Speakers

Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz

Chief Executive Officer, Australian College of Nursing

Dr Kathryn Zeitz commenced as Australian College of Nursing’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in September 2024, and is an accomplished and respected health executive, academic, researcher, and nursing leader. Her distinguished career is marked by her dedication to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes with a commitment to patient-centred care. Dr Zeitz is an Adjunct Professor at The University of Adelaide and an Adjunct Associate Professor with Flinders University. Her commitment to patient-centred care is evident through her leadership in organisational development and service improvement programs that actively incorporate stakeholder engagement. Outside of her professional roles, Dr Zeitz is dedicated to community service. She has previously been the Chair of Variety SA and a Board Director for Variety Australia, for which she was awarded Life Membership in 2021. She is a long-standing volunteer and leader within St John Ambulance Australia, where she is currently a Board Director.

Melanie Gray Morris

Chief Executive Officer, Australian Diabetes Educators Association

Melanie Gray Morris was appointed CEO of the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) in September 2025, bringing more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors in Australia and the United States. She has deep expertise in strategy, policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement, with much of her career focused on health and social policy. Her experience includes engagement with the US Congress and the White House across two administrations, as well as advocacy at state and federal levels to improve diabetes care and chronic disease management. Ms Gray Morris’ career spans roles in government, consulting and the nonprofit sector across the United States, Latin America and Australia. Her leadership has focused on helping purpose-driven organisations navigate change, strengthen their impact and translate strategy into action. She holds a BA magna cum laude with Honours from the University of Arizona and an MA in Political Science.

Michael Waters

Chief Executive Officer, Retail Drinks Australia

Since July 2020 Michael Waters has been the CEO of Retail Drinks Australia, the peak national industry body representing the interests of Australia’s $18 billion retail liquor industry. Prior to this appointment, Michael was Retail Drinks’ Chief Operating Officer since the organisation was formed in late 2018, following the national merger of the former state and territory Liquor Stores Associations (LSA). Before the national merger, Michael held the position of Executive Director and Company Secretary for the LSA NSW and ACT. Throughout his career, Michael’s proudly and diligently served on many industry and government advisory boards, committees and working groups, is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and holds a Bachelor of Business Management from the University of Queensland.

Nathan Clarke

Chief Executive Officer, Oral Health Association of Australia

Nathan Clarke is an accomplished executive and not-for-profit leader with more than 2 decades of experience driving strategic growth, innovation and organisational performance. As the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Oral Health Association of Australia (OHAA), he is leading the organisation through a period of significant transformation, strengthening member value, advancing advocacy, expanding professional development opportunities and delivering major digital initiatives for the oral health profession. Prior to joining OHAA, Nathan served as CEO of the Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association (ARPA) from 2016 to 2025, where he led a significant organisational turnaround and grew membership and industry influence. He was also the founding CEO of the Personal Injury Education Foundation (PIEF), establishing it as a leading provider of education and capability development for Australia's personal injury and disability sectors. Nathan holds a Master of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Business (Economics).

Lauren Hyde

Chief Executive Officer, Australian Marketing Institute

Lauren Hyde is CEO of the Australian Marketing Institute, the peak body for Australian marketers. Her career spans Marketing roles in media and advertising, followed by senior roles in education and workforce skills development across Australia and Asia-Pacific. At Pearson Education and Cengage, she led the development and delivery of digital learning products and services designed to build skills and support career progression. Lauren brings deep experience in commercial strategy, digital innovation, product development and business transformation. She is passionate about lifelong learning and the skills that help people thrive in a changing world.. At AMI, she is focused on strengthening the profession and helping marketers build their capabilities and careers through professional development, recognised credentials and a connected professional community.

Shenal Basnayake

Chief Executive Officer, Royal Australian Chemical Institute

Shenal Basnayake is the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), the peak body for the chemical sciences in Australia. With over 20 years’ experience at senior executive level across government, industry, and the not‑for‑profit sector, Shenal brings a governance‑led, outcomes‑driven approach to association leadership in an era of accelerating technological change. At RACI, he has led the practical integration of AI and digital technologies across multiple facets of the organisation’s operations, embedding technology to improve productivity, performance, and decision‑making. Under his leadership, RACI has grown its membership, expanded its national and global reach, with program engagement now spanning more than 30 countries. Shenal works closely with Boards and executive teams to navigate governance, emerging risk, compliance, and reputation, while enabling responsible innovation. He advocates for AI as a mission‑aligned tool that, when governed well, strengthens trust, enhances decision‑making, and ensures associations remain relevant, resilient, and impactful in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Leanne Emerson

Chief Executive Officer, Audiology Australia

Leanne Emerson is an accomplished executive leader with more than 35 years’ experience across the for-purpose sector, with expertise spanning strategy, governance, policy, service design, innovation and organisational leadership. Before joining Audiology Australia, Leanne spent more than two decades in executive roles across aged care and dementia services. Her leadership included overseeing the Victorian component of the unification of eight state-based organisations into a single national peak body, and subsequently securing $100 million in funding for the organisation. Leanne joined Audiology Australia as Chief Executive Officer in 2023. She is currently leading the organisation and profession through significant transformation, including audiology’s transition to national regulation under Ahpra, while strengthening professional standards, policy influence and sector leadership. With a background in organisational and applied psychology, Leanne combines strategic and analytical thinking with a creative approach to complex challenges and a strong focus on sustainable impact.

John Peacock AM

Chief Executive Officer, Associations Forum

John is one of Australia’s most experienced advisors to associations and charities and is a thought leader for the associations sector. He is a regular presenter, both nationally and internationally, on matters essential to the governance and operations of associations, charities and other mutual bodies. Since 2000, John has trained and consulted to hundreds of associations and charities, large and small, on strategic planning, governance, Board effectiveness, operations, restructuring, financial issues and external reviews. John’s work with associations was recognised in the 2021 Australia Day Honours List with his appointment as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for significant service to the associations and not-for-profit sectors through a range of initiatives.

Matthew Harper

Chief Executive Officer, Aerial Application Association of Australia

Matthew (Matt) Harper is the CEO of the Aerial Application Association of Australia (AAAA). The AAAA is the industry association for aerial operators, pilots and support staff in the aerial application industry which includes operations as diverse as agriculture, land management, bush firefighting and emergency response. With members nationwide, the AAAA has been focused on safety, sustainability and professionalism since 1958. Matt came to the 4A’s after managing his own consultancy borne out of a long government and private industry career focused on operations, resilience and crisis management. As a self-confessed “action junkie”, Matt finds the excitement and passion of the aerial application industry and its members to be a wonderful fit to his quest to help build individual and organisational capacity and capability. Matt has qualifications in Engineering, Administration and Disaster Management and is a 2005 Churchill Fellow. Matthew is also the recipient of the Australian Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal for the response to Cyclone Pam (Vanuatu 2015).

Jennifer Bowden

Chief Executive Officer, Mathematical Association of Victoria

Jennifer Bowden is the CEO of the Mathematical Association of Victoria, a teacher‑based association with over 17,000 teachers and academics as members. A former mathematics teacher, she served MAV as an education consultant for 15 years before becoming CEO, a role she has held for over three years. Jennifer has a Master's in Education by Research and recently received her ASAE Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. She is a passionate advocate for mathematics education and a results‑oriented leader. She has enjoyed the challenge of supporting Victorian mathematics teachers in a demanding professional environment. Jennifer contributes to the broader community through keynotes, professional learning workshops, and authorship of curriculum‑aligned resources. Her focus on professional growth and evidence‑informed practice brings fresh ideas and pedagogy to MAV’s programs. She builds strong connections with members, partners, and stakeholders by listening to their needs and enhancing MAV’s offerings. Jennifer is committed to MAV’s vision, and aspiration to have confident, capable and engaged lifelong learners of mathematics.

Tim Horne

Chief Executive Officer, P&Cs Qld

Tim Horne is a for-purpose leader with extensive executive and governance experience across government, education, community and private sector organisations. He is known for his pragmatic leadership style and commitment to building strong institutions that deliver meaningful outcomes for their communities. Throughout his career, Tim has held leadership appointments in Defence, disaster management, the Queensland Parliament and early childhood education and care. He has served on the Board of P&Cs Qld and currently serves as a director of the Queensland College of Teachers. As Chief Executive Officer of P&Cs Qld, Tim leads strategic initiatives that strengthen organisational sustainability, governance and member capability. His work is focused on ensuring Queensland school communities have a trusted advocate and effective partner in advancing educational outcomes and community engagement.

Sarah Tynan

Director of Policy and Government Relations with Science & Technology Australia

Dr Sarah Tynan is a science-trained policy and advocacy professional with extensive experience across the science, technology, research and higher education sectors. Her roles in government, the Learned Academies, and advocacy organisations have honed her skills in science and higher education policy, government relations, and science communication. Currently, as Director of Policy and Engagement with Science & Technology Australia, Sarah leads policy and advocacy efforts for Australia’s STEM sector, addressing critical issues in science, higher education, and research. Sarah earned her PhD in marine geochemistry from ANU in 2017. During her studies, she was also a science writer for the Australian Academy of Science, working in the Communications and Science Policy teams. As one of the inaugural APS Australian Science Policy Fellows (2018–19), Sarah served in the federal Department of Education’s Higher Education and Research branch. She later became a Policy Analyst in the International division at Universities Australia, where she focused on international education, global engagement, migration, and national security policy.

John Maroney

Association Leader | Actuary | Board Director, Actuaries Institute

John has held senior executive and board positions with several associations, since the 1990s, and has also been a volunteer at various associations. He rejoined PFS Consulting as a Principal in 2025. Professionally, John is an actuary with over 40 years' experience in insurance and superannuation in Australia, Switzerland and Singapore, in both the public and private sectors. Recently, he has focussed on insurance regulation, association management, policy research and financial stability. John has a diverse range of prior experience in actuarial analysis, thought leadership, general management and consulting. He has had extensive experience of budgetary, financial and human resources management and has delivered results and solutions both at the strategic and the operational level.

Jonathan Jones

Head of Education, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia

Jonathan is the Head of Education at IPWEA, bringing almost two decades of experience in adult education, learning and development, education management and organisational capability across the finance, not-for-profit and higher education sectors. Prior to joining IPWEA, Jonathan held senior leadership roles with the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM@UNSW Sydney), including Head of Education Development and Director of Operations and Student Recruitment. His career has also included senior learning and development roles with Commonwealth Bank, education leadership with the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship, and roles with Mission Australia. Earlier in his career, Jonathan worked as a corporate recruiter. Across his career, Jonathan has led the design, development and implementation of a wide range of education, capability and organisational improvement initiatives. His experience spans education strategy, program development, student recruitment and operations, stakeholder engagement and the delivery of learning solutions designed to improve both individual capability and organisational performance.

Jamieson Louttit

Partner, JLA Insolvency & Advisory

Jamieson Louttit is the Principal of JLA Insolvency & Advisory, established in 2002. With over 30 years’ experience, he has held senior roles in leading accounting and insolvency firms. He is an Official and Registered Company Liquidator, Chartered Accountant, and holds a Master of Taxation Law and Bachelor of Business (Accounting). Jamieson has managed major insolvency and advisory projects across diverse sectors including finance, property, manufacturing, and government. Notable highlights include overseeing a $140M finance portfolio, restructuring a $140M housing company, and acting as Receiver for a national body with over $60M in assets. He also led the Members Voluntary Liquidation of 23 subsidiaries of an ASX-listed company. Jamieson is a Justice of the Peace in NSW and a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. JLA provides full-spectrum insolvency services, including liquidations, voluntary administrations, forensic reports, and commercial arbitration, underpinned by strong conflict checks and professional independence.

Kathy Nguyen

Managing Lawyer | Head of Operations, Governology

Kathy has extensive experience working with associations both nationally and in Asia-Pacific. Her speciality is association structure, governance and operations. She has over 20 years’ experience working for and with associations as a senior manager or advisor.In her work, she has reviewed hundreds of constitutions, and regularly presents to organisations on governance, membership and other topics relevant to associations. Kathy has worked for Associations Forum, the Governance Institute of Australia, Ernst & Young, the Trade Association Forum in London and for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Kathy holds Bachelors of Laws & Business. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the American Society of Association Executives.

Michael Bell

Senior Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Michael is a Chartered Accountant, Fellow of the Governance Institute and Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors. He has worked in chartered accounting practices and the banking and finance industry holding General Manager roles in Finance, Strategy and Operations. More recently he has consulted in governance, financial control and risk management to a range of organisations. He has been an active Committee Member in several Not for Profits and joined the board of Coeliac NSW&ACT before becoming President of Coeliac Australia in 2016. During his time as President he successfully transformed the organisation from a federated to a national company limited by guarantee. Michael brings a broad governance, finance, project management and risk perspective to his roles ensuring this works in a positive way to achieving strategic goals.

Andrew Gosbell

Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Andrew Gosbell (PhD, GAICD, BAppSc) is based in Melbourne and provides a range of advisory services for Associations Forum based on his broad experience in governance, change management, leadership development, government relations and policy development, risk management, strategic planning, negotiation and partnership development. Andrew has over 15 years senior executive experience working in medical colleges and associations, including successful tenures as CEO of General Practice Registrars Australia and Deputy CEO at the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. He has a track record of working collaboratively with volunteers, association members and office bearers, and professional staff to successfully deliver a range of strategic initiatives at both national and state levels. He has well-developed networks in the health and associations sectors. Andrew also has governance experience as a non-executive director and currently holds a number of Board and Committee positions in the NFP and tertiary-education sectors.

Tony Gleeson

Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Tony Gleeson MBA GAICD is Associations Advisor at Associations Forum. He has over 30 years of experience in the fields of association management and governance, leadership, project and change management, organisational integration and talent development. Tony has been Chief Executive of Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air-conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) and the Australian Institute of Management (AIM), and was an Executive General Manager with CPA Australia. Prior to his roles with membership associations, he held senior consulting roles in strategy, process re-engineering and change management with PwC, Deloitte and Terra Firma Consulting. Tony is an innovative and energetic leader, skilled communicator / team builder, and adept negotiator. He has significant experience in providing support and guidance to CEOs and boards in areas of governance, strategic planning, change management and more.

Lewis Kaplan

Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Lewis has over 30 years’ leadership and management experience, including over 20 years in CEO roles in peak consumer and health organisations including Diabetes Australia, Australian Red Cross NSW Division and Alzheimer’s Australia NSW. He has governance, management, policy, lobbying and advocacy expertise across a range of sectors including primary health care, ageing, aged and community care, public health, health promotion, community development, international development and mother and child health. Lewis has a proven track record in initiating new organisations and concepts and bringing together diverse stakeholders to achieve outcomes which individually are unattainable.

Simon Rountree

Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Simon has over 30 years leadership experience in the Not-For-Profit sector with 24 of those years being the General Manager and/or CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation, Camp Quality and Tour de Cure. His extensive experience in growing businesses extends across governance, leadership, board development, cultural change, strategic and operational planning, revenue generation, risk, workplace wellbeing, volunteering and coaching.Simon has also developed and implemented social enterprises aligned to the businesses purpose and mission whilst linked to commercial strategies in order to deliver growth and diversify revenue streams. His personal traits include being values based, a good listener, having clear communications without ambiguity and adopting a collaborative approach to achieving great results.