Executive team

Our Executive team leads on the major business issues and opportunities, ensuring benefits are felt across the state.

Our team is a dynamic mix of experts with deep experience across workplace, business development, international business and trade, business sustainability and ESG, brand, marketing and communications, and financial management. These dedicated professionals bring a broad range of strategic skills to the table but most of all, they bring a human touch and a deep and genuine understanding of Queensland businesses. The team is passionate about being a strong voice and source of support, inspiration and advice for businesses of all sizes, across every sector in every part of the state.

Heidi Cooper

CEO

Heidi Cooper is a leading business executive and Chief Executive Officer of Business Chamber Queensland, where she advocates for the strategic growth and sustainable transformation of Queensland’s business environment. In this role, she leads with purpose, driving business success while shaping the state’s economic future through policy influence, stakeholder collaboration and strategic reform.

With a career spanning business, law, corporate affairs and strategy, Heidi has led major initiatives for Top 20 ASX-listed companies, top-tier law firms and industry bodies across infrastructure, energy, financial services, education and sport. She is a recognised leader in aligning business outcomes with social and environmental impact and advancing sustainable business practices. She brings a global perspective to local leadership, strengthened by participation in the Chambers of Commerce international network and executive programs at Harvard and Princeton Universities.

A qualified solicitor, experienced board director and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Heidi has significant expertise in governance, risk and corporate leadership. She is currently a member of the Jobs Queensland Board, Super Member Council Employer Forum, and several government advisory boards.

Deeply committed to education, arts and community, Heidi is an active philanthropist and is a member of the Brisbane Festival Giving Committee, St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace School Advisory Council, and is Deputy Chair of the St Margaret’s Foundation Board.

Heidi holds multiple qualifications in law, public policy and management and was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland.

Candice Crawford

Executive Director, Strategy and Partnerships

Candice joined Business Chamber Queensland in March 2026 as Executive Director, Strategy and Partnerships. She leads the Chamber’s commercial strategy, strategic partnerships and Sustainability function, driving revenue growth, innovation and the development of high-impact programs that support Queensland businesses to be resilient, competitive and future-ready.

With a strong background in commercial strategy, stakeholder engagement and program delivery across complex sectors, Candice brings a proven track record of securing new opportunities, building purposeful partnerships and delivering outcomes that benefit both business and community. Prior to joining the Chamber, she held senior leadership roles with organisations including Mater Hospitals and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, leading major initiatives across metropolitan, regional and remote environments.

Candice holds a Master of Business Administration and serves on the Board of Fight4Balance, reflecting her commitment to leadership beyond the Chamber and to creating positive social impact.

Catherine Hughes

General Manager, External Affairs

Catherine joined Business Chamber Queensland in August 2022 as General Manager, External Affairs.

She brings more than 20 years’ experience to the role with expertise across the full range of communications disciplines including brand strategy, marketing, corporate sponsorships, events management, media and government relations, and internal communications.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Catherine held senior leadership roles in the brand and communications teams of some of the nation’s biggest companies including Sunsuper and St George Wealth. She has also held senior policy roles within state government.

Catherine has an extensive record of executing brand and marketing campaigns to grow purpose-led brands and create positive, productive, and meaningful engagement between companies, customers, and communities.

Phillip McCaw

General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services

Phill joins Business Chamber Queensland with two decades of senior management experience and a strong background in complex accounting and business operations.

His previous roles include Chief Corporate Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Autism Queensland, Head of Finance and Technology at Open Minds, Head of Shared Services Transformation at Toll, and various senior finance positions at Runge Pincock Minarco Limited.

Phill is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and has a proven track record of leading transformative initiatives, implementing strategic financial planning, and driving operational excellence through collaboration and innovative problem-solving.

Bonnie McCoy

General Manager, Memberships and Business Advisory

Bonnie McCoy brings close to a decade of experience in customer-focused strategy, business development, and operational excellence.

Bonnie holds a Master of Business Analytics from Deakin University, enhancing her ability to lead data-driven strategy and decision-making. Her expertise in data and market insights enables her to develop tailored advisory solutions that create sustainable growth opportunities for Queensland businesses.

Bonnie is passionate about fostering a strong and dynamic business ecosystem in Queensland. With experience across industries including insurance, banking, retail, hospitality, and health. Her expertise in strategy, digital transformation, and team leadership ensures she is well-positioned to support the Chamber’s mission of empowering businesses through connection, advocacy, and advisory services.