The Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) has announced its 2021 board members and issued special awards on the back of a challenging year.

Newcastle region mortgage broker and author of two property investing books Felicity Heffernan joins the board, alongside recent appointment Clive Kirkpatrick, chair Tony Carter and company secretary Kim Szigeti – who were both reappointed – and continuing members Steve Rasmussen, Angus Gilkeson and Angelo Lauro.

Announcing the addition of Ms Heffernan, FBAA managing director Peter White AM said she has held past roles with the association including NSW state councillor and state president.

“Felicity continues the FBAA tradition of ensuring that our board always includes many members with a high level of practical broking knowledge,” he said.

He also said it was good to see more diversity on the board, and encouraged other female members to “look at taking an active role within the FBAA as we venture into the years ahead.”

Mr White, who continues on the board as managing director, extended his thanks to outgoing director Rick Nieuwenhoven for his service and contributions both on the national board and as South Australian state president.

Four new fellows of the FBAA have also been appointed, being Tanya Sale from Outsource Financial, David Carson from Compliance One, Mike Israel from NCC and Rick Nieuwenhoven.

“The newest fellow members have all made significant contributions to the association in the manner in which they have assisted and positively impacted our industry,” Peter White said.

Recognising the difficulties of operating and servicing members during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FBAA has issued special commendations from the board to past state president and councillor Brendan Kurtz, and staff members Phillipa Byrne, Mariah Pires and Josie Taamaletoa, for going above and beyond for members and the association.

“I would like to thank all of those on our board and within the FBAA team for their ongoing work for the association and our industry, and we look forward to a strong 2021 after what has been a tough start to the new decade in 2020,” Mr White said.