Anna Neelagama has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Master Builders Association of the ACT, which has represented the building and construction industry since 1925.

Ms Neelagama is described as an experienced industry leader with more than nine years as a CEO, specialising in real estate and the built environment. She spent her formative career in state and federal agribusiness advocacy roles, and holds a Bachelor of International Relations from Griffith University and a Graduate Certificate in Property Development from the University of Technology Sydney. She lives in Canberra with her husband and two children.

Ms Neelagama will start in September. She succeeds Michael Hopkins, who is taking up a rôle at Master Builders Queensland.

“The MBA ACT is moving into a phase of sustainable growth under new leadership,” president Frank Porreca said. “Anna has been selected following a comprehensive, competitive and nationwide recruitment process. She is well placed to lead the MBA ACT as we approach our 100-year celebrations in 2025.”

Ms Neelagama said she was privileged to step into the rôle at such a critical time for the ACT construction industry.

“I am excited to get to work with the well-regarded team at MBA ACT at such a critical juncture for their members in the countdown to both the ACT and Federal Elections,” said Ms. Neelagama.

“With rising business costs and the housing supply and affordability crisis in the ACT, now, more than ever, MBA ACT is determined to support members across all aspects of their business including advocacy, training, legal and workforce planning,” she said.