Board of Directors

Wayne is an Associate Professor who has held a number of senior finance positions, including Finance Director for a number of national and international companies, over a commercial career extending in excess of 40 years. Most notable senior positions that Wayne has held include National Finance Director for Ernst & Young and Finance Director for the Bank of New Zealand in Australia. Wayne has also had significant international experience in the Asia-Pacific region where, as Regional Finance Director of a Swiss based professional services organisation, he was involved in a number of key business acquisitions.

As well as holding a Master’s degree in Business Administration (major in marketing) and an undergraduate Degree from Macquarie University in accounting, Wayne is a qualified CPA and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is also a Fellow and Chartered Manager and Certified Practising Manager of IML ANZ. In addition to his extensive commercial career, Wayne has had an extensive career in teaching at a higher education level and has taught at a number of universities and colleges including Western Sydney University, Charles Sturt University, Federation University and Charles Darwin University.

Wayne has significant Governance experience across a number of industries and, in addition to his position as a Chair and Non-Executive Director of Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders, Wayne is currently a member of the Academic senate for UBSS and an honorary Treasurer for the Business Executive Council for the NSW branch of the Australian Computer Society.

Brendan has over 30 years of corporate, government, and community relations experience, having worked as a ministerial adviser at both a state and federal level, leading a national industry association, heading up Government Affairs for a top 50 ASX-listed entity and as Chair and Director of several charities, including a national suicide prevention charity.

Brendan is Mayor of the City of Clarence and CEO of the Tasmanian Racing Club. He also serves as a member of the TasWater Owners’ Representative Group and the TasWater Board Selection Committee, Vice President of the South-East Region Development Association and is the Patron of the Eastern Suburbs Athletic Club. He holds an MBA and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and a Certified Practising Manager. Brendan is also a Fellow of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and IML ANZ.

Michelle is an Associate Professor of Business at Murdoch Business School, Murdoch University. Her research is on organisational careers, gender equity in the workplace and higher education careers. She has worked for over 20 years in higher education in Australia and the UK in a variety of roles. With a background in leadership, human resource management, change management and higher education, Michelle was awarded Chartered Management status in the UK in 2011 and joined the Institute in 2018.

As someone who has been involved in management and leadership practice for many years, including as a student, and as a university lecturer of management, Michelle is passionate about excellence in this field and an advocate for the professionalisation through accreditation of management and leadership practice.

Michelle has a PhD in Management and an MBA and has completed the Foundations of Directorship with the AICD.

Steve has over 25 years of management and leadership experience in the community, NFP, education and commercial industry sectors in Australia and internationally. A qualified accountant and governance risk management professional, his background includes CEO and executive leadership roles, academic positions in Australian and New Zealand tertiary institutions, and leadership roles in both business support and creative arts organisations.

Steve is currently the Managing Partner of a specialist advisory and asset management firm based in regional Victoria, whose staff work with commercial, charitable and rural sector clients across Australasia. Immediately before that, he was the General Secretary for many years of one of Australia’s largest community and social service organisations.

Steve’s board experience includes chair and non-executive director roles on over a dozen boards, board committees and advisory panels across various business, government, and community organisations. He is currently the Board Chair of CMA Australia and a Non-Executive Director of C4M Childcare Ltd. Steve holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Accounting, Governance and Music. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders, CPA Australia, Australian Institute of Company Directors, Governance Institute of Australia, and the Chartered Governance Institute International.

Currently serving as the Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, Tanya brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector. With a strong academic foundation and practical expertise in business management, leadership, and human behaviour, Tanya is deeply committed to developing future-ready leaders equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Her journey with the Institute began in 2015, driven by a vision to unite regional Queensland leaders in a shared pursuit of connection, learning, and leadership development. This commitment was formally recognised in 2017 when Tanya was awarded Chartered Manager status and recognised as a Fellow of the Institute.

Tanya holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), a Master of Mental Health Practice, and a Master of Business Administration. She is also a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Her contributions to industry were recognised in 2021 when she was named CQUniversity Alumnus of the Year for Industry Excellence, followed by her recognition as Outstanding Leader of the Year ($3M+) at the 2023 Not-for-Profit Leadership Awards.

Bryan has extensive experience across Australia and New Zealand in the Supply Chain and Logistics industries. With over 20 years of Executive Leadership experience spanning across NSW, Victoria and New Zealand, Bryan has led organisations through periods of cultural change and strong growth.

Bryan is passionate about seeing emerging leaders thrive across demographics and industries and has been a long-serving advocate of leadership best practice throughout this career. In addition to holding an MBA, he is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders, as well as a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Sam is an experienced senior executive with more than 15 years of leadership across the financial services, education, and professional association sectors. He holds an undergraduate degree in economics and postgraduate qualifications, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Public Policy.

Sam is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Institute of Managers and Leaders Australia and New Zealand (IML ANZ), where he leads the organisation’s strategic direction, operations, and member value proposition. As part of the executive leadership team, he has played a key role strengthening management training pathways, developing a professional accreditation, and advancing the professionalisation of management and leadership. He is a Certified Practising Manager (CPMgr) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), reflecting his strong commitment to governance and leadership excellence.

Throughout his career, Sam has been dedicated to building leadership capability. He is passionate about the impact that effective management and leadership have on individuals, organisations, and the broader community. His approach is grounded in continuous improvement and a strong belief in lifelong learning.