Former Real Estate Institute of Queensland manager joins broker association's growing executive leadership team
The Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) has appointed Mary-Helen Lockton (pictured) as chief membership and experience officer. The appointment adds a membership specialist to an executive team the association has been rebuilding since a change of leadership in mid-2026.
Lockton has worked across membership organisations, customer engagement, events, marketing and advocacy. She has developed member-focused strategies aimed at growth, retention and value.
She joins from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), where she was membership and customer relationship manager. In that role Lockton led membership, customer service, events, communications and engagement. She has also held leadership roles with the Local Government Association of Queensland, NSW Farmers' Association and ING Australia.
FBAA chief executive Leo Gagic said her appointment would strengthen the support and experience the association provides to members.
"Mary-Helen understands how membership organisations work and how to deliver services and support that members value," Gagic said. "Her experience will help us build closer relationships with brokers, respond to their changing needs and ensure they get the most from their FBAA membership."
Lockton said listening to members would be central to her approach.
"I'm looking forward to getting to know our members and understanding what matters most to them in their businesses," Lockton said. "That will help us build on the support the FBAA already provides and identify opportunities to make membership even more valuable."
Leadership team in transition
Lockton's hire is the latest in a series of senior changes at the association. In June, the FBAA named Gagic as its new chief executive in place of outgoing industry stalwart Peter White. Former federal minister Nick Sherry was simultaneously appointed its new chair.
In September, the FBAA announced four new senior executive appointments. Cara Hayward joined as chief financial officer, and Nancy Sundar took up the newly created role of head of quality assurance and compliance. Kirrily Jones was promoted from general manager of operations to chief digital and innovation officer, and Joanna James moved from chief development officer into the new role of chief commercial officer.
