Our people

Kate joins the ADA with extensive C suite experience in health and education-based member organisations. She possesses strong leadership capability in effective and contemporary governance, accreditation, regulation and professional standards, and in financial performance and business and cultural transformation. Kate has developed and implemented numerous successful strategies that have transformed industry associations and the stakeholders, policies and communities they seek to impact. She believes a strong profession, great engagement and a compelling member value proposition across the career course of every member’s journey is key to a vibrant, thriving and self-sustaining organisation.

An experienced General Counsel and Company Secretary, Clare Matthews has a strong track record of supporting boards and senior management across complex, high-growth, and regulated environments.  She brings deep expertise in legal governance, risk and compliance, with experience across multiple jurisdictions.  Known for her collaborative approach and clear, strategic advice, Clare helps organisations strengthen systems and frameworks that enable innovation while managing risk.  She is passionate about building trusted relationships and improving governance processes in mission-driven organisations.

A seasoned communications and public affairs leader, Susie Gemmell has an extensive career supporting for-purpose member organisations driving system change on the critical issues of our time, helping build a fairer, safer and more inclusive Australia. She has led strategy, engagement and collaboration with some of the nation’s top civil society organisations, elevating the voices of community advocates who are fighting for social and environmental justice in parliaments, media and the public.  Susie brings great energy and enthusiasm to find creative ways to build and win public interest advocacy campaigns that make a lasting impact.  She leads with her values, always looking to turn problems into opportunities and solutions.