AuSAE - Andrea Slattery stepping down from SMSF Association board

Andrea Slattery stepping down from SMSF Association board

15 Apr 2019 11:42 AM | Deleted user

Andrea Slattery has announced she is stepping down as a non-executive director from the SMSF Association board, effective from 18 April.

Slattery was Managing Director and CEO when she resigned from the Executive in April 2017 and became a non-executive Director of the Association.

Her decision to resign from the board is to focus on the companies where she has been appointed a non-executive director since leaving the Association’s Executive.

Slattery, who was the inaugural CEO and one of the founding members of the Association, leaves an enormous legacy after 16 years of commitment to the organisation and its goal of leading the professionalism, integrity and sustainability of the SMSF sector.

When she co-founded the Association in 2003, there were about 130,000 SMSFs and funds under management (FUM) stood at $109 billion. Today, it is the largest superannuation sector in terms of FUM ($755 billion), has about 1.1 million members, boasts 596,000 funds, and the Association is recognised as the pre-eminent voice in the SMSF space by government, regulators and the industry.

Slattery says to work with the executive team, other directors and members to build the Association has been a rare privilege.

“From a starting position of where the SMSF sector’s future was in question, we have overseen the emergence of the multi-skilled SMSF specialist to service the 1.1 million people who have opted to take personal control of their retirement savings, whether it be in the accumulation or pension phase. I am proud of what we have achieved, and leave the organisation knowing it is well positioned for its next growth phase.

Association Chair Professor Deborah Ralston says the SMSF sector and the Association owes Andrea an enormous debt of gratitude for her drive, commitment, and enthusiasm over the past 16 years.

“We will not only sorely miss her experience, knowledge and breadth of industry and government relationships, but the unbounded enthusiasm and energy she brought to the task, whether it was as the CEO or non-executive director.

“The fact every major inquiry into superannuation, starting with the Cooper Review in 2010, has largely given the SMSF sector a clean bill of health is a testimony to what she helped achieve over this period.”

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.

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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