AFA vice president steps up in board reshuffle

In a statement, the association said present vice president Michael Nowak, who also served as president in 2013 and 2014, would again take on the role of AFA president.

Perera Crowther Financial Services’ Sam Perera would be appointed to the role of vice president, while Elevate Wealth Solutions’ Matthew Hawkins would serve as Treasurer, the AFA said.

Mr Nowak said he was honoured to take the reigns again as AFA president.

“The AFA has set a firm forward strategy, with a strong policy and advocacy focus and a business plan that is well positioned to meet the current challenging COVID-19 economic conditions,” Mr Nowak said.

“I acknowledge that there are significant challenges ahead for financial advisers, but it is encouraging to see a change in the tone regarding reform. It is crucial that reform is delivered to ensure that financial advisers can continue to serve the financial advice needs of Australians.”

The association said it had also appointed Katherine Hayes as NSW/ACT state director on its board, and Stephen Knight as WA state director. Meanwhile, existing board members Sam Robinson in Victoria, Patricia Garcia in Queensland and Jawad Ahmad in South Australia would continue to serve.

“We welcome the new AFA board executive team and the new state directors and are looking forward to working with them to further our vision for financial advice,” AFA chief executive Phil Kewin said.

“We would also like to thank our outgoing president, Marc Bineham, for his outstanding contribution to the AFA. Marc is a passionate advocate for financial advice, and has served on the board for 10 years, including two consecutive terms as president.

“We would also like to acknowledge the contribution from outgoing WA state director James Ford, who steps down after six years on the board.”