James Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer, Accommodation Australia

A dynamic and strategic leader with experience as an Executive and Non-Executive Director. A skilled communicator with a background in media, communications, government relations, public policy and corporate affairs. A history of working in the transport, infrastructure, tourism, travel, aviation, automotive and education sectors. James joined Accommodation Australia as their new CEO in September 2024 and looks forward to nurturing and building on the strong relationships already created with key stakeholders, both in government and accommodation industry leaders. Prior to his role with the AA, Mr Goodwin was the CEO of the Australian Airports Association (AAA) for more than four years and before that was Chief Executive of Australia’s leading vehicle safety advocate, the ANCAP Safety from 2015 to 2020. James has held senior government relations, communications and stakeholder relations roles at industry associations and government agencies following a career as a journalist, including in the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery. He has served on a number of Boards and is currently Chair of St John Ambulance ACT and a Board Director with the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Solutions.

Jodie McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Counselling Association

Jodie McKenzie is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), the largest peak body representing over 21,000 counsellors, psychotherapists and students in Australia. With a Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling) and over a decade of project management experience in IT healthcare, Jodie brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and strategic, project-driven leadership. She has been instrumental in advancing and strengthening the counselling profession during a time of significant growth and the development of national standards. Under her guidance, ACA continues to lead the way in reimagining membership through digital innovation, using technology to empower practitioners and build a more connected professional community. Jodie is currently leading an international policy development initiative, extending ACA’s influence and collaboration beyond Australia. Her leadership is defined by vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to the future of the counselling profession.

Paul Stadhams, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association

Paul Stadhams is a dedicated executive with over 30 years of leadership experience across diverse sectors, including allied health, agriculture, organics, manufacturing and professional associations. He focuses on strengthening organisations and sustained growth through enhanced governance, financial improvement, process efficiency and building collaborative, capable teams. Paul has effectively led through significant challenges and maintains a strong interest in mental health and wellbeing. As Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he brings practical expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and organisational development.

Jonathon Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand

Jonathon Miller is a distinguished leader with extensive experience in project, program, and business management across the government, private, and non-profit sectors. As CEO of EIANZ, Jonathon leads Australasia’s peak body for environmental professionals and the region’s leading practitioner certification program, providing governments and industry with assurance of quality environmental management. Before his current role, Jonathon served as the Chief Operating Officer at Life Like Touring & TES Live, where he managed large-scale events and experiences for globally recognised entertainment brands, and General Manager of Major Events for The Royal Agricultral Society of Victoria, where he led the delivery of Royal Melbourne Show. His introduction to environmental management came from leading the improvement of key tourism attractions and the development of Victoria’s largest conservation sanctuary at Wilsons Promontory for Parks Victoria, while studying an Executive MBA with Melbourne Business School.

Megan Spielvogel, General Manager, Australian Information Security Association

Megan Spielvogel is the General Manager of the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), where she brings over 20 years of experience in event management, membership, communications, and sales across both membership associations and enterprises. Since joining AISA in 2018, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening member engagement, driving growth, and enhancing the overall member experience. Megan recently achieved the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation - the highest professional credential in the association sector - demonstrating her commitment to excellence in association leadership. Her career spans senior roles with organisations such as RACV and The Pharmacy Guild of Australia. Over the past 7 years, Megan has become deeply embedded in the cyber security industry, championing diversity initiatives and shaping professional development opportunities that address the evolving needs of security professionals. With expertise in strategic planning, marketing, and project management, she works closely with AISA’s members, branches, board, and stakeholders to deliver impactful initiatives supporting its 14,000+ members.

Anne Brown, Operations & Finance Manager, Public Health Association of Australia 

Anne Brown is a highly skilled executive with more than 30 years of experience across finance, administration, and corporate governance roles with membership-based organisations at the national and local community level. She possesses deep expertise, and practical insights developed in both professional and volunteer capacities, and has a strong understanding of the needs and expectations of members. Anne is a former board member, Vice President, and Treasurer of a prominent sporting organisation in Australia’s national capital, Canberra.  In her current role as Corporate Services Manager at the Public Health Association – the peak body for public health professionals, – her responsibilities include helping managing the finances, risks, and governance aspects of its multi-million dollar portfolio. As part of its membership committee, Anne helps ensure the voices of the 2,000 members are heard, and amplified. She recently completed her MBA and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Andres Rojas, Principal, Clientric

Andres is the founder and Principal of Clientric, a customer-strategy consultancy that helps organisations transform customer insights into strategies that drive engagement, retention and long-term member value. With over 2 decades experience across member-based organisations, superannuation, SaaS, media and digital learning, Andres has led major transformation programs with Osteopathy Australia, Australian Retirement Trust and ABC Digital News and Radio. Having worked in South America, the UK and Australia, Andres brings a nuanced, cross-cultural understanding of customer needs. His work blends Human-Centred Design, Customer Experience and User Experience to deliver strategies that are both practical and commercially grounded. Andres’ approach is driven by a commitment to making customer experience accessible, actionable and a genuine driver of growth for organisations of all sizes.

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.

Claire Hewat, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Claire has over 20 years’ experience in senior executive positions including two successful roles as a CEO at Dietitians Australia and Allied Health Professions Australia. Claire has also had substantial non-executive governance experience on five national and one international board. She has extensive experience in professional self-regulation and is currently chair of the Conduct and Complaints Board  for an Australian allied health profession. Claire has used her experience to provide support and mentoring to other NFP CEOs and boards in areas of governance, strategic planning, advocacy, complaints and disciplinary processes, change management and more.

Kathy Nguyen, Senior Lawyer, 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.