We are delighted to announce three distinguished additions to the Air Force Association National Board.

Please join us in welcoming Air Marshal (Retd) Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC, Air Commodore (Retd) Doug Chipman FAICD, JP, and Greg Hood AO to the team.

These new board members will join our current directors, including President Carl Schiller OAM, CSM, Vice President Peter McDermott AM CSC, Secretary Peter Colliver, and Director of Communications and Engagement Deanna Nott.

AM Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, is a retired senior officer of the Royal Australian Air Force and an exceptional addition to our board. With a long-standing family interest in flying, Mel’s passion for aviation has propelled him to arguably the most important aviation job in Australia – Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force. During his tenure as Chief, he implemented numerous initiatives to enhance the operational capability and readiness of the Air Force, including the acquisition of new aircraft and the development of advanced training programs. Mel’s strategic vision and leadership qualities have earned him widespread recognition within the aviation community.

In addition to his impressive career, Mel has actively engaged in various international forums, contributing to the advancement of global air power capabilities. He has represented Australia in key defence conferences and forums, fostering collaboration and building strong partnerships with international allies. Mel’s extensive experience in aviation and his deep understanding of national defence strategies will be invaluable in guiding the Air Force Association towards achieving its objectives.

AIRCDRE Doug Chipman (Retd) FAICD, JP, brings extensive experience and a wealth of knowledge to our board. Doug’s journey in the Air Force began in 1964 when he joined as a cadet. Throughout his career, he served as a pilot and flying instructor, operating a variety of aircraft such as Caribou, Hercules, and Boeing 707. His leadership skills earned him several senior command appointments, culminating in command of Air Lift Group (now Air Mobility Group) from 1996 to 1998, and later Air Force Training Command (now Training Group) from 1998 to 2000. Doug’s service extended beyond Australia’s borders, as he undertook postings to the United States and Pakistan, with attachments to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. In addition to his military career, Doug has made significant contributions to the community. He served as a councillor, Deputy Mayor, and Mayor of Clarence City Council, as well as holding positions in the Local Government Association of Tasmania and the Australian Local Government Association. Doug’s dedication as a volunteer Wellbeing and Compensation Advocate and his representation of the AFA on the board of Veterans’ Indemnity and Training Association Inc. showcase his commitment to serving others.

Greg Hood AO, an accomplished aviation professional, rounds out our exceptional board of directors. Greg’s career began in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1980, where he served as an Air Traffic Controller for almost a decade, including a deployment to the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai Desert. Greg later transitioned to Airservices Australia, where he held various roles, including Manager of the Melbourne Air Traffic Services Centre and Executive General Manager – Air Traffic Control. He also held leadership roles at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), ultimately becoming the Executive Manager of Operations. In 2016, Greg was appointed Chief Commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), where he led numerous transport safety investigations. During his tenure at the ATSB, he also chaired the International Transportation Safety Association (ITSA). Currently, Greg serves as Deputy Chair of Airservices Australia, a Board Member of the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame, and a member of the steering committee for the CSIRO’s Marine National Facility (MNF). Alongside his professional commitments, Greg is an active general aviation pilot and credits his passion for aviation to having received a gliding scholarship with the Air Training Corps in the 1970s. Greg also dedicates his time as a crisis supporter at Lifeline and is an accredited voluntary guide at the Australian War Memorial.

With their combined expertise, passion, and dedication, Mel, Doug and Greg will play integral roles in shaping the future of the Air Force Association. We look forward to their contributions and the valuable insights they will bring to our organisation.

Following more than four years’ ongoing support and interest in the Air Force Association, Jim Campbell AM will join the Board as a Permanent Observer and future Director.

Caption L-R: Doug Chipman, Greg Hood and Mel Hupfeld.