Australian Electoral Commission Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Australian Electoral Commission has 6 executives leading key functions including strategic operations, financial management, electoral logistics, information technology, administrative support, and legal compliance.

Committed to democratic integrity, Australian Electoral Commission maintains the highest standards of transparency for federal elections and referendums across the nation.

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 fiscal health and budgetary allocations required for national electoral operations. Overseeing financial reporting and resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the commission maintains sufficient funding for federal elections and referendums. This role involves rigorous auditing of expenditures to guarantee transparency and accountability. By implementing robust financial controls, Sally So mitigates fiscal risks associated with large-scale government projects. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with external stakeholders to secure necessary appropriations for ongoing electoral management. Through precise economic forecasting, So supports the long-term sustainability of the commission. This leadership function demands strict adherence to government accounting standards while optimizing resource utilization across all regional offices. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation required to deliver reliable electoral services to the Australian public.

    Rachel Houghton - Chief Operating Officer

    Rachel Houghton, the Chief Operating Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, executes the logistical strategies necessary for conducting federal elections and referendums. Directing the deployment of voting infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless service delivery across diverse geographic regions. This role involves managing complex supply chains for electoral materials and coordinating large-scale workforce mobilization. By optimizing operational workflows, Rachel Houghton enhances the accessibility of voting methods for all citizens, including indigenous Australians and people with disabilities. The Chief Operating Officer monitors field performance to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. Through strategic planning, Houghton addresses the logistical demands of national polling events. This leadership position requires constant coordination with regional teams to ensure consistent service standards. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer drives the operational excellence required to uphold the democratic rights of the Australian population.

    Amanda Axiak - Chief of Staff

    Amanda Axiak, the Chief of Staff at Australian Electoral Commission, directs internal communications and coordinates high-level strategic initiatives across the organization. Managing the flow of information between departments, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment with federal electoral mandates. This role involves facilitating cross-functional collaboration to support the integrity of voting processes. By streamlining administrative workflows, Amanda Axiak optimizes the efficiency of the commission. The Chief of Staff monitors organizational performance metrics to ensure compliance with national standards. Through rigorous oversight of internal projects, Axiak maintains operational focus during complex election cycles. This leadership position requires constant engagement with senior management to address emerging challenges in electoral administration. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives the organizational culture necessary to uphold public trust in the democratic process throughout the Australian landscape.

    David Lang - Chief Information Officer

    David Lang, the Chief Information Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, architects the digital infrastructure supporting voter enrolment and electoral data management. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects the integrity of sensitive electoral information against emerging threats. This role involves modernizing technology platforms to improve the efficiency of voting systems and public transparency. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, David Lang ensures the commission remains resilient during high-traffic election periods. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with technical teams to develop educational resources and digital tools for voters. Through strategic investment in information technology, Lang supports the digital transformation of electoral management. This leadership function requires constant vigilance regarding data privacy and system reliability across the national network. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives the technological innovation necessary to maintain secure and accessible electoral services for all Australians.

    Bethanie Styles - Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer

    Bethanie Styles, the Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, coordinates the administrative and strategic priorities within the information technology division. Facilitating communication between technical teams and senior leadership, the Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer ensures the alignment of digital projects with broader electoral goals. This role involves managing project timelines and resource allocation for critical IT initiatives. By streamlining internal processes, Bethanie Styles enhances the productivity of the technology department. The Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer monitors the progress of system upgrades and cybersecurity implementations. Through meticulous planning, Styles supports the delivery of robust digital tools for voter engagement. This leadership position requires deep understanding of the commission's technical requirements and operational constraints. Ultimately, the Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer drives the administrative efficiency needed to support the commission's complex information technology landscape.
    Paul Pirani, the Chief Legal Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance framework for all federal electoral activities. Overseeing the interpretation of electoral law, the Chief Legal Officer ensures the commission operates within the bounds of national legislation. This role involves providing expert counsel on voter enrolment policies and the legal requirements for political participants. By managing litigation and regulatory disputes, Paul Pirani protects the integrity of the electoral process. The Chief Legal Officer collaborates with government bodies to refine electoral policies and address legislative changes. Through rigorous legal analysis, Pirani mitigates risks associated with electoral transparency and compliance. This leadership function requires constant engagement with legal standards to uphold the fairness of elections and referendums. Ultimately, the Chief Legal Officer drives the legal framework necessary to ensure the commission maintains public trust and democratic accountability.

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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.