Mark Smyth, eMBA

Chief Executive Officer

Mark joined Northern Inland Credit Union as Chief Executive Officer in September 2025.

A financial services executive with more than 25 years’ experience, Mark has worked across both major banks and customer‑owned banking organisations. He leads the organisation’s strategic direction and performance, working closely with the Board to deliver sustainable outcomes for members and the communities the organisation serves. His background spans banking, lending, customer experience, and organisational transformation across the mutual and broader financial services sector.

Mark is a strong advocate for customer‑owned banking and the value it provides in supporting financial wellbeing, long‑term trust, and stronger regional communities.

Mark holds an Executive MBA and a Graduate Certificate in Management from RMIT and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Having lived and worked across many parts of regional Australia, Mark brings a strong connection to regional communities and a deep commitment to the communities Northern Inland Credit Union serves.

Mark is also the Deputy Chair of Lifeline North Coast, supporting mental health and wellbeing across regional New South Wales.

Mathew Butler

Chief Financial Officer

Mat Butler is Chief Financial Officer at Northern Inland Credit Union, where he is responsible for overseeing the organisation’s finance function, balance sheet management, and regulatory compliance. He works closely with the executive team and Board to support strong financial governance and ensure the credit union remains well positioned to serve its members and local communities.

Mat has over 18 years’ experience across banking, treasury, and financial risk management, with capability in capital management, liquidity and funding, and interest rate risk. He has been involved in treasury operations, funding programs, and the development of risk and governance frameworks aligned with APRA standards. He is a strong advocate for the role of member-owned banking and the values it represents, with a focus on supporting sustainable growth and maintaining the financial strength of the organisation for the benefit of members.

He is a Chartered Accountant and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and holds a Master’s degree in Business and Innovation from the University of Southern Queensland. Mat brings a practical and considered approach to his role, with a focus on accountability, long-term sustainability, and positive member outcomes.

Michelle Hemingway

Chief Marketing Officer

Michelle Hemingway is the Chief Marketing Officer at Northern Inland Credit Union (NICU), where she leads the organisation’s marketing, product and customer functions. Michelle joined NICU in May 2026, bringing close to 20 years of experience across financial services, travel, tourism, hospitality, and consumer brands.

Michelle is responsible for leading the organisation’s brand, marketing, customer engagement, product, and customer experience capability, with a focus on supporting sustainable growth, strengthening member relationships, and delivering customer-focused experiences across the organisation. She has held senior leadership roles across customer-owned and commercial organisations, leading brand and growth strategies, digital transformation initiatives, customer engagement programs, and organisational change.

Michelle is a collaborative and customer-focused leader who is passionate about building strong brands, community connection, and modern customer experiences that balance digital capability with personal service. She brings a practical and strategic approach to leadership, with a strong belief in the important role member-owned banking plays in supporting regional communities and long-term financial wellbeing.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Media and Communication (Public Relations) and a Bachelor of Business (Marketing & Advertising) from Swinburne University of Technology, a Graduate Diploma of Public Relations from Deakin University, and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology and Counselling from University of Southern Queensland.

Kelly Wyman

Chief Risk Officer

Kelly Wyman is the Chief Risk Officer and Company Secretary at Northern Inland Credit Union (NICU), joining the NICU Team in January 2025 bringing over 25 years of experience working in banking and financial services, including major banks, large and small mutual ADI’s. With her multi disciplined team Kelly leads the organisation’s risk, compliance, and governance capability across the business, focus on building risk and governance maturity, providing risk advice to the business and ensuring there is appropriate review and challenge.

Kelly is a dynamic and collaborative business leader, who brings expertise in the key areas of leadership, risk and compliance management, governance, strategic development, change and project management, and people and culture. She has a Master’s in Business Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Management both from the Australian Institute of Business and she is an experienced executive and non-executive director.

Away from her work commitments Kelly is passionate about her family and the community, volunteering weekly at local Newcastle charities Soul Hub and Dress for Success Newcastle – Hunter. With one of her greatest achievements being nominated and short listed for the 2025 Newcastle Volunteer of the year award.

David Harney

Chief Technology Officer

David Harney is the Chief Technology Officer at Northern Inland Credit Union (NICU), leading the organisation’s technology agenda across ICT operations, cybersecurity, digital and AI uplift.

Dave joined NICU in February 2025 and brings deep, hands-on technical leadership experience. He has held senior roles in Retail Banking, Energy Distribution and the Telecommunications industries. Dave is passionate about community impact and is actively involved in the not‑for‑profit sector, having served as a Director and Company Secretary of Sione’s Foundation.

Dave is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program (AMP‑189).

Daniel Smallwood

Executive General Manager Distribution and Channels

Daniel Smallwood is the Executive General Manager Distribution and Channels at Northern Inland Credit Union (NICU), where he is responsible for leading the organisation’s distribution strategy and frontline channels to deliver sustainable, member led growth. His portfolio spans branch networks, mobile and broker channels, contact centre and member facing teams, with a strong focus on aligning service delivery, lending capability and member engagement to support exceptional outcomes.

Daniel brings over 10 years of experience across finance, banking and executive leadership roles, spanning financial institutions including Australia’s top four banks, as well as director level roles in the public sector. This combination of experience provides him with a strong appreciation for both commercial discipline and community focused outcomes, closely aligning with the mutual banking philosophy at the heart of a credit union.

Throughout his career, he has been responsible for portfolio growth, credit quality, member outcomes and capability development, and has built a reputation for leading high performing teams that deliver strong, sustainable results. He is particularly passionate about developing banker capability and ensuring teams are equipped to deliver meaningful, long-term value for members. Daniel is also known for his ability to lead and embed change, driving continuous improvement across the business to enhance performance and ensure members consistently receive the highest level of service. He brings a disciplined yet practical approach to transformation, balancing operational efficiency with a strong focus on member and team outcomes.

Daniel holds a Bachelor's in Criminology, majoring in Justice and Policing, bringing a unique perspective on governance, risk and community outcomes. He is also an Associate Member of CPA Australia, further strengthening his financial and commercial expertise.

Bringing a deeply member centred approach to leadership, grounded in the belief that great outcomes are achieved through engaged, supported and empowered people. He is known for fostering collaborative, values-driven cultures and for leading in a way that brings out the best in individuals and teams.