Jade Miller named ADISA’s first CEO as the association enhances leadership to drive growth
The Alternative & Direct Investment Securities Association (ADISA), a leading trade organisation for the alternative investments sector, has announced a significant evolution in its leadership with the appointment of Jade Miller as its first-ever Chief Executive Officer. This newly created role underscores ADISA’s commitment to adapt its organisational structure in line with its expanding influence and forward-looking vision for the alternatives industry.
Jade Miller, who previously served as president of ADISA’s board of directors, brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic leadership style to the CEO position. Throughout her tenure with ADISA, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to the association’s priorities by chairing numerous conferences and spearheading the diversity, equity, and inclusion committee. Her role in successfully unifying the Texas Non-Traded Direct Dealers Association (TNDDA) with ADISA further highlights her strategic capabilities and industry acumen. Before joining the association, Miller held the position of president of capital markets at Bourne Financial Group, a real estate investment firm managing assets exceeding $1 billion, giving her a robust background in capital markets within the alternative investments space.
John Grady, ADISA’s executive director, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointment, recognising Miller’s clear vision for both ADISA and the wider alternatives industry. He emphasised his eagerness to collaborate closely with Miller and the board to push forward ADISA’s core mission: education, advocacy, and the provision of best-in-class networking opportunities for its members.
Miller’s rise within ADISA has been marked by a steady accumulation of leadership roles. In 2023, she was elected president-elect and served as the president of ADISA in 2024, following Michael Underhill’s presidency. This progression reflects ADISA’s practice of selecting leaders who are deeply familiar with the association’s objectives and member needs. Meanwhile, John Grady, having previously served as ADISA’s president in 2017, was elected president-elect in 2024 and is slated to serve as president in 2025, underscoring continuity and experienced leadership within the association.
ADISA’s board of directors also maintains a diverse and experienced roster, including key officers such as Joanna Venetch as vice president, Catherine Bowman as secretary, and Mark Kosanke as treasurer. This leadership team supports the organisation’s focus on governance and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the non-traded alternative investment industry.
The creation of the CEO role and the appointment of Jade Miller signify ADISA’s commitment to strengthening its leadership infrastructure to better serve its membership and address the complexities of an evolving marketplace. As the alternative investments sector continues to grow and diversify, having a dedicated CEO is expected to enhance ADISA’s capacity for advocacy, education, and providing invaluable networking forums that are vital for industry stakeholders.
For association executives and trade bodies monitoring developments within the alternative investments arena, ADISA’s leadership transition illustrates a broader trend of organisations professionalising their governance structures to meet future challenges and member expectations effectively.