Meet the Team
TAS LEADERSHIP TEAM
Francis Child, CEM
Francis Child was born and educated in the United Kingdom where he obtained a BSc. in Economics with Statistics at the University of Bristol. He qualified as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales in 1981. After leaving the accounting profession in 1985, Francis gained extensive experience in both the entertainment and events based industry sectors. Having worked for Chrysalis Records and EMI Records in the UK for 8 years, Francis moved to Australia in 1992, where he worked for AiC Worldwide (now Terrapinn) in the capacity of both Main Board Director and Finance Director. During this time AiC Worldwide became one of the leading global conference and trade show organisers.
In July, 2000 Francis purchased Conference Action Pty. Ltd a company specialising in event management for the Association, Society and Government sectors. In 2005, the addition of the Australian Professional Centre (APC), moved the business into a more strategically focused provider of association management services. Francis has, since then, developed what is now The Association Specialists into the leading provider of association management services in Australia. He continues to passionately drive improvements into the not-for-profit sector whilst struggling to get any improvement in his golf game. Francis is an Honorary Life Member of the PCO Association and Past President of Lane Cove Football Club.
Nell Harrison, CEM
Nell is a highly committed and passionate industry professional, who has been working with TAS for over 12 years and has been instrumental in all aspects of the business. With a degree in Applied Communication Studies, majoring in Marketing and Public Relations and a career spanning over 20 years in these areas, she brings extensive organisational and international management experience within the association sector and in particular the event, marketing and sponsorship fields. Nell is a certified Event Manager (CEM) with the Australian Professional Conference Organisation Association (PCOA) and is currently studying for the PCMA global Digital Event Strategist certification. Embracing new opportunities and providing strategic direction, she is able to deliver measurable outcomes and effectively manage change even in disruptive circumstances.
Her passion for creating and fostering long-term relationships is reflected in her commitment to her clients, mentoring of her teams and respect amongst her industry peers, suppliers and stakeholders. She has a strong focus on achieving excellence in operational management and maintaining a strong sense of ethics and integrity throughout all her business practices.
Nell is a dynamic leader, supporting and empowering the TAS team to provide excellent service delivery results across the TAS client portfolios.
Megan Ogier
Megan joined The Association Specialists in early 2012 bringing with her a wealth of experience in Sales and Event Management. Her previous roles within the hotel industry included sales, client relationship management, contract negotiation, event and financial management with clients from both Association and Corporate sectors. She brings a commercial focus and strong customer service skills to her client portfolio.
Megan is certified through the Governance Institute of Australia the leading authority on governance and risk management in Australia.
As the Director of Members Services, Megan manages a large team of staff ensuring high delivery of service, implements best practice and with her excellent attention to detail, exceptional customer service and precision project management she provides strategic advice to over 80 associations across the company.
Lynne Greenaway
Lynne is an experienced Business and Event Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the events services industry and managing associations. Lynne is skilled in sales, marketing, business administration and event management with a degree in Communication and Media Studies and is also a Certified Event Manager (CEM) with the Australian Professional Conference Organisers Association.
Lynne has 18 years’ experience in event management, sales, marketing and association management roles and has worked across a myriad of industries. With a strong strategy mind set, she supports her clients by implementing strategic plans that position the associations for growth and increased member engagement.
Her passion for people enables her to build and maintain exceptional client relationships. Lynne works with clients to cultivate outside of the box thinking, creative problem solving and provides strategic advice and support in all things sales and marketing.
Thalia Child
Thalia graduated from Macquarie University in 2015 with a degree in International Business studies and is also certified Governance for Not-for-Profits from the Governance Institute of Australia the leading authority on governance and risk management in Australia.
She has skills in both association and conference management, having operated in various roles throughout the organisation in her 8+ years with the company.
Thalia’s strong leadership skills enable her to successfully lead a team of 10 staff across 40 association clients to ensure the team are delivering outstanding results, even in challenging environments.
Her passion for exceeding client expectations facilitates strong client relationships, delivers tangible results and positions associations for market growth and long term sustainability.
Adil Ahmad
Adil comes to The Association Specialists with a great deal of practical experience in book keeping, lodging BAS returns and Individual and Company Tax returns. Adil graduated from Central Queensland University (Sydney campus) and then completed his Masters Degree in Accounting. He started his working career as a part-time bookkeeper for the Macquarie University Postgraduate Association during his studies and had been working in the finance sector at an accounting firm in a full-time role before joining us at TAS.
Annie Coulter
Annie joined The Association Specialists in 2013. She graduated in BA History at Cardiff University in the UK and grew her skills within the sales and charity sectors before moving to Australia. She has worked with not for profits and associations for 7 years and has extensive knowledge of working with boards to deliver quality member services and benefits.
Annie is experienced in developing and streamlining operational processes in addition to providing advice on governance, marketing and communications and event management. She is dedicated to building strong client relationships and providing an exceptional level of service.
John Todd
John is currently working with the Association Specialists in an advisory and consulting capacity sharing his knowledge, experience and best practice advice.