO of Bicycle Network where he leads an amazing group of people who are trying to make the world a better place. 

Scott Rowen 
General Manager, Corporate Services, Queensland Law Society 
Scott Rowan looks after Queensland Law Society’s internal corporate needs, ensuring IT systems, administrative support, facilities and workplace health and safety systems support operational and strategic requirements. Scott has more than 14 years’ experience in information systems, along with a background in accounting. He brings a strong drive to deliver on strategic objectives through the selection, implementation and ongoing use of appropriate systems and processes. 

Jane Schmitt
CEO, Australian Medical Association (Qld)
Jane Schmitt is a Lawyer by profession, having worked in private and corporate arenas. Jane’s move into executive management has seen her in roles at Australia’s largest medical indemnity insurer and Master Builders Australia, before taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer at AMA Queensland. Her expertise lies in initiating innovative operational and strategic changes to enhance the influence and profile of communities and businesses.  

Richard Simpson
CEO, Spatial Industries Business Association (SIBA)
Richard Simpson commenced as the CEO of Spatial Industries Business Association (SIBA) Queensland in April 2013. In this role he has actively worked with the board and staff to transform SIBA’s business model and establish it as the leading association for the spatial industry. Richard was an early pioneer in New Zealand’s 3D computer graphics industry and for over a quarter century has successfully led development of cutting edge spatial technologies and built a series of start-ups.  

Richard Stokes
CEO, Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA)
Richard Stokes is the current Executive Director of ABSA. Richard has been involved in ABSA or its previous versions since 1985, holding numerous positions on their management committee, and was appointed the first part-time Executive Director for the newly formed Australian Boarding Schools Association in 2007. The role became a full-time one in 2011. Since that time the work of the Association has grown dramatically including the appointment of an additional staff member. 

Michael Sugg 
Chief Executive Officer, Western Sydney Business Connection
Michael Sugg is an entrepreneurial business leader experienced in engaging organisations with their audiences. Focused on strategy development, business development, marketing, communications and connecting both people and businesses. In current role, Michael responsible for leading and managing the organisation’s growth and ensuring it remains progressive, productive and relevant to its membership base. 

Cindy Tilbrook
CEO, Australian Dental Prosthetists Association
Cindy holds Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Economics degrees and is a Chartered Accountant. Her professional career has included work in the not-for-profit sector (local government, educational and charitable organisations and professional associations/networks), the private sector (professional service firms) and consulting (in the fields of strategic planning and management, organisational design, financial and process improvement and governance). 

Benjamin Wash
Chief Executive Officer, Taxi Council of Queensland
Benjamin has nearly 20 years of experience in Finance and Management and is currently CEO of the Taxi Council of Queensland. He has a passion for advocacy and enjoys working in the not-for-profit space on behalf of members. Benjamin is actively involved in a number of organisations on a professional and voluntary basis and very much enjoys having the opportunity to influence policy on both a global level as well as a local level.