Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation Welcomes New Co-Chairs
The Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation (CELF) is proud to announce John Adams and Megan Campbell as its new Co-Chairs, signalling the next phase of CELF’s work to strengthen courageous, connected leadership across Waikato and beyond.
Together, John and Megan bring a new blend of expertise and perspective to CELF’s governance. John’s extensive commercial and financial experience, coupled with his commitment to growing resilient communities, works alongside Megan’s deep knowledge of governance, wellbeing, and community engagement. Their complementary strengths - strategic business insight and values-driven, people-centred leadership - position CELF strongly to navigate a rapidly changing environment while staying grounded in its kaupapa.
John Adams – Co-Chair, CELF
A CELF trustee since 2019, John has been a passionate advocate for forward-looking projects that develop community leadership in uncertain times. As a Director at KPMG Hamilton, he brings over 30 years’ experience helping businesses and organisations—large and small, for-profit and not-for-profit—achieve their goals.
“It’s a privilege to take up the torch from such an outstanding lineage of leaders. I’m excited to step into a broader role in the guardianship of an organisation that has been shaped by the Waikato community since its inception 10 years ago, and to help guide it through the unprecedented societal changes that lie ahead.
To borrow the words of my namesake from two centuries ago: ‘To furnish the means of growing knowledge is truly the greatest gift we can bring to our community.’ I believe that curiosity - and the courage to ask the right questions - will define the leaders of the future.”
LinkedIn | John Adams
Megan Campbell – Co-Chair, CELF
Megan is an experienced board member and governance adviser with extensive involvement in the wellbeing sector across Waikato and nationally. She currently serves on the board of Sport New Zealand, is a lay member of the New Zealand Psychologists Board, chairs the Rototuna Indoor Recreation Centre Trust, and serves on the Institute of Directors’ Waikato branch committee. Megan has held governance roles in ten other organisations across health, sport, and education. A Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she is passionate about people-centred, purpose-driven governance.
“I am honoured to take on the role of Co-Chair of the Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation. CELF’s mission is both inspiring and deeply important to the Waikato region—to build future leaders from all walks of life who can reimagine a stronger Waikato across social, environmental, cultural and economic dimensions. It is a privilege to support this kaupapa and to help grow values-driven leaders who positively influence others and contribute meaningfully to our communities, our region, and Aotearoa as a whole.”
LinkedIn | megancampbell.org
Our Deepest Gratitude
Following this leadership transition, CELF acknowledges the exceptional contributions of Susan Trodden and Graeme Geurts, who have led with dedication and courage through some of the organisation’s most challenging periods. After nearly nine years on the board - six of those as Co-Chair - Susan has now stepped down, while Graeme, also a Co-Chair for six years, has stepped back from this role and will remain as a trustee.
The board extends its deepest gratitude to Susan and Graeme for their outstanding service, vision, and commitment to CELF’s mission. Their leadership has been instrumental in shaping CELF into the organisation it is today.