SOUTH Australia Office of the Valuer-General chief valuer advisory Mark Kay is one of the candidates seeking to be elected to the board of the Australian Property Institute (API).
Australian Property Journal spoke to Kay to find out why he is seeking to be elected to the API board.
Kay said the API represents a broad membership and needs to have a board that reflects that diversity.
He also wants to further encourage educational programs, to develop the skills of younger students and property professionals to help them better manage their personal career paths.
- What is your interest to come on board with the Australian Property Institute?
I am requesting to continue to be your representative on the API Board of Directors. My main agenda is helping our organization continue to be of service to the members of API, and to maintain a high level of professionalism and objectivity.
Our Institute is comprised of many types of members from a broad spectrum of companies. I believe it is the need of the Institute to have board representation that best matches the diverse membership as a whole.
If re-elected, I will continue to encourage and support the API board and Institute in looking to further our educational efforts (such as regional workshops), promote our professional standards and certifications, and work towards building increased value propositions for members.
- What financial experience or expertise do you bring to the API?
My financial acumen and competency has been gained through personal and life experience; membership on boards and committees; running a separate family business; which has been complimented with specifically directed AICD financial management workshops for board members
- What governance experience do you bring to the API?
With my government roles and board & committee service I am well versed and have demonstrated compliance with relevant legislation and standards.
My governance experience is demonstrated with my serving on the National Board for 6 years and prior to this 11 years on the State Board plus associated committees.
I advocate good governance by championing transparency and accountability of the API to its Members and stakeholders.
- What strategic planning experience do you bring to the API?
Within the API and the Office of the Valuer General I have been involved in numerous restructures as a committee member involved in setting visions, goals and directions and then as a manager driving these policy changes to bring about change and improvement. Most recently experienced by myself with the due diligence work regarding the privatisation of Land Services in SA and the new landscape.
- To further pursue API’s strategic direction, it would be of great benefit if prospective Directors could contribute advocacy, policy and/or digital communications experience to the Board. What is your experience in one or more of these areas?
I regularly utilise numerous forms of digital communication as a strategy to engage my audience, whether that be members, clients or stakeholders, to drive and promote services. I have been involved in API education and standards committees for over 8 years where we have utilised this to improve knowledge and standards in a contemporary manner to retain our relevancy and currency with members.
At both a state and national level I have a broad network where I actively advocate the benefits of our member’s services to government and clients with an aim to advance and promote our industry to reach new levels of success.
With regards advocacy and policy setting I believe my work has taught me to be a critical thinker, open-minded, and results-driven; key elements required for the API Board.
- In general, what can you bring to the API and why should members elect you?
I have approximately 30 years’ experience in the property industry across all property types with a particular emphasis on commercial and rural real estate within both the regional and metropolitan areas.
I recognise that API members are employed across a range of diverse property roles and that the industry and individual needs of members are varied and constantly evolving. I believe that it is critical that the API maintains its relevance and connection to all members. My aim as a Board member to ensure this occurs throughout Australia for regionally located members and those employed in the smaller firms together with the big end of town.
I am passionate about the API developing the skills of our students and property professionals to be able to better manage their personal career paths and to ensure a future for members skillsets.
I am excited about the future potential of the API and look forward to the opportunity to continue being a valuable member of the board and a dedicated representative of the broad membership.
Online voting is now open until 23:59 AEST on Thursday 17 May 2018. Members are encouraged to register and vote at https://www.api.org.au/news/meet-candidates-2018-api-board-elections
Australian Property Journal
