Integra Financial Services founder Deborah Kent will head the new Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) board, announced at the group’s conference today.

The new President says her board is a strong, energetic team prepared for an “incredibly challenging and exciting time for the advice profession”.

Ms Kent is a former Sydney businesswoman of the year and is Chairman of the AFA Inspire initiative, launched this year to connect and aid women in the advice industry.

Last year’s adviser of the year Jenny Brown joins the board as VP and Steve Crawford takes over Ms Kent’s former role as Treasurer for their two-year term as executive directors.

The new state directors are: NSW, Jeff Thurecht; Victoria, Chris Browne; Queensland, Dianne Charman; SA, David Slovenic; WA, James Ford; Tasmania, Matthew Hawkins.

CEO Brad Fox is Company Secretary.