The Council is a group of future-focused thinkers, connectors and advocates who care passionately about advancing New Zealand’s interests in a strong bilateral relationship with the US. We are fortunate to be well supported by our members via their governance leadership and assistance with the activities of the Council.
The Council operates as an incorporated society and in accordance with its rules of incorporation. These provide for the establishment and operation of two governance bodies – an executive committee and advisory board – and the position of executive director. Executive committee members, including the chair, are elected at our annual AGM to two-year terms.
Executive Committee
The executive committee meets regularly to set and oversee the Council’s work programme and the day-to-day running of the Council by the executive director.
Advisory Board
The advisory board provides strategic advice and contextual insight, meets formally 2-3 times per year, and advises on and is involved in the Council’s work programme.
Advisory Board Chair
FRAN O’SULLIVAN
Chair and executive committee member | Director of NZ INC Ltd
Fran was a founder-director of the Council in 2001, is chair of the advisory board and serves on the executive committee. She is the director of NZ INC (Ltd) – publisher of the newzealandinc.com website which focuses on New Zealand’s business engagement with top markets. One of New Zealand’s most experienced journalists, Fran is also a lead columnist for The New Zealand Herald – New Zealand’s largest daily newspaper – writing predominantly on politics, business and international affairs. She is a former Editor of the National Business Review – NZ’s leading business weekly and a former Assistant Editor at the New Zealand Herald.

Advisory Board members
Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger, ONZ
Former Chairman, NZUS Council
Leanne Cheesman
National Sales Manager, United Airlines
Erica Crawford
Managing Director, Tentpole Holdings
Chip Dawson
CEO/MD, International Business Management Ltd, Chairman & President, Baseball NZ
Charles Finny
Chair, Education New Zealand
Philip Gregan
CEO, New Zealand Winegrowers
Mike Hearn
Executive Director, American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand
Suzanne Snively, ONZM
Managing Director, More Media Enterprises
Dr. John Wood, CNZM QSO
Former NZ Ambassador to the US