It’s been a bit like musical chairs at the Financial Planning Association (FPA) recently. Last week one senior staffer stepped down, another quit and there were two new executive appointments.

Former GM of general practice June Smith has stepped down for a few weeks to concentrate on her PhD. FPA spokesman Susan Grice says the association will consider a part-time position for Ms Smith soon.

Part-time HR manager Erica Collins has resigned after three years with the FPA. Ms Grice says Ms Collins has put in place all the HR policies she set out to develop and the FPA now wants to employ a more junior professional full-time to look after HR administration.

The new appointments are former Commonwealth Bank executive John Anning and former Department of Education executive Ruth Ferraro.

Mr Anning will become Policy and Government Relations Manager and Ms Ferraro takes on the new role of Education Program Co-ordinator.

FPA CEO Kerrie Kelly says she expects Mr Anning to lift the reputation of financial planning in the community.

Both executives will be based at FPA’s Sydney office.