National Council (Board of Directors)

The affairs of the AIA are managed by our National Council (Board of Directors). The Council meets in person generally three to four times per year in person, and meets by teleconference at least monthly.
Your current Council includes:-

  • Jamie Nemtsas

    Acting Chair
    Jamie AIA Boar

    As a finance enthusiast, Jamie is driven by a passion for helping others increase their financial literacy and achieve their financial goals. Over the years, Jamie has honed his expertise in a variety of financial fields, M&A Wealth management, Retirement planning, general investments, branding and marketing.

    His professional journey has taken him through several key roles in finance, where he has been able to apply his knowledge and skills to help businesses and individuals achieve their financial objectives. As a financial adviser, Jamie has had the opportunity to work with clients from diverse backgrounds, providing them with guidance and support as they navigate complex financial decisions, and building lifelong friends.

  • Ben Lister

    Acting Deputy Chair
    Ben Lister

    Ben Lister is an accomplished leader and business executive with extensive experience across strategy, operations, sales, marketing and financial management. He is passionate about innovation, diversity and effective governance in organisations. Ben is a currently a senior leader at a multinational organisation. 

    As a keen equities and property investor and advocate for financial literacy he understands the importance of quality independent financial advice which is often rare in today’s environment.

    Ben hold a bachelor of engineering, an MBA, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company directors.

  • Nadine Wake

    Treasurer and Secretary
    Nadine Wake AIA board director

    Nadine’s career spans 30 years and, with a passion for business improvement, she has worked in finance management, strategic planning, process improvement, data analysis and marketing for corporates including ANZ Bank, Pathfinder Solutions (owned by Deloitte Australia), AC Nielsen and smaller enterprises in the accountancy, information management, wholesale and retail sectors.

    She currently works part-time for Push Media and Communications where she undertakes finance planning and management, mentoring and analysis of investment opportunities. Nadine is an active investor managing her SMSF and investment portfolio. She holds a post graduate diploma in market modelling and a bachelor of science from La Trobe University.

  • Lasse Petersen

    QLD State Chair
    Lasse Petersen AIA board director

    Lasse is Chair of the AIA's Queensland Committee. His  career includes nearly 20 years in the mining industry, in technical and management roles in Asia, Africa, US and Australia. Subsequently, he spent 10 years working and volunteering, managing disaster relief operations to earthquakes in Haiti, Japan tsunami and numerous typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions and conflict worldwide.

    Currently, he tries to ensure a quieter life for his SMSF and investment portfolio. He holds a BE and MBA from University of QLD and is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Lasse has been actively involved in AIA for many years, speaking at national and state events, and serving on the QLD AIA committee.

  • Zac Zacharia

    Zac Zacharia

    Zac Zacharia has personally been investing in shares, derivatives and property since 1999. He is a qualified financial planner and investment adviser, where he started his professional career at Ord Minnett in 2008. In 2012, Zac set up the Centra Wealth Group, a boutique financial services business providing investment advice and management services as well as strategic financial planning and mortgage broking. 

    Zac has co-authored an investment book in 2013, entitled Property vs Shares, aimed at first time investors who are considering which of these 2 asset classes to invest in.

  • Loane Avenell

    Loane Avenell

    I am a passionate advocate for marketing and leadership, with experience across both the Aotearoa New Zealand and Australian markets.

    Early in my career, I was a Group Account Director for Ogilvy, where I managed key clients across sectors such as FMCG, insurance, and technology. I was responsible for above-the-line brand development, PR and direct marketing initiatives.

    After moving to Sydney, I found a passion in retail, where I have worked on an in-house, agency and freelance basis for brands including Petbarn Greencross, Metcash/IGA, and Optus’ consumer base. Then I found my role in Mad Mex (franchising) as the National Marketing Manager.

    Mad Mex has offered me an incredible role that continues to challenge and reward me, and in my time there I have contributed to an extensive Mad Mex restaurant opening pipeline across Australia, a brand repositioning focussed on “Healthy Tasty” leading to year on year increase in LFL sales, and developed the World’s Best Burrito campaign which significantly grew our loyalty.

    Outside of my work with Mad Max, I am also a passionate advocate for mentoring and building up women and future leaders in all sectors. I have personally mentored several women at different stages of their careers, and have contributed to the Protégé and Inspiring Rare Birds mentoring programmes.