IFPA elects president, chairman, vice president ahead of 2026

The association noted that outgoing chairman, Stephen Ware, would continue to serve IFPA as treasurer and that the changes “reflected the association’s planned and orderly board succession process”.

IFPA pledged with these elections, it would continue to maintain continuity of experience while positioning itself for the next phase of growth in advocacy, member value and professional standards across the SME sector.

Ky Wilson, IFPA chief executive, said the new office bearers were set to combine fresh leadership with deep knowledge of the association’s history and purpose.

“Board renewal is healthy for any association, particularly one with more than a century of service behind it,” she said.

“Scott, Kurtis and Stephen each understand that IFPA exists for working professionals in tax, superannuation, accounting and advice, with a strong emphasis on the SME sector.”

“They are committed to principles that matter to our members: personal responsibility, reward for effort and a regulatory environment that supports, rather than stifles, private enterprise.”

Speaking on his appointment to president and chairman, Heathwood said he was honoured to take on the role at such a pivotal time for both the profession and the wider SME community, as IFPA aimed to consolidate its position in the tax, super, and financial services sector.

Heathwood said it was a privilege to be elected president and chairman of the 106-year-old association.

“A key focus in my term will be strengthening IFPA’s presence in the financial services sector, deepening our relationships with self-licensed and boutique advice practices that are driving innovation and genuine client care,” he said.

“My priority is to ensure IFPA continues to champion the efforts of those practices, arguing for fair, stable and predictable policy settings that support private enterprise rather than hinder it. We will keep investing in practical tools, robust CPD and advocacy, so that self-licensed firms and boutique advisers see IFPA as their natural professional home.”

Kurtis Alaeddin, elected as vice president, was noted to have substantial experience working with advisers and accountants in the SME space.

Wilson said Alaeddin’s appointment reflected IFPA’s commitment to serving converging professional disciplines under one umbrella.

“I am delighted to take on the role of vice president at a time when the lines between tax, superannuation and advice are increasingly converging,” Alaeddin said.

“Practitioners need one trusted association that understands their reality in practice and stands up for them when regulation overreaches. I look forward to working with Scott, Stephen, Ky and the rest of the board to strengthen IFPA’s services, broaden our reach and ensure the voice of the independent practitioner is clearly heard.”