THE Australian Property Institute is holding its 2020 National Board election. The API is urging members to cast their vote and help shape the future of the Institute. Michael Leech is one of the candidates seeking to be elected to the national board of the API.
- What is your interest to come on board with the Australian Property Institute?
I’m an existing incumbent API Elected Director and prior, I was the Young Property Professional (YPP) Representative (Observer) to the API National Board of Directors for four years.
I see the great and necessary role that the Institute plays and I want to continue to contribute to this by being a driving force for change and a voice for the younger membership.
- What financial experience or expertise do you bring to the API?
Having been an Elected Director for the past two years, past Observer to the Board and current member of the API Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, I’ve built a great range of skills and knowledge of the API’s finances that’ll help me to continue to ensure the API remains a viable and growing membership organisation. I’ll continue to contribute to the debate on key accounting and financing issues facing the API moving forward.
- What governance experience do you bring to the API?
I’m a current member of the API Property Standards Committee and a past member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).
I’m constantly looking for ways to learn and stay on top of current trends and research, so I’ve undertaken a variety of governance courses through my previous association with Australian Institute of Company Directors.
This experience and constant learning has helped me to have a sound understanding of corporate governance and risk issues that I can bring to my director duties and responsibilities.
- What strategic planning experience do you bring to the API?
I’ve taken an active role in the formulation and implementation of the API’s strategy over the past 4 years, particularly in the synergies and growth between the API and YPP membership and I’d love to continue to evolve this strategy if I am re-elected. This has resulted in a YPP Committee Charter to provide guidance to State Committees. I am keen to pursue change to the current Future Property Professionals program which needs to be brought up to 2020 standards.
- 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?
Being the youngest Elected Director, together with my previous role as YPP Observer to the API Board, has ensured I’ve had the voice to advocate to the younger membership demographic about the importance of the property industry. I’m a big believer that the future generation must take a strong role now to ensure API remains the peak industry body so I’ll continue to advocate for an increased and a broader membership base to ensure a viable membership organisation. Being apart of the API Professional Standards Committee has given me the experience of writing and reviewing a wide range of property related standards that assist members to undertake best practice.
- In general, what can you bring to the API and why should members elect you?
Young professionals within the property profession are curious by nature, have the courage to think outside the box and ask the necessary questions to adapt this ever evolving profession.
By re-electing me, we can ensure the next generation of young property professionals have their voices heard at a director level, provide diversity and fresh ideas, and guarantee that the API remains the first home for property professionals now and into the future.
More information on the 2020 Election can be found at https://www.api.org.au/about/api-pty-ltd-board-governance/meet-the-candidates-2020-api-board-elections/
