AuSAE Board & Constitution
John Winter, CAE
President | John took on the role of CEO of the Australian Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association (formerly the Insolvency Practitioners Association) in February 2014. He became a Director of AuSAE in May 2022 and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE)He was previously the Head of ACCA Australia and New Zealand. ACCA, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is the global body for professional accountants with close to 600,000 members and students throughout 183 countries. John can be contacted on jwinter@arita.com.au |
Craig Young, CAE
| Craig is passionate about the digital technology and communications industry because of the opportunity it offers for improving business and personal lives in New Zealand. He is currently the Chief Executive of TUANZ (the Technology Users Association) which is helping New Zealand make the most of the digitally connected world. TUANZ is an independent member based organisation representing users of tech which educates and advocates for the uptake of digital technology and the improvement of communication services across NZ including rural and regional areas. Over more than 35 years TUANZ has a proud reputation of providing leadership in representing the views and needs of the people and businesses that rely on technology every day. In 2021 TUANZ partnered with MBIE in developing the Digital Boost Alliance, and in his role as CEO, Craig is responsible for leading the work that promotes and manages the operations of the Alliance. Craig is an advocate for inclusivity, and equity especially in the digital technology sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. He was instrumental in the launch of TUANZ’s future leaders programme, FLINT, in 2016. He is the joint Chair of the Affordable Connectivity Constellation with the Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa, and a trustee at the 2020 Trust. Craig can be contacted on craig.young@tuanz.org.nz |
Vice PresidentAlan McDonald
Director | Alan McDonald is the Head of Advocacy, Strategy and Finance for the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA), New Zealand’s largest business association. The EMA has around 7,000 members employing around 25% of New Zealand’s workforce with it’s membership concentrated in the Upper North Island, the economic powerhouse of the country. Our members range from the from the smallest enterprises to New Zealand’s largest businesses. Alan has an extensive background in in corporate and public affairs especially in developing and implementing large scale campaigns to effect significant industry change or achieve critical business goals. He leads policy development and advocacy for the EMA in critical areas such as resource management reform, infrastructure, Central and Local Government advocacy and supports his team in other keys areas such support for exporters, immigration and education, health and safety and other policy areas supporting the business community. He was an AuSAE Influencer of the Year in 2022, is a former award-winning journalist and is also a Board Member of Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ). |
Lindsay McGrath CAE, MBA, GAICD, FGIA, FIML
Director | Lindsay is speaker, coach and the CEO of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia and New Zealand. Known for a positive start-up styled culture and a courageous attitude Lindsay has a wide range of experiences and leadership roles across various trades, global corporations, and the non-for-profit sector. Obsessed with helping organisations develop a culture that is purposeful, profitable through positive experiences. A founding Director of several not-for profit trade associations and one global alliance. A lover of education Lindsay is most proud of his role in the creation of several new trade qualifications across Australasia. Lindsay is well known for his advocacy and influence on the importance of associations. |
Nick Pilavidis, CAE FICM CCE
Director | Nick is the CEO of the Australian Institute of Credit Management (AICM), representing over 2,800 credit professionals who are responsible for managing credit risk in all sectors and ensuring cash flow. Since 2014, Nick has led the organization to restore its financial position, record membership levels and increase member engagement. Prior to this role he held various senior roles as a credit professional in Australia and the UK. He was the AICM’s Australian Young Credit Professional of the Year in 2005 and was acknowledged as a Fellow of the AICM for his service as a volunteer on the NSW Council and National Board. He is also a Certified Credit Executive, a Fellow of CPA Australia, a member of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Business Leaders Council and a Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He represents AICM members and the credit profession as a member of several other government and industry forums and leads AICM’s advocacy with federal government on matters related to cash flow and credit management. |
Deb Cerasa
| Debra joined Jobs Australia in September 2018. She is an experienced CEO who has worked in both the public and Not for Profit sectors across a diverse range of businesses, including Member-based organisations. Debra has a reputation as a transformational leader who is invested in working with people to encourage them to be the best version of themselves. Recognised for her passion, energy and commitment to supporting individuals Deb provides leadership to Jobs Australia and works closely with the entire team who are committed to providing ongoing support, evidence-based advice and excellent service to our Members. |
Greg Wallace
| Greg Wallace has more than 30 years’ experience in the construction sector. Greg worked in New Zealand and overseas prior to completing a business management course at Auckland University.
Greg has been chief executive at membership organisation Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc for the past nine years. Representing around 70 percent of the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry, Master Plumbers’ key functions are advocacy, member services and training.
He is also chief executive of Masterlink, the only national mentored apprenticeship programme to specialise in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying. Established by Master Plumbers in 2002, Masterlink now employs more than 300 apprentices in the sector, placing them with nationwide host businesses. In 2022, Greg received an Industry Recognition Award at the Plumbing World Excellence Awards for his outstanding service, loyalty and commitment to the success of the New Zealand plumbing industry. This was followed in 2023 by being selected as an Association Influencer in an awards programme hosted by the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE). The programme recognises individuals who stand at the forefront of Australia and New Zealand’s Association sector, protecting and advocating for their members. Greg has been Chair of the Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Strategic Reference Group since its establishment in March 2022. Key project activities to date include apprentice support, a provider capability and capacity review and a PGD programme framework review. He is also an executive member of the New Zealand Construction Industry Council and a director on the board of Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand. |
Kirsty Kelly
| Kirsty Kelly has extensive leadership experience in the association sector as both a CEO and a Board Member. She is currently the CEO of the Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management (AITPM) and has previously worked as the CEO of IES-The Lighting Society and the Planning Institute of Australia. She is also a skilled Director, currently serving on the government Board of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, and with previous directorships including the Planning Institute of Australia and AuSAE, where she also chaired the Finance Audit and Risk Committee. Before joining AITPM Kirsty spent several years consulting for membership associations, providing support and facilitation of strategic planning, governance, and management. Before her association leadership roles, she worked as an urban and regional planner in local, state and territory government, the private sector and academia, during which time she was also an active association volunteer including board member. During her career, Kirsty has worked nationally with leaders, governments, industry, and professionals on issues such as urban and transport planning, climate change, resilience, and urban design. Kirsty is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, has a Graduate Diploma of Urban and Regional Planning and a Master of Business Administration. |
Robin Shepherd, CAE
Director | Robin is an experienced and certified association executive (AuSAE CAE) with over 17 years in the association industry through a variety of organisations. Her current role is Head of Operations and Member Services at the Recruitment, Consulting & Staffing Association (RCSA), the peak industry body representing the staffing sector across Australia and New Zealand. Robin has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the association community, both through her current role at RCSA, her voluntary position at Chair of the iMIS User Group Asia Pacific, and as a Certified Association Executive. Her experience building community through the iMIS User Group, along with her track-record in driving innovation through the effective use of technology are invaluable skills to have contributing at the AuSAE board. She is proficient in adapting member services to fast-evolving technology and market needs and building commercial growth through identifying key issues affecting members and devising impactful solutions. With a career focused on supporting and advising NFP Boards, Robin has been instrumental in elevating governance and accountability frameworks across numerous organisations, yielding tangible improvements. Robin is passionate about peer support and networking through AuSAE and would welcome contact from any association industry peers looking to connect through LinkedIn or say please hello at an event! |
AuSAE Constitution
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Contact us: Email: info@ausae.org.au |
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