A dynamic and strategic leader with experience as an Executive and Non-Executive Director. A skilled communicator with a background in media, communications, government relations, public policy and corporate affairs. A history of working in the transport, infrastructure, tourism, travel, aviation, automotive and education sectors.

James joined Accommodation Australia as their new CEO in September 2024 and looks forward to nurturing and building on the strong relationships already created with key stakeholders, both in government and accommodation industry leaders. 

Prior to his role with the AA, Mr Goodwin was the CEO of the Australian Airports Association (AAA) for more than four years and before that was Chief Executive of Australia’s leading vehicle safety advocate, the ANCAP Safety from 2015 to 2020.  James has held senior government relations, communications and stakeholder relations roles at industry associations and government agencies following a career as a journalist, including in the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery.

He has served on a number of Boards and is currently Chair of St John Ambulance ACT and a Board Director with the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Solutions.

Jenny has over four decades of experience in policy and advocacy, with a particular focus in the tourism and hospitality sectors.  She commenced her industry association career as the industrial and research officer at the national office of the AHA.  After a few years as project manager and deputy CEO for the tourism industry training advisory body, Jenny took on her first CEO role as head of Restaurant & Catering NSW and then national R&CA.  Jenny then headed up three industry bodies, being Meetings & Events Australia, Nursery & Garden Industry and then the National Tourism Alliance.   For the last decade, Jenny has served as a policy director with one of Australia’s peak business bodies, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, of which Accommodation Australia will continue to be an active member.  At ACCI, Jenny specialised in policy issues relating to skills, education, migration, employment and tourism. 

Emilie brings extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality sectors, having successfully led initiatives that drive industry growth and innovation. As the inaugural CEO of Visitor Experience Training (VXT) in Tasmania, Emilie was instrumental in establishing a leading industry training organisation, supported by the Tasmanian Hospitality Association and Tourism Industry Council Tasmania. Under her leadership, VXT introduced programs that significantly enhanced the skills and size of the tourism and hospitality workforce. Emilie’s strong stakeholder engagement skills enabled her to build key relationships across government and industry.

Now based in Sydney, Emilie is applying her strategic vision and operational expertise to lead the Austrade-funded Hospitality, Tourism, and Travel Employment and Skills Platform project, driving positive outcomes for the sector nationwide.

Todd brings a strong background in event coordination, stakeholder engagement, and operational support to his role as Project and Operations Coordinator. With experience spanning the corporate, education, and media sectors, Todd has a proven ability to manage complex projects, optimise processes, and deliver exceptional results.

Previously, Todd worked as an Event Coordinator at QBE Insurance, where he managed corporate hospitality, partnership and sponsorship endeavours. His hands-on end-to-end approach combines technical skills with a collaborative, problem-solving mindset.

He is a natural communicator and thrives in fast-paced, team-oriented environments. His dedication to stakeholder satisfaction and ability to navigate matrixed organisations make him a valued member of the team.

When not coordinating projects, Todd enjoys exploring new opportunities to develop his professional toolkit and bring fresh perspectives to every challenge.

Lorelle has 24+ years in the hospitality industry providing both administrative and management skills, working in all facets of hotels, motels and clubs.  This position is her first in the industry association world after the last 18 years working in Clubland.

Lorelle completed her Executive Masters of Business Administration in 2020 at University of Sunshine Coast.  This expanded her existing knowledge and resources to encompass advanced research and marketing techniques and project management which she used to develop strategic and marketing campaigns to improve compliance with legislation and create targeted strategic approaches for increasing spend in different areas of the business.

Lorelle’s strengths are her high-level organisational skills and attention to detail, which have ensured that she can effectively manage multiple objectives, meet priorities and deadlines within a fast-paced environment; and an ability to react quickly and decisively to identify and rectify issues.  Lorelle prides herself on an in-depth knowledge of business strategy, processes, procedures, stakeholders; and information systems relevant to hospitality.

Combined with her industry skills and a genuine passion for the sector, Lorelle aims to provide outstanding support to all tiers and stakeholders of Accommodation Australia nationally.