Australian Electoral Commission Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Australian Electoral Commission has 6 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, information technology, operational management, strategic coordination, technical support, and legal compliance.

Committed to democratic integrity, Australian Electoral Commission maintains the highest standards of electoral transparency while fostering inclusive participation across all Australian communities through robust management and educational outreach.

Leadership Roles at Australian Electoral Commission

  • Chief Financial Officer - Sally So
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rachel Houghton
  • Chief Information Officer - David Lang
  • Chief of Staff - Amanda Axiak
  • 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 complex funding models, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resource distribution aligns with federal mandates for election delivery. This role involves rigorous auditing of expenditure to maintain public trust in the financial management of democratic processes. By optimizing procurement strategies, Sally So secures the necessary infrastructure for nationwide voting events. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to forecast long-term capital requirements, ensuring fiscal resilience during high-intensity election cycles. Through precise financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer provides transparency to stakeholders regarding the utilization of public funds. Maintaining strict adherence to government accounting standards, the Chief Financial Officer supports the broader mission of the commission by guaranteeing that every dollar spent directly facilitates the integrity of the Australian electoral system.

    Rachel Houghton - Chief Operating Officer

    Rachel Houghton, the Chief Operating Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, directs the logistical execution of federal elections and referendums across the Australian continent. Overseeing large-scale field operations, the Chief Operating Officer manages the deployment of polling stations and the recruitment of temporary staff to facilitate smooth voting experiences. This role involves streamlining operational workflows to ensure compliance with electoral legislation during high-pressure periods. By coordinating regional logistics, Rachel Houghton guarantees that remote and urban populations receive equitable access to voting services. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement, driving efficiency in electoral management. Through cross-departmental collaboration, the Chief Operating Officer aligns operational capacity with strategic goals, ensuring the commission meets its mandate for transparency and accessibility. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational readiness required to deliver reliable electoral outcomes for the entire nation.

    David Lang - Chief Information Officer

    David Lang, the Chief Information Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, architects the digital infrastructure supporting secure voter registration and electronic ballot management. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive electoral data from emerging threats across the national network. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy systems to improve the efficiency of voter enrolment services. By implementing advanced data analytics, David Lang enhances the accuracy of electoral rolls, ensuring every eligible citizen remains represented. The Chief Information Officer coordinates with technical teams to maintain system uptime during critical voting periods, preventing disruptions to the democratic process. Through strategic investment in cloud-based solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation across the organization. Maintaining robust IT governance, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all technological deployments meet stringent federal security standards, thereby safeguarding the digital foundation of the Australian electoral landscape.

    Amanda Axiak - Chief of Staff

    Amanda Axiak, the Chief of Staff at Australian Electoral Commission, synchronizes executive priorities and facilitates communication across the leadership team to ensure organizational cohesion. Overseeing strategic initiatives, the Chief of Staff manages the flow of information between the commission and external government bodies. This role involves drafting policy frameworks that guide the implementation of electoral reforms. By managing the executive office, Amanda Axiak ensures that leadership decisions translate into actionable tasks for various departments. The Chief of Staff coordinates high-level meetings, fostering alignment on critical issues such as voter engagement and electoral integrity. Through meticulous project management, the Chief of Staff tracks progress on key milestones, ensuring the commission meets its statutory obligations. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the overall effectiveness of the executive team, allowing for a more agile response to the evolving needs of the Australian electoral environment.

    Bethanie Styles - Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer

    Bethanie Styles, the Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, manages the administrative and operational support functions for the information technology division. Overseeing internal communications, the Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer ensures that technical teams remain aligned with the broader strategic objectives of the commission. This role involves coordinating complex IT projects and managing stakeholder expectations regarding system updates. By facilitating collaboration between the Chief Information Officer and departmental leads, Bethanie Styles optimizes the delivery of digital services. The Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer monitors project timelines, identifying potential bottlenecks in the development of electoral software. Through rigorous documentation and reporting, the Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer maintains transparency in IT operations. By streamlining the workflow within the technology department, the Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer supports the reliable functioning of the digital systems that underpin the Australian electoral process.
    Paul Pirani, the Chief Legal Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, interprets electoral law and provides counsel on the regulatory framework governing federal elections. Overseeing legal compliance, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all commission activities adhere to the Commonwealth Electoral Act and related legislation. This role involves managing litigation and representing the commission in legal proceedings to protect the integrity of the electoral process. By advising on policy development, Paul Pirani mitigates legal risks associated with electoral administration. The Chief Legal Officer collaborates with government agencies to address complex regulatory challenges, ensuring that voting methods remain consistent with national standards. Through the provision of expert legal guidance, the Chief Legal Officer supports the commission in maintaining public confidence in the fairness of elections. By upholding the rule of law, the Chief Legal Officer secures the legal foundation upon which the Australian democratic system rests.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Federal

    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 David Lang (Chief Information Officer).
    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), David Lang (Chief Information Officer) 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 Information Officer, Chief of Staff, Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer.