Staff

Chief Executive Officer

Wendy Rowland

Wendy has twenty years' experience in not-for-profit national and state-based sport and health associations in leadership, management and marketing roles.

She is a visionary, innovative, solution-focused, positive and dynamic leader. Prior to joining the AHTA, Wendy led a national member-based association, the Australian College of Perioperative Nurses (ACORN). From 2015 to 2018, Wendy increased operating revenue from $800,000 to $2.340 m and in 2018 she delivered an operating surplus of $384,000; the largest in the history of the association.

Wendy has strong governance and financial management skills. She advances associations through careful and determined delivery of goals and objectives and well-planned collaboration and consultation. Her greatest strength is her ability to visualise a better way forward and develop and maintain strong partnerships and relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

Prior to her role with ACORN she was the inaugural Executive Officer of the Asthma Foundations of Australia, and she led Life Saving Victoria in its 100th year.

She has overseen the following operational activities: an international conference attracting 1280 delegates and 90 sponsoring companies; a leadership summit; the publication of the Journal of Perioperative Nursing and Standards for Perioperative Nursing in Australia; national and state-based media campaigns attracting major media television, radio and newspapers; volunteer and teaching scholarships, education and research grants, excellence awards, education webinars, university HECS waived scholarships and subscriptions and sales.

Wendy has a Bachelor of Education (Physical Education, Nutrition and Health) and a Graduate Diploma in Business Management. 

Wendy leads a dedicated team of staff, committee and volunteers to inspire growth and collaboration to advance the association.

Wendy can be contacted via our Contact Us page.

Education and Membership Services

Michelle Albert 

Michelle Albert worked in a professional association as the secretariat for six years before establishing a major events company where she delivered national and international conferences for her clients.

Michelle will be the main point of contact for all members requiring assistance with courses, webinars and events and membership. 

Michelle can be contacted via our Contact Us page.

Education Manager

Christina Harwood 

Christina graduated with a Masters's in Occupational Therapy from the University of Queensland in 2001. She worked in a variety of settings throughout the UK and in Australia, before focusing on Hand Therapy full time in 2004. Christina became a Member of the AHTA in 2006 and has previously served as State Representative and Membership Secretary. Constantly looking for the next challenge, Christina has completed research projects on scar management, splinting for rotation deficits of the forearm and most recently midcarpal instability, all of which she has presented at both national and international conferences. 

Christina was co-author of her first published paper in November 2015. She has a special interest in wrists, trauma and sports injuries and loves to teach. After experiencing public and private practices in Queensland, Western Australia and England.