AFA appoints new president

The Association of Financial Advisers has appointed vice president Sam Perera as its new national president following the resignation of Michael Nowak from the role.

AFA treasurer Matthew Hawkins also announced his resignation.

Michelle Veitch will become vice president and Samantha Robinson will be treasurer.

"Mike has been an inspirational leader for the AFA, and I want to thank him and Matt for supporting me and my team during a period of challenge and change," said AFA chief executive Helen Morgan-Banda.

Perera also acknowledged the contributions made by Nowak and Hawkins who have been long-serving members of the AFA board.

Nowak has served for nine years, three of those as president, and Hawkins for seven years, a year as treasurer.

"Mike has been an outstanding President of the AFA, tireless in his advocacy on behalf of the AFA as the Royal Commission reforms have continued unabated and the COVID-19 pandemic created major operational challenges for the AFA and our members" added Perara.

"Matt also has significant work and family commitments and it's time for somebody else to take on this significant role to allow him to focus on his other commitments."

The board now comprises Katherine Hayes, Patricia Garcia, Jawad Ahmad, Stephen Knight, and Shaun McDonagh.