Meet the ADAQ Leadership Team

Lisa Rusten

Chief Executive Officer

Lisa was appointed Chief Executive Officer for ADAQ in December 2018. Lisa has 13 + years’ experience working in membership organisations and has strong industry knowledge in Non-profits, Project Management and Organisational Development. Before being appointed CEO of ADAQ, Lisa worked at the RACGP where she spent almost eight years as the QLD state manager before being promoted to National Manager, Faculties. Before Lisa’s time at the RACGP she worked as the Regional Manager for QLD/NT at Camp Quality. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Business/Psychology which she gained from the University of NSW.

Lisa Rusten can be contacted at [email protected]


Jane Palmer

Chief Finance and Risk Officer

Jane graduated from the University of Canberra with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. She has worked in accounting roles across numerous industries and within the public sector. Jane relocated to Brisbane in 2011 and was working as the Financial Accountant for a Logistics company overseeing the south east region of Australia before joining ADAQ in February 2021 as Finance Manager.

Jane Palmer can be contacted at [email protected]

Larissa Alderton

Manager - Compliance and Advisory Services

Larissa has 18 years experience in dentistry as an Oral Health Therapist. In addition to her Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy, Larissa holds a Master of Health Management, with a background in Healthcare Law and Ethics. At ADAQ Larissa assists dental practitioners with insurance claims, regulatory complaints (Ahpra, OHO, QCAT), health fund audits, regulatory requirements and patient complaints. Her clinical understanding of dentistry, first-hand experience in patient management and deep understanding of regulatory bodies makes her an incredible asset to ADAQ. 

Larissa Alderton and her team can be contacted at [email protected]


Sharyn Dunn

Manager - Training and Practice Consultancy Services

Sharyn has been with ADAQ for over ten years, working in our Education and Advisory Services Team. Sharyn's team provides practices with support and consultancy services with a team of four skilled professionals with education and backgrounds in dentistry. Sharyn is also the Manager of the ADAQ RTO, overseeing the online delivery of training for Certificates III and IV in Dental Assisting. Sharyn has had practical experience working in private practice as a Dental Assistant and then Practice Manager, she holds a Diploma of Quality Auditing, Diploma of Training and Assessment, Diploma of Practice Management as well as Dental Assisting and Sterilisation qualifications.

Sharyn Dunn and her team can be contacted at [email protected]


Melissa Kruger 

Manager - Marketing, Membership & Engagement

Melissa joins ADAQ with over 15 years’ experience in the area of membership and professional indemnity insurance within the healthcare sector.  She has worked in the areas of business development, membership, and national manager for a number of medical indemnity insurance providers. She brings to the role experience in successfully building valuable membership offerings and strong strategic business partnerships.

Melissa Kruger and her team can be contacted at [email protected]

Madonna McManus

Manager - Continuing Professional Development

Madonna has over 35 years of experience in the dental industry, with extensive experience in Continuing Education for Dental Professionals. For the past 6 years, she has worked closely with the Universities and a range of other stakeholders to successfully deliver education in the field of implants.

Previously, Madonna spent three years as the Queensland President of the Australian Dental Industry Association. She has studied both a Certificate IV in Business Management and Training and Education.

Madonna McManus and her team can be contacted at [email protected]


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