NEXT Mentor Exchange

Take the next step in your association career with support from someone who understands the sector. The NEXT Mentor Exchange connects you with experienced association leaders who can offer practical guidance, share their experience and help you work through challenges. 

Whether you’re developing your skills, exploring leadership or finding your feet as a new CEO or Executive Director, browse the mentor profiles below and select someone whose experience aligns with your goals. NZSAE will then help facilitate an introduction, subject to mentor availability.

Meet your NEXT mentor

The association leaders below have generously offered their time and experience to help others grow. Explore their profiles and areas of expertise to find someone who could support your goals.

Found someone you’d like to connect with? Contact us with your preferred mentor’s name and a little about what you’re hoping to work on. We’ll confirm their availability and help make the connection.

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Brett Jeffery

Chief Executive | Example Association

I enjoy helping association professionals build confidence, work through difficult decisions and prepare for leadership. I can share practical experience of working with boards, leading small teams and turning strategy into action.

Can help with:
Governance · Strategy · People leadership

Best placed to support:
Emerging leaders and new CEOs or Executive Directors

Request this mentor
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Brett Jeffery

Chief Executive | Example Association

I enjoy helping association professionals build confidence, work through difficult decisions and prepare for leadership. I can share practical experience of working with boards, leading small teams and turning strategy into action.

Can help with:
Governance · Strategy · People leadership

Best placed to support:
Emerging leaders and new CEOs or Executive Directors

Request this mentor
Placeholder image

Brett Jeffery

Chief Executive | Example Association

I enjoy helping association professionals build confidence, work through difficult decisions and prepare for leadership. I can share practical experience of working with boards, leading small teams and turning strategy into action.

Can help with:
Governance · Strategy · People leadership

Best placed to support:
Emerging leaders and new CEOs or Executive Directors

Request this mentor
Placeholder image

Brett Jeffery

Chief Executive | Example Association

I enjoy helping association professionals build confidence, work through difficult decisions and prepare for leadership. I can share practical experience of working with boards, leading small teams and turning strategy into action.

Can help with:
Governance · Strategy · People leadership

Best placed to support:
Emerging leaders and new CEOs or Executive Directors

Request this mentor
Placeholder image

Brett Jeffery

Chief Executive | Example Association

I enjoy helping association professionals build confidence, work through difficult decisions and prepare for leadership. I can share practical experience of working with boards, leading small teams and turning strategy into action.

Can help with:
Governance · Strategy · People leadership

Best placed to support:
Emerging leaders and new CEOs or Executive Directors

Request this mentor
Placeholder image

Brett Jeffery

Chief Executive | Example Association

I enjoy helping association professionals build confidence, work through difficult decisions and prepare for leadership. I can share practical experience of working with boards, leading small teams and turning strategy into action.

Can help with:
Governance · Strategy · People leadership

Best placed to support:
Emerging leaders and new CEOs or Executive Directors

Request this mentor

Wanting to become a NEXT mentor

Your experience as a CEO or Executive Director could make a real difference to someone building their career in the association sector.

In mid-December 2026, NZSAE will launch the NEXT Community, a new initiative to support association professionals to develop their capabilities, explore leadership opportunities and take the next step in their careers.

One part of this will be the NEXT Mentor Exchange, connecting emerging professionals with experienced association leaders for practical guidance, encouragement and honest conversations.

Ahead of the launch, we’re inviting CEOs and Executive Directors to register their interest in becoming mentors. You don’t need to have all the answers — a willingness to listen, share what you’ve learnt and help someone think through their challenges is a valuable starting point.

Help support the next generation of association leaders. Click below to register your interest in becoming a NEXT mentor.

NEXT mentor application
website

Bring your experience. Broaden your perspective.

You have experience others can learn from—and there is value in hearing how fellow leaders approach the decisions you face. NZSAE brings those perspectives together through candid conversations, shared insights and connections beyond your own sector.

Not yet a member? Explore what membership offers you and your organisation.

Explore Membership