MFAA announces 2 new board members

Western Australia-based broker and founder of Buurman Finance Solutions, Kerri Buurman, has been elected as a new director of the board. 

Ms Buurman has over 25 years’ experience in the finance industry and has been a finance broker since 2006. She was previously the president of the MFAA WA Perth Forum. 

The second new broker director is South Australia-based broker Marissa Schulze, the founder and managing director of Rise High Financial Solutions.

Ms Schulze has been broking for more than 10 years and previously worked in commercial banking. 

She has prior governance experience gained through positions on various volunteer boards and was a member of the MFAA community panel. 

As MFAA directors, both Ms Buurman and Ms Schulze have been appointed to the association’s audit and risk management committee. 

New chair and deputy chair

As well as announcing the two new board members, the MFAA has also named a new chair and deputy chair.

Foster Finance broker and director Will Foster has been named as deputy chair of the MFAA board, taking over from Rose De Rossi, who has been made chair.

Commenting on her appointment, the broker and director of Western Australia-based brokerage Diversifi, said: “I’m grateful to the board for putting their confidence in me as chair and look forward to continuing to work with the board and the MFAA management team to support and grow our vibrant and important industry.” 

Ms De Rossi also welcomed the new board directors Ms Burrman and Ms Schulze, noting “the valuable experience they bring to the board as we look to 2022 and beyond”.

Departures from the board

Ms De Rossi takes over the role of chair from Donna Beazley who leaves the MFAA board after serving for a total of seven years. 

Ms Beazley joined the MFAA board in 2014 and was appointed as chair in 2017. She was also a member of the nominations, remuneration and governance committee.

Commenting on her departure from the board, MFAA chief executive Mike Felton stated: “Throughout her time on the board, Donna has made significant contributions to both the MFAA and the finance broking industry.

“Donna has played a key role in guiding the association through what has been a period of great uncertainty, disruption and scrutiny for the industry. 

“We are indebted to her for her massive contribution and leadership as the MFAA has continued to strengthen and defend the industry whilst ensuring that the voice of the broker is heard. 

“I can’t thank Donna enough for her outstanding service to the MFAA board over the past seven years and as chair for the past four years. The success we have had, and the Association we are today, would not have been possible without her unflappable support and leadership.” 

Also retiring from the MFAA board are Smartline Mortgage Advisers broker Kathryn Harrison and Western Australia-based broker Sarah Wells. 

The two outgoing board members both joined the MFAA board in 2018 and were members of the audit and risk management committee. 

“On behalf of the MFAA board, members and staff, I’d like to thank Donna, Kathryn and Sarah for their contributions to the organisation and our industry,” Ms De Rossi concluded.

The full MFAA board is now: