Australian Electoral Commission Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Australian Electoral Commission has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, administration, 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 of federal voting processes.

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 planning for all federal electoral activities. So oversees the allocation of public funds to ensure the cost-effective delivery of elections and referendums. The Chief Financial Officer develops comprehensive financial strategies that support long-term operational goals and regulatory compliance. Sally So monitors expenditure across all departments, providing the executive board with accurate reporting on resource utilization. This leadership role involves managing complex procurement processes for electoral equipment and services. By optimizing financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer money. So drives initiatives to improve fiscal efficiency, allowing for greater investment in voter education and outreach programs. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain the integrity and reliability of the national 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. Houghton oversees the complex deployment of voting infrastructure across the Australian continent, ensuring accessibility for all citizens. The Chief Operating Officer manages the operational readiness of polling stations and the distribution of electoral materials to diverse voter groups. Rachel Houghton implements scalable systems to handle large-scale voter enrollment and ballot processing with precision. By refining operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of national electoral management. This leadership position requires constant coordination with regional offices to maintain consistent service delivery standards. Houghton drives initiatives that improve voter engagement and streamline the administration of democratic processes. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief Operating Officer secures the integrity of the electoral system, ensuring that every vote counts within the national framework.

    Amanda Axiak - Chief of Staff

    Amanda Axiak, the Chief of Staff at Australian Electoral Commission, coordinates high-level strategic initiatives across the organization. Axiak manages internal communications and aligns departmental objectives with the broader mission of maintaining electoral integrity. By facilitating collaboration between executive leadership and operational teams, the Chief of Staff ensures seamless execution of federal election mandates. Amanda Axiak monitors organizational performance metrics to drive efficiency in administrative workflows. This role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and providing critical support for the executive board during national voting cycles. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, the Chief of Staff optimizes resource allocation to support the diverse needs of the Australian electorate. Axiak maintains a focus on long-term institutional stability, ensuring that all internal operations remain consistent with federal requirements and public expectations for transparency and accountability in every electoral event.

    David Lang - Chief Information Officer

    David Lang, the Chief Information Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, architects the digital infrastructure supporting national electoral systems. Lang manages the cybersecurity frameworks necessary to protect voter data and ensure the integrity of electronic reporting. The Chief Information Officer oversees the development of robust software platforms for voter registration and real-time election results. David Lang drives the digital transformation of electoral services, improving accessibility for citizens through secure online portals. This role involves managing large-scale IT projects that support the operational requirements of federal elections. By implementing advanced data analytics, the Chief Information Officer provides actionable insights for electoral planning and resource management. Lang ensures that all technological assets remain resilient against emerging threats, maintaining public trust in the digital aspects of the democratic process. Through strategic investment in technology, the Chief Information Officer enables the organization to meet the evolving demands of a modern, digitally-connected electorate.

    Bethanie Styles - Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer

    Bethanie Styles, the Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, facilitates the strategic alignment of technology initiatives with organizational objectives. Styles manages the administrative workflow for the IT department, ensuring that technical projects remain on schedule and within scope. The Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer coordinates communication between the IT leadership and other functional areas to support seamless integration of digital tools. Bethanie Styles monitors project milestones and identifies potential bottlenecks in the development of electoral software. This role involves preparing detailed reports on technological performance and resource requirements for the executive team. By streamlining internal processes, the Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer enhances the productivity of the technical staff. Styles supports the implementation of cybersecurity protocols and data management policies, ensuring that all IT operations adhere to federal standards. Through dedicated administrative support, the Executive Officer To Chief Information Officer enables the successful delivery of critical digital infrastructure.
    Paul Pirani, the Chief Legal Officer at Australian Electoral Commission, provides expert guidance on the legislative framework governing federal elections. Pirani oversees the interpretation and application of electoral laws, ensuring that all organizational actions remain compliant with national statutes. The Chief Legal Officer manages legal risks associated with electoral processes and represents the organization in matters of regulatory compliance. Paul Pirani advises the executive board on policy development, ensuring that all initiatives align with the legal requirements for transparency and fairness. This role involves drafting and reviewing complex legal documents related to voter rights and political party registration. By maintaining a deep understanding of electoral jurisprudence, the Chief Legal Officer protects the integrity of the democratic process. Pirani leads efforts to address legal challenges, ensuring that the organization operates within the bounds of the law. Through proactive legal strategy, the Chief Legal Officer upholds the foundational principles of the Australian electoral system.

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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.