Australian Electoral Commission Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Australian Electoral Commission has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, operations, legal, and executive support.

Dedicated to upholding democratic principles, Australian Electoral Commission ensures the integrity of federal elections and referendums through robust voter enrolment, transparent electoral processes, and comprehensive engagement with all Australians.

Leadership Roles at Australian Electoral Commission

  • Chief Financial Officer - Sally So
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rachel Houghton
  • Chief of Staff - Amanda Axiak
  • Chief Information Officer - David Lang
  • Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer - Bethanie Styles
  • Chief Legal Officer - Paul Pirani
  • Sally So - Chief Financial Officer

    Sally So, the Chief Financial Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, manages the financial health and resource allocation for federal elections and referendums. Overseeing all fiscal operations, Sally So ensures robust financial transparency for parties and political participants, aligning expenditures with the AEC's mission. This critical role involves strategic financial planning and budget management to support voter enrolment services and the implementation of diverse voting methods. So's leadership ensures that financial resources are effectively deployed to engage with all voter groups, including indigenous Australians and people with disabilities, upholding electoral integrity. The Chief Financial Officer drives financial efficiency across electoral management and supports the sustainable delivery of educational resources and employment opportunities. So's financial acumen is vital for maintaining the operational capacity of the AEC.

    Rachel Houghton - Chief Operating Officer

    Rachel Houghton, the Chief Operating Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, directs the operational execution of federal elections and referendums across Australia. Overseeing the logistical framework, Rachel Houghton ensures the efficient delivery of services related to voter enrolment and voting methods, critical for electoral transparency. This executive position involves managing the deployment of resources to engage effectively with diverse voter groups, including indigenous Australians and people with disabilities, reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process. Houghton's operational leadership drives the implementation of best practices in electoral management, ensuring seamless execution on election days. The Chief Operating Officer also supports the integration of educational resources and employment opportunities, optimizing the AEC's outreach and operational capacity. Houghton's focus is on enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the AEC's nationwide operations.

    Amanda Axiak - Chief of Staff

    Amanda Axiak, the Chief of Staff at Australian Electoral Commission, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key departments. Overseeing the coordination of executive priorities, Amanda Axiak ensures seamless execution of the AEC's mandate for federal elections and referendums. This leadership position involves managing critical communications and stakeholder engagement, reinforcing the organization's commitment to electoral transparency and integrity. The role requires meticulous planning and execution to support the AEC's mission of providing services related to voter enrolment and voting methods. Axiak's oversight extends to enhancing the electoral process for diverse voter groups, including indigenous Australians and individuals with disabilities, ensuring equitable participation. The Chief of Staff drives efficiency in electoral management and supports the development of educational resources and employment opportunities within the AEC.

    David Lang - Chief Information Officer

    David Lang, the Chief Information Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, architects the technology strategy supporting federal elections and referendums. Overseeing all IT infrastructure and digital services, David Lang ensures the security and reliability of electoral systems, crucial for maintaining voter enrolment and voting methods. This executive role involves driving innovation in electoral technology to enhance transparency for parties and political participants. Lang's responsibilities include managing the digital transformation initiatives that improve engagement with diverse voter groups, such as indigenous Australians and people with disabilities. The Chief Information Officer champions the development and deployment of secure, scalable IT solutions that underpin the integrity of the electoral process. Lang also guides the integration of educational resources and employment opportunities within the AEC's technological framework, ensuring robust digital support for all operations.

    Bethanie Styles - Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer

    Bethanie Styles, the Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, provides critical support for technology strategy and operational execution. Assisting David Lang, Bethanie Styles facilitates the coordination of IT projects that enhance voter enrolment and voting methods, contributing to electoral transparency. This role involves managing communications and administrative functions that streamline the Chief Information Officer's oversight of electoral systems. Styles ensures that the technological initiatives supporting diverse voter groups, including indigenous Australians and people with disabilities, are effectively managed. The Executive Officer plays a key part in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process by supporting the efficient functioning of IT services. Bethanie Styles contributes to the AEC's broader goals by aiding in the integration of educational resources and employment opportunities within the technology department.
    Paul Pirani, the Chief Legal Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, provides expert legal counsel on federal elections and referendums. Overseeing all legal matters, Paul Pirani ensures compliance with electoral legislation, safeguarding transparency for parties and political participants. This executive role involves advising on the legal framework for voter enrolment and the implementation of various voting methods. Pirani's guidance is essential for ensuring equitable access and participation for all voter groups, including indigenous Australians and people with disabilities, thereby upholding the integrity of the electoral process. The Chief Legal Officer manages legal risks associated with electoral management and supports the development of legally sound educational resources and employment opportunities. Pirani's legal expertise is fundamental to the AEC's adherence to democratic principles and operational standards.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Australian Electoral Commission Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Australian Electoral Commission?
    Australian Electoral Commission is led by Sally So (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Rachel Houghton (Chief Operating Officer) and Amanda Axiak (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Australian Electoral Commission’s executive team?
    The executive team of Australian Electoral Commission includes leaders such as Sally So (Chief Financial Officer), Rachel Houghton (Chief Operating Officer), Amanda Axiak (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Australian Electoral Commission have?
    Australian Electoral Commission has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Australian Electoral Commission’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Australian Electoral Commission includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer.