AFA elects new president

Following an annual general meeting held at the association’s national conference in Cairns yesterday afternoon, the AFA has announced that former treasurer Deborah Kent has been elected president for a two-year term.

Ms Kent is a former NSW state director and is chair of the Inspire initiative as well as being the director of MLC-aligned advice practice Integra Financial Services.

“Deb has already made a significant contribution to the AFA and is well-equipped to lead the association,” said CEO Brad Fox.

2013 AFA Adviser of the Year Jenny Brown has been elected vice-president, while former Victorian state director Steve Crawford has been appointed to the role of treasurer.

Victorian adviser Chris Browne and WA adviser James Ford have been appointed to the board as directors of their respective states. 

Mr Fox paid tribute to outgoing president Michael Nowak, whom he said has been "instrumental" to the AFA's "overall vision for the future of financial advice". 

The AGM followed a video message from finance minister Mathias Cormann to conference delegates aired this morning in which the senator acknowledged the AFA for its "constructive approach to public policy matters" and its "friendship" of the government, singling out Mr Nowak and Mr Fox in particular.