Striving to optimise member value in all we do, your Institute is supported by a dedicated team that manages operational, business and program activities at regional, metropolitan, national and international levels.
Cameron joined the Institute in April 2023 and was formerly the Dean and Head of School at The University of Queensland’s School of Architecture. He was previously the editorial director of Architecture Media, where his role included the custodianship of the centenarian magazine Architecture Australia.
He is a respected leader and communicator in Australia’s architecture community and an advocate for the value of the built environment in shaping communities, cities, and regions.
Cameron completed his practice-based PhD at RMIT University, and holds a Bachelor of Design Studies and Bachelor of Architecture from The University of Queensland.
He is an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, a Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia, and an Honorary Professor at The University of Queensland.
Barry joined the Institute as Chief Financial Officer in January 2019 and was Interim CEO from November 2021 to April 2023.
Barry brings to the Institute over 20 years’ experience in the finance sector. Most recently, he was General Manager, Corporate Services at the Australian Psychological Society, the peak body for psychologists in Australia representing over 24,000 members. He has worked throughout Australia and the USA at an international financial consulting firm and as an accountant at a large communication company in the UK.
Barry holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University. He is also a qualified Chartered Accountant, Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Leanne is the Institute’s General Manager Policy, Advocacy and Education, leading the organisation’s public policy, research, advocacy and education efforts to promote the value of the architecture profession.
Leanne commenced in this role in March 2019 after joining the Institute in October 2015.
Having worked for over 22 years in the built environment sector, Leanne brings to the role a comprehensive understanding of the issues and challenges facing the profession. She worked for 18 years at Engineers Australia, 14 of them as National and International Policy Executive Director. Prior to this, Leanne worked in a variety of roles with the Queensland Government, both within the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office and the Department of Public Works and Housing.
Leanne has a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Canberra.
Leanne is a Board member of the Australian Construction Industry Forum.
Michael joined the Institute in July 2018, bringing extensive experience in membership organisations. In his role, Michael is responsible for the engagement and growth of the Institute’s 14,500 member base and the strategic engagement with our major commercial partners.
Prior to joining the Institute, Michael worked at the Institute of Public Accountants in Melbourne as Executive General Manager of Membership Services. Before that, he spent fifteen years working overseas, where he was based in London and New York in senior leadership roles at a number of global organisations including Deloitte, JPMorgan and the Washington Post.
Michael is an Educational Advisory Board Member at Open Colleges, an Advisory Board Member at the Victorian Skills Commission and an Academic Board Member at Holmesglen Institute.
Michael has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide and a Master of Business Administration from Coventry University’s London Business School (UK).
Jenny joined the Institute in January 2024 in the role of Chief Financial Officer and became Chief Financial and Operating Officer in February 2025.
Boasting a rich career spanning over 25 years, Jenny is a dedicated finance professional and an award-winning Chief Financial Officer. She is committed to helping both individuals and organisations unlock their full potential and value. Jenny has an impressive track record of driving strategic growth, steering transformational change, and leading high-performing teams across Australian-listed companies, multinational firms, and not-for-profit organisations.
Based in our Sydney office, Jenny holds a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Master of Business Administration from Macquarie University. Additionally, Jenny is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Emma joined the Institute in January 2024 in the role of General Manager Chapters. In February 2025 Emma transitioned to General Manager, People, Community and Culture.
With more than two decades of hands-on experience in steering HR and Operations functions, Emma joins us from her most recent role as GM Operations at Relationships Australia. Emma has a wealth of experience in leading teams and fostering positive work environments with team members, focussed on sustainable business practices and the achievement of programs and activities which support client and member needs.
Based in our Sydney office, Emma holds a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of Newcastle and has worked across various sectors in the for profit and not for profit organisations, including EDAW AECOM Urban Design and Landscape Architecture.
Matt joined the Institute in March 2025 in the role of General Manager of Member Engagement.
Matt is a passionate General Manager and strategic marketer with a proven track record of driving growth, leading high-performing teams, and shaping compelling brand experiences. Experienced in global markets, specialising in merging creativity with operational excellence.
Based in our Melbourne office, Matt holds a Bachelor of Design (Honours) degree from Massey University, and a Master of Business Administration from the Melbourne Business School.
Vanessa joined the Institute in February 2024 in the role of Project Lead, People, Culture, Education and National Events.
An award-winning change management and capability leader with extensive experience in organisational change, communications, culture, and digital transformation initiatives across public and private sectors, Vanessa is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion and excellence within teams and organisations.
Based in our Sydney office, Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of Technology Sydney and has experience in managing complex and diverse projects across various industries, such as education, mining, manufacturing and health care.
National Management:
Head of Partnerships – Jo Nevin
Head of Communications – James Kennedy
National Membership Services Manager – Claudia McCarthy
National Finance Manager – Mira Mitrasevic
Chapter Managers:
Chapter Manager, Australian Capital Territory – Rhiannon Dow (Interim)
Executive Director, International and Tasmanian chapters – Jennifer Nichols
Executive Director, New South Wales – Lisa King
Chapter Manager, Northern Territory – Karen Relph
Executive Director, Queensland – Dr Anna Svensdotter
Executive Director, South Australia – Nicolette Di Lernia
Executive Director, Victoria – Daniel Moore
Executive Director, Western Australia – Jonathan Speer
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
