Joanne Nyland has 20 years of experience in higher education institutions in the United Kingdom and Australia. At Griffith University in Australia, she is responsible for the strategic leadership of a team of alumni relations, communications, event management, and campaign fundraising professionals. This team works to effectively engage with the university's alumni and build a culture of giving among alumni and community supporters, as well as the university staff through an active Staff Giving programme. 

A strong believer in the transformative power of education, Nyland sees her role in advancement as a facilitator and enabler, connecting people with each other and the university, supporting research, and assisting students through scholarships, mentoring and allied programmes.