SMSF Association chief executive John Maroney thanked Ms Ward for her contribution to the association over the past five years as a member of staff and several years before that as a consultant.

“[Ms Ward] played a pivotal role in developing the education services at the association that have helped drive the growing professionalism of advice in the SMSF sector,” said Mr Maroney.

“Liz has established an industry-leading SMSF curriculum and education framework that will continue to support the professionalism of the sector into the future.”

There have been some key personnel shifts for the association in the last 18 months. In February this year, Andrea Slattery resigned as chief executive, handing over the reins to John Maroney after 14 years leading the association. Prior to that, industry veteran and technical specialist Graeme Colley departed the association to work with SuperConcepts' technical and education team. He was replaced by former MLC executive Peter Hogan.