Introducing … David Miles

Meet a Member …

Each eNews, we would like to introduce you to one of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a Question & Answer type interview article. 

Therefore, in the hotseat this edition, is David Miles, Queensland Chapter Treasurer & Director of Engagement, Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) … and a Churchie Old Boy!

Tell us a little bit about the Churchie Old Boys’ Association …

On 23 May 1917, 11 Old Boys convened a meeting to form the Churchie Old Boys’ Association (OBA) with objectives of the maintenance of school fellowship among Old Boys and support of the school. With such a strong culture of developing and maintaining links within the Churchie community ever since, the OBA now boasts a loyal and engaged network of over 20,000 Old Boys. Recently launched initiatives include the COBweb (the intranet of our website), a Careers program (job search and mentoring), a Wellbeing program (mental and physical health awareness) and a Connect & Play program (interactive and virtual co-curricular activities).

How long have you been in Educational Advancement (& prior industry if applicable)?

Most of my career has been in sales and marketing. I spent 20 years in the consumer goods and retail industries working in business development and sales account management roles. For the past 10 years I have been working at Churchie managing the Old Boys’ Association and for the past 18 months this has extended to the Churchie Foundation.

What achievement / accomplishment are you most proud of?

In 2017, the OBA celebrated 100 years since the first meeting was held on 23 May 1917. The OBA wished to mark its centenary milestone with a gesture that would be both special and significant for Churchie’s Old Boys. In the lead-up to this milestone event, we commissioned Adina Watches, a Churchie family-owned business, to produce 100 bespoke watches that gave a subtle nod to Churchie’s values and style. A stylish timber box, which also acknowledged the centenary of the OBA, was the perfect encasement for the watches. By the end of the year, all 100 watches were sold. Ever since, a non-centenary edition of these watches is still sought after, particularly as a Valedictory gift from parents to sons.

What three tips / words of advice would you give to new Educate Plus Members and/or those new to Advancement?

1. Get to know others who work in the same or similar roles at other educational institutions.
2. Share your experiences, good or bad.
3. Learn from others and allow them to learn from you.

What are three things you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spending time with family, watching sport and travel.

Thank you David! It’s been wonderful to get to know you!