Chief Executive Officer
Sam has led OTA as Chief Executive Officer for over four years, commencing in September 2018, and was appointed by the Board to steer and position OTA to represent, support, strengthen and resource the continually evolving occupational therapy profession.
Chief of Staff
Commencing with OTA in 2016, Lea Rawlings is experienced across the association with roles as WA Divisional Manager, Special Project Manager, and General Manager, Divisions. Currently as Chief of Staff in the Office of the CEO, Lea works closely with CEO Samantha Hunter, the Office of the CEO team members and Senior Leadership teams to represent and collaborate with the portfolios to ensure delivery of the current Strategic Plan and supporting the development of our next strategy. Lea plays a key role in embedding organisational strategies into the day-to-day operations of OTA, including the Reconciliation Action Plan and the OTs in Action social justice groups.
Chief Operating Officer
Alex Reynolds is an accomplished executive and people leader with over 15 years of experience in management and executive leadership positions. With a background in operations, education and membership across both private and not-for-profit sectors. Alex’s most recent role was leading business transformation at the Australian HR Institute.
General Manager, Government & Stakeholder Relations
Alissa holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) degree and has extensive experience as a senior lawyer and policy advisor across a range of government, health and insurance settings. She has over 20 years' experience across the health portfolio gained through working in a diverse range of clinical and government sectors. Prior to joining OTA, Alissa worked with Alex to lead the government relations team at the Environment Protection Authority and was an advisor in external affairs and health policy at WorkSafe Victoria.
Executive Advisor
Brooke is experienced across many areas of business and has worked across a range of industries in Australia and the UK. Initially starting her career in nutrition, Brooke has since focussed her energy on contributing to initiatives that improve health and wellbeing for people and organisations.
General Manager, Membership & Engagement
Rebecca joined OTA in 2014 as National Manager, Conference Events and Business Development, setting up the inaugural team that brought management of OTA's national conference, sponsorship and advertising in-house.
Finance & Risk Manager
Cynthia began her journey with OTA in 2018 as an Accountant and has since evolved into the pivotal role of Finance & Risk Manager. With five years of unwavering commitment to OTA's success, Cynthia's responsibilities extend beyond traditional finance functions.
A/General Manager, Occupational Therapy
Michelle is a passionate and focused occupational therapist with extensive experience within clinical and professional leadership roles, working for over 15 years within the public mental health sector in South Australia.
A/General Manager, Occupational Therapy
Erin is an experienced occupational therapist who has worked across a range of health areas including public health, community practice and private practice. Erin's clinical experience is predominately in the area of spinal cord injury, in both adult and paediatric settings. Erin has been involved in several research activities and publications, and holds a Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy, as well as a Master of Business Administration.
Chief Executive Officer
Sam was appointed to the role of CEO by the Board of Directors in September 2018 and given the mandate to drive transformation and growth in the association to ensure longevity, ongoing contemporary relevance and increased influence through representation and advocacy.
Over the past four years Sam has led, developed and grown a highly skilled team who have successfully achieved solid growth and increased awareness and representation of the profession with key stakeholders, agencies and government agencies and ministerial portfolios.
Sam has over 25 years of experience as both a senior leaders and Board Director working across corporate, professional services and not for profit organisations. She has a breadth of experience collaborating with multi disciplinary teams across sectors and understands the nuances of complex and competing political environments. Sam strives to work with members, government and stakeholders to create collaborative solutions for an engaged and resilient profession.
Sam is a natural communicator with high level business development skills demonstrating consistently strong growth, with a strong focus and belief in continual learning and development and looks for opportunities to develop her team to be inspired leaders and to be at the forefront of innovation in their sectors.
In her spare time Sam is an enthusiastic but inconsistent golfer, sings in a choir, collects art and has her hand full wrangling office dog Rosie, the wild dog Poppy, and the real boss Kitty. She is the very proud mum of Tom.
Chief of Staff
Commencing with OTA in 2016, Lea Rawlings is experienced across the association with roles as WA Divisional Manager, Special Project Manager, and General Manager, Divisions. Currently as Chief of Staff in the Office of the CEO, Lea works closely with CEO Samantha Hunter, the Office of the CEO team members and Senior Leadership teams to represent and collaborate with the portfolios to ensure delivery of the current Strategic Plan and supporting the development of our next strategy. Lea plays a key role in embedding organisational strategies into the day-to-day operations of OTA, including the Reconciliation Action Plan and the OTs in Action social justice groups.
With a bachelor's degree in Health Science and qualifications in Workplace Training and Assessment combined with Lea's 20 years of experience, particularly in public health settings, high level stakeholder management, membership and project management, she ensures that OTA is always performing optimally and serving our members, stakeholders and profession with utmost care and professionalism.
When Lea is not juggling kids sport and dog walks, she likes to get on the tools and enjoys a hands-on approach to home renovating.
Chief Operating Officer
Alex Reynolds is an accomplished executive and people leader with over 15 years of experience in management and executive leadership positions. With a background in operations, education and membership across both private and not-for-profit sectors. Alex’s most recent role was leading business transformation at the Australian HR Institute.
During her professional career, Alex has driven change and transformation through a focus on organisational growth, this encompasses technology solutions and evolution, change management, process improvement and cultural shift to deliver agile and customer-centric organisations. With a proven track record of effective relationship building and communication to build individual, team and organisational capability Alex has also successfully fostered cultures of high performance and meaningful engagement.
Alex is passionate about health and wellbeing, prioritising her daily run, sporadic attempts to practice yoga and ensuring her two active girls make it to their sporting, and many social, activities.
General Manager of Government and Stakeholder Relations
As General Managers of Government and Stakeholder Relations, job share partners Alex Eather and Alissa Fotiades work in collaboration with the CEO and the Senior Leadership team to lead OTA’s engagement with its key stakeholders and advocating for its members. Alex and Alissa’s goal is to make sure that OTA is talking to the right people at the right level on the right issues to get the greatest impact for OTA members and the profession. They enjoy working with members and stakeholders to understand the complex challenges the sector faces and leading their team to develop policy and advocacy solutions.
Alissa holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) degree and has extensive experience as a senior lawyer and policy advisor across a range of government, health and insurance settings. She has over 20 years’ experience across the health portfolio gained through working in a diverse range of clinical and government sectors. Prior to joining OTA, Alissa worked with Alex to lead the government relations team at the Environment Protection Authority and was an advisor in external affairs and health policy at WorkSafe Victoria.
Alissa enjoys going on family holidays and lunching with friends. On the weekend, she enjoys watching junior sport and in the summer, she can be often found on a beach ignoring everything but her book.
Executive Advisor
Brooke is experienced across many areas of business and has worked across a range of industries in Australia and the UK. Initially starting her career in nutrition, Brooke has since focussed her energy on contributing to initiatives that improve health and wellbeing for people and organisations. Brooke holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise & Nutrition) and a Graduate Certificate in Business (Public Relations) and has completed foundational training with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. This has enabled Brooke to work in a variety of roles and membership associations where she has focussed on developing trusted relationships with stakeholders, improving people, culture & organisational governance and advocating on behalf of the communities she serves.
Brooke joined the OTA team in February 2020 as Divisional Manager Queensland and spent two years navigating practice & policy issues and responding to opportunities for occupational therapists in Queensland before stepping into a leadership role as General Manager Divisions. As OTA has continued to evolve, Brooke’s focus has always been people-first and centred around ensuring the association can achieve maximum impact for occupational therapists and create a thriving environment for staff along the way. In her current role as Executive Advisor, Brooke contributes to OTA’s strategy and program planning by providing strategic advice and stakeholder management support to the CEO.
Originally from New Zealand, Brooke now lives in Queensland and spends most of her spare time at the beach, in the backyard tinkering with the veggie garden, undertaking creative pursuits, or exploring local places on the Sunshine Coast.
General Manager, Membership and Engagement
Rebecca joined OTA in 2014 as National Manager, Conference Events and Business Development, setting up the inaugural team that brought management of OTA’s national conference, sponsorship and advertising in-house.
Her role developed in 2019 to Head of Events and Business Development and again in 2021 to General Manager of Events and Business Development. In July 2022, Rebecca’s role was further expanded to General Manager of Membership, Marketing/Communications, Events and Business Development.
Leading a team of 15, Rebecca has accountability for strategy, structure, communications, budget, stakeholders and ensuring the teams operational plans are aligned to the OTA Strategic Plan, while working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership team.
Rebecca is a strong business professional with a Bachelor of Business Management from La Trobe University. Prior to joining OTA, Rebecca had over 15 years of experience working in Australia and overseas in event and conference management, including national conference meetings and large, complex projects.
Rebecca has developed a thorough and detailed understanding of the association and her passion, enthusiasm and attention to detail drive her to bring innovative growth to OTA.
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys running, baking sweet treats, solving Sudoku puzzles and beach time with family.
A/General Manager, Occupational Therapy
Michelle is a passionate and focused occupational therapist with extensive experience within clinical and professional leadership roles, working for over 15 years within the public mental health sector in South Australia. Michelle has a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of South Australia.
Michelle has been working for OTA since 2021 in several positions including Lead Mental Health Advisor and Manager, Professional Practice.
As General Manager of Occupational Therapy, Michelle is the lead professional and clinical expert at OTA, leading a team responsible for the provision of professional practice. This includes professional standards, scope and endorsement programs, as well as being responsible for the learning and development program.
Outside of work, Michelle is a mother of three children and enjoys playing netball, listening to podcasts and spending time with family.
Finance & Risk Manager
Cynthia began her journey with OTA in 2018 as an Accountant and has since evolved into the pivotal role of Finance & Risk Manager. With five years of unwavering commitment to OTA's success, Cynthia's responsibilities extend beyond traditional finance functions. She now oversees compliance, financial planning, and budgeting, showcasing her comprehensive understanding of organisational dynamics. As a qualified CPA, Cynthia brings a wealth of expertise to her role, contributing significantly to OTA's financial stability.
Cynthia has recently incorporated risk management into her portfolio, demonstrating her proactive approach to ensuring the association's resilience. Cynthia's dedication to continuous improvement is evident in her commitment to enhancing financial transparency and governance within OTA. Under her guidance, the association now adheres to a higher standard, setting a benchmark for excellence in financial practices. Her role as Finance & Risk Manager reflects her passion for contributing to OTA's success and her commitment to maintaining the association's financial health and strategic objectives.
Cynthia is a foodie and coffee lover and loves to explore new cafes and restaurants around Melbourne. She is the go-to person for coffee advice for new starters in the office and she loves travelling interstate and overseas.
A/General Manager, Occupational Therapy
Erin is an experienced occupational therapist who has worked across a range of health areas including public health, community practice and private practice. Erin's clinical experience is predominately in the area of spinal cord injury, in both adult and paediatric settings. Erin has been involved in several research activities and publications, and holds a Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy, as well as a Master of Business Administration.
Erin is the lead clinical expert at Occupational Therapy Australia, leading a team responsible for the provision of clinical oversight of professional practice for occupational therapists including practice scope and standards, and learning and development.
Erin is an experienced leader, having held a number of senior management positions at major public hospitals, following a solid grounding in various clinical roles.
Outside of work, Erin loves trail running (and traveling to different places to run!), food and family. Erin has lived overseas and speaks two languages.
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