About
About David Price
A senior executive, governance professional and licensed investigator with more than 25 years’ experience across local government, professional associations, insurance and organisational leadership.
Professional profile
From chief executive to independent adviser
David Price is the Director of Elevate Management and Workplace Solutions. He brings more than 25 years of senior management, governance and executive leadership experience across local government, professional associations, not-for-profit organisations and business.
Before establishing Elevate, David was Chief Executive Officer of the Law Society of Western Australia, the peak body for the legal profession in Western Australia, and Law Mutual (WA) from 2006 to 2025. Earlier he was Chief Executive Officer of the City of Nedlands and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, after senior roles at the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and the City of Bunbury.
This experience has given David a strong understanding of the governance, operational and workforce challenges faced by organisations operating within increasingly complex and highly accountable environments.
Clients work directly with David as their lead adviser throughout each engagement.
Experience
How David’s background shapes the help Elevate provides
Local government
Chief Executive Officer of two local governments
At the City of Nedlands and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, David developed strategic, financial and operational plans, authored a governance manual and established an internal audit program reporting to an Audit and Risk committee.
That experience informs Elevate’s governance reviews, planning support and interim executive support for local governments.
Professional association
Chief Executive Officer, Law Society of Western Australia and Law Mutual (WA)
From 2006 to 2025 David led the peak body for the legal profession in Western Australia, advised on the Associations Incorporation Act, the Constitution and standing orders, and implemented two major organisational reviews.
He now brings that experience to associations, member organisations and other not-for-profit organisations.
Oversight and assurance
Independent committee member
David holds independent appointments on audit, risk and improvement committees, providing oversight and assurance in governance, risk management, internal audit, compliance and organisational performance.
The same oversight work sits behind Elevate’s governance and assurance reviews.
Investigations
Licensed Inquiry Agent and Investigator
Licence No. 81991. David holds a Certificate III Investigative Services and undertakes independent workplace and misconduct investigations, preliminary assessments and reviews.
Investigations are conducted with procedural fairness, independence and confidentiality.
Career record
Career record
Roles and selected achievements, as recorded in David’s résumé.
2025 to present
Director, Elevate Management and Workplace Solutions
2006 to 2025
Chief Executive Officer, Law Society of Western Australia and Law Mutual (WA)
- Prepared and delivered Law Society strategic plans that supported substantial organisational growth, including membership growth from 2,400 in 2006 to over 5,000, membership satisfaction of 87% in 2024, and annual revenue growth from $2.7M to $5.5M.
- As CEO of Law Mutual (WA), an insured member-owned mutual professional indemnity scheme with $35M under management, led governance in collaboration with actuaries, insurance brokers, and the Professional Indemnity Insurance Management Committee.
- Implemented two major organisational reviews aligned to a change management program to improve performance linked to the strategic plan, value proposition, and service delivery experience for members.
2004 to 2006
Chief Executive Officer, City of Nedlands
- Developed new strategic, financial, and operational plans and authored a governance manual.
- Established an internal audit program using an accounting firm, which reported to an Audit and Risk committee.
2000 to 2004
Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
- Developed and implemented a whole-of-organisation development program called “People and Partnerships” to drive cultural change based on a customer-focused business unit environment, which was recognised in winning a Western Australian Municipal Association Best Practice Award in 2000, 2001, and 2003.
1998 to 2000
Director Corporate and Customer Service, Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
1994 to 1998
Manager Business Quality and Development, City of Bunbury
- Achieved the implementation of the ISO 9001 Quality system throughout the organisation.
- The City of Bunbury was awarded an Australian Quality Award in 1997 for its “Commitment to Business Excellence”.
Independent appointments
Governance and committee appointments
David holds a portfolio of independent Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee appointments, providing oversight and assurance in governance, risk management, internal audit, compliance and organisational performance.
Shire of Peppermint Grove
Chair, Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
2025 to present
City of Karratha
Deputy Chair, Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
2025 to present
Shire of Northam
Deputy Chair, Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
2025 to present
Shire of Dardanup
Deputy Chair, Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
2026 to present
Mindarie Regional Council
Deputy Chair, Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
2025 to present
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
Independent Member, Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
2025 to present
Town of Cambridge
Independent Member, Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
2025 to present
State Solicitor's Office
Independent Member, Audit and Risk Committee
2025 to present
Credentials
Qualifications and recognition
Professional recognition
- Fellow, Australian Institute of Management
- Fellow, Governance Institute of Australia
- Life Member, Law Society of Western Australia
Licensed Inquiry Agent and Investigator
Licence No. 81991
Qualifications and training
- Master of Business Administration, Edith Cowan University
- Graduate Diploma in Business, Edith Cowan University
- Advanced Certificate in Management, Curtin University
- Certified CEO Program, University of New England
- Certificate in Governance and Risk Management, Governance Institute Australia
- Certificate III Investigative Services
- Company Directors Course Tutorial Programme, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Get in touch
Talk to David about what your organisation needs
Enquiries go directly to David and are treated in confidence.
- Phone0448 773 654
- Emaildavid@emws.com.au
- Capability statementDownload capability statement (PDF)