Speakers
Ruth Graham, Chief Executive Officer, Society of Australian Genealogists
Ruth Graham is the Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Australian Genealogists, Australia’s longest running family history membership organisation, founded in 1932. Ruth has worked in tertiary education across medical, business, ICT and humanities disciplines in the UK and Australia. Ruth has been researching family histories for almost thirty years mainly of those with origins from Australia, United Kingdom, Ireland, USA, and Canada. Ruth’s qualifications include an MBA in Technology Management, a Masters in Tertiary Education Management, a Certificate in Higher Education from Oxford University and a Certificate in Genealogical Studies from SAG. Ruth has been a regular speaker at research management national and international events including International Network of Research Management Societies 2016 in Melbourne and 2018 in Edinburgh.
Leigh Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Queensland
Leigh Cunningham is a lawyer with 27 years’ experience as a senior executive for four membership organisations. She is currently the CEO for the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Queensland.
Leigh has three master’s degrees in law, commerce and an MBA where she graduated ‘Top Student’.
Thanuja Gunatillake, General Manager Membership Development and Operations, Master Plumbers’ & Mechanical Services Association of Australia
Thanuja is an experienced senior professional, leading multidisciplinary teams across Australia’s largest membership and industry based organisations. Her career has spanned the transport, construction, and hospitality sectors with a strong focus on affecting positive change within organisations, their customers and the communities they serve. She brings a background in Civil Engineering, Business Management and Social Impact to the team at Master Plumbers. Thanuja's role includes responsibility for driving membership growth, business development, strategic partnerships and membership value proposition.
Suzanne Bower, Engagement Manager & Eastern Regional Manager, Australian Chiropractors Association
Suzanne is currently the Engagement Manager and Eastern Regional Manager for the Australian Chiropractors Association. Suzanne has been working for the ACA for 17 years, previously for the NSW Branch until restructuring to a National Body two and a half years ago.
She is responsible for leading the ACA Engagement team by being responsive and knowledgeable so that we provide a seamless and professional experience to existing and potential members. She is also responsible for the achievement of the operations of the Eastern Region (NSW and ACT), representing the company via stakeholder relations and membership engagement. Suzanne loves that by working with the ACA for many years has resulted in watching many members start their journey as students, moving through their careers, starting families and growing as professional and dedicated chiropractors.
John Peacock AM, CEO, 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.
His particular areas of specialisation are mergers of associations and developing association plans that can be translated into actions, budgets and job descriptions.
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.
Kathy Nguyen, Manager - Client Services, Associations Forum
Kathy works on consulting projects for Associations Forum clients, both nationally and in the Asia-Pacific, on association structure, operations and governance. She has reviewed hundreds of constitutions, and regularly presents to organisations on membership, governance and events.
Kathy commenced at Associations Forum in 2004, leaving in 2010 to work at Governance Institute of Australia until 2013. She has also worked at Ernst & Young, the Trade Association Forum in London and for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Kathy holds Bachelors of Laws & Business.
David Friend, Managing Director, Shared Services Solutions
David is Managing Director of Shared Services Solutions managing membership & merchandise programs.
David has worked in the industry for 15 years and has a first-class reputation for high level membership strategy & achievement of record results. David has been instrumental in large membership growth for many sporting, corporate and NFP organisations.
Prior to establishing SSS, David was GM Membership & Merchandise at Hawthorn FC. David was also GM Membership & Merchandise at St Kilda FC and achieved record membership & merchandise results during his tenure.
David is Chair of Frankston FC.
Briana Graydon, Social Media Specialist, Pink Cow Social
Briana is the owner of Pink Cow Social, a social media agency that helps businesses get a clearer understanding of their socials and gets time back in their day. Whether it's through social media management, coaching, or one of Briana's courses you will find a whole new positive outlook on Social Media. Briana loves the problems you hate, hashtags, creating content and even making videos and showing up on socials. With experience in corporate marketing, and Not for Profits Briana loves seeing businesses strive with their socials.