Paul Guerra

Chief Executive

Paul is an internationally experienced leader and businessman having held CEO/ Managing Director and Chairman level roles across Asia Pacific, spanning several key industries.

Paul is currently the Chief executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Victoria’s largest business advocacy organisation, and was previously the Chief Executive of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), incorporating the Royal Melbourne Show and venue management of the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Prior to his work with RASV, Paul was Managing Director Asia Pacific for Optum International, a subsidiary of the UnitedHealth Group, one of the world’s leading providers of health services.

Paul was the Victorian State Director for Vodafone, and prior to this appointment, he held an extensive 17-year career with Motorola, finishing as the Director and Vice President for Motorola Asia Pacific.

Paul is a former Non-Executive Director of Red Dust Role Models, a non-for-profit organisation that aspires to improve the lives of our Indigenous youth.

Paul is a past Chairman of the Queen Victoria Market Pty Ltd. His current board roles include Director at Racing Victoria, and the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation. Paul is an Australia Day Ambassador and a proud Victorian.

Scott Veenker

Chief Executive - Melbourne Chamber of Commerce

Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, Scott joined the Victorian Chamber as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the organisation’s membership services, internship program, events, marketing, training, health & safety consulting, workplace relations consulting, and the Victorian business of Apprenticeship Support Australia. 

Scott has more than 20 years’ experience in banking and finance, having held senior positions across multiple distribution channels with Esanda Finance and ANZ.

Scott is a Fellow of FINSIA, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and holds a Masters in Business Administration, Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Finance).

Chanelle Pearson

Chief of Staff

Chanelle is Chief of Staff, providing strategic counsel to the Chief Executive and overseeing the Victorian Chamber’s Media and Communication, Events, Chamber Change (Women in Business) and World Chambers Congress 2025 functions.

Prior to joining the Victorian Chamber, Chanelle was a co-Director of her own consultancy and Director – Education and Communication at the Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner.

Chanelle is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is also a member of the International Chamber of Commerce World Chambers Federation Women Council and the Chief of Staff Association. Chanelle holds a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) from the University of Melbourne.

Deborah Atkins

Executive Assistant to Paul Guerra, Chief Executive

Deborah is the Executive Assistant to Paul Guerra, Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

She brings to the Chamber over 30 years experience as a C-Suite Executive Assistant across a range of sectors.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Deborah worked in both legal and political sectors and has supported well respected and prominent leaders.

She has raised two sons and has prior experience in running her own business. 

Amelia Bitsis

Executive Director - Policy and Advocacy

Amelia has held senior leadership positions in federal, state and local government and has been responsible for all aspects of policy development.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Amelia worked at the Business Council of Australia. She has a Master of Arts (Hons) from the University of Melbourne.

Amelia has extensive experience working in complex environments and thrives in situations where she is undertaking strategic negotiations and building consensus to deliver a desired outcome.

Glenn Goodwin

Executive Director - Information, Communications and Technology

Glenn is the Executive Director, Information, Communications and Technology, responsible for the Victorian Chamber’s technology systems.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Glenn was Chief Information Officer of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, overseeing all technology located at Melbourne Showgrounds.

Glenn brings to the organisation more than 25 years’ experience in developing software and implementing infrastructure. Glenn is a member of the Australian Cyber Security Centre Joint Industry Advisory Group, and an industry advisory board member of RMIT Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation. Glenn holds a Bachelor of Science (Computing).

Mia La Burniy

Executive Director - Strategy and General Counsel

Mia is the Executive Director, Strategy & General Counsel, responsible for the Victorian Chamber’s legal, governance and strategy functions.

Mia brings to the Chamber extensive legal and corporate strategy experience in the major events, sporting and professional services industries. Prior to joining the Chamber, Mia was project managing and consulting on an international major event.

Mia currently holds a Victorian Legal Practising Certificate and a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice from Griffith University. 

Mia is the Non-Executive Director of Red Dust Role Models, a non-for-profit organisation that aspires to improve the lives of our Indigenous youth.

Antoinette Truda

Executive Director - Commercial Services

Antoinette has extensive experience as a Director, Business Leader and Entrepreneur across a range of sectors.  She is currently Executive Director, Commercial Services at the Victorian Chamber and is also Non-Executive Director of the Goulburn Murray Credit Union and Slimline Warehouse.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Antoinette was CEO of Brad Teal Real Estate.  She worked at NAB for 11 years, leading various business units in Consumer and Business Banking, and spent the early stages of her career in Strategy and Corporate Advisory roles.  In between raising three young girls, Antoinette co-founded a brand of skincare for tween girls, launching 15 product lines with international sales, and achieving distribution through 400+ Priceline stores nationally.

Antoinette thrives on helping people and organisations realise their potential through growth and transformation.