Meet AuSAE’s 2013 life members

Steve Bowman

Bowman has been acknowledged as a pioneer in conscious governance, risk and strategy in Australia, USA and Asia. The Australian government has provided a federal export grant to aid in facilitating his work internationally. Holding numerous Senior Executive and CEO positions with some of Australia and the USA’s most prestigious organisations, Bowman has authored and co-authored over 14 books on not-for-proft (NFP) governance, strategy, risk and executive leadership. Bowman currently consults with over 1,000 NFPs and corporate organisations around the world. A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Corporate Law and Accountability Research Group, Monash University, Bowman is also a Director of Conscious Governance.

Barrie Cooper

Executive Director of the New Zealand Security Association for over six years, Cooper has been instrumental in restructuring the organisation to create a financially stable, voluntary member-based organisation. He’s also Chairman of Radio Lollipop New Zealand, an international charity for children in hospitals. Previously, Cooper held the role of CEO at the New Zealand Property Institute before setting up his own consultancy business managing and advising NFPs. A founding member of Associations New Zealand and a past President, Cooper has co-authored the two Association’s manuals on governance and administration. Cooper was also a key player in forming the New Zealand Society of Association Executives, now AuSAE.

Chris Davis

Previously the CEO of the Australian Water and Wastewater Association, Davis joined the AuSAE NSW Board in the mid-1990s and held the role of NSW President – 1998-2000. Davis joined the National Board and was elected as Vice President in 1998, during which time the organisation was facing hardship. Davis, along with other board members, provided personal interest funding to the organisation to save it from bankruptcy. During this time, he and others worked on a major organisational restructure, which created the sustainable national constitution that is growing from strength-to-strength today. In 2000, Davis was voted in as the National President of the new AuSAE; he oversaw the implementation of the national constitution. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he resigned as CEO of the Australian Water Association in 2007 and joined Parkinson’s NSW.

Leisa Donlan

Focused on becoming a specialist NFP manager, Donlan joined AuSAE to utilise its networks and mentoring opportunities. After only a short time, Donlan joined the AuSAE QLD Committee as Treasurer and President. In 2000, Donlan became a Board Member, and from 2002-2005 she served as President. A committed association professional, Donlan is dedicated to enhancing NFP information sharing, mentoring executives and providing support. With over 20 years’ experience in the NFP sector, Donlan is currently an AuSAE Fellow and CEO of the Association of Rotational Moulders Australasia.

Adrian Hart

Joining AuSAE and the Queensland (QLD) committee in the early 1990s, Hart held the role of QLD President – 1996-1999 and National Director – 1995-1999. Hart was sponsored by Australian Casualty & Life, which enabled employment of the first National Manager. This was a turning point, which saw AuSAE’s constitution re-written to become a single entity national association. As Secretary and CEO of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association QLD, Hart’s goal is to create excellence in organisational management and corporate governance. Prior to this, he held the role of Executive Director at Master Plumbers’ Association QLD for 25 years. Effective board governance, industry representation and lobbying, and supporting small business development through common interest groups are Hart’s passions. Governance and strategy, change management, marketing, communications and media relations, policy development, lobbying, services development and event management are Hart’s specialties.

Kate Hartwig

Hartwig credits AuSAE for turning her into an Association Executive. When first joining a NFP organisation in 1987, Hartwig was struggling with feelings of isolation and uncertainty. It was suggested by Tony Gentile that she join AuSAE – this decision changed her professional life. Hartwig believes it was the members she met at monthly networking seminars who shared knowledge and wisdom that made the biggest impact – they understood the challenges she faced and gave their valuable time to mentor and guide her through the first years. Hartwig became an active member of the AuSAE community, elected to the New South Wales (NSW) Committee, NSW President and also served on the National Board. Currently Hartwig runs her own consultancy business.

John Peacock

In October 1992, Peacock joined AuSAE and was an active member of the NSW division, serving as a Vice President. Joining the Board in the late 1990s whilst the organisation was experiencing tumultuous times, Peacock worked with fellow directors on a major restructure, which saw AuSAE consolidate to a single entity and implement actions to avoid insolvency. Along with other board members, Peacock provided the organisation with a personal interest free loan to alleviate bankruptcy. When AuSAE regained financial stability, Peacock resigned from the Board and became leader of the organisation’s national financial management.

Simon Pryor

Pryor has served the association sector for over 30 years. He is a previous President, current Fellow and Principal Professional Learning and Certification Advisor of AuSAE. Currently he holds the role of CEO at the Mathematical Association of Victoria. Throughout his career, Pryor has worked for the Meetings Industry Association of Australia (Victoria), Moreland Community Enterprise Centre, Employment and Economic Development Corporation, Engineering Education Australia, and the Victorian Association for Drama in Education. Pryor has served as Mayor and Councillor at the City of Brunswick and also held roles as a journalist, teacher, actor and tram conductor.