Dr John Mayfield, PhD (Harvard) was a leader in education as a teacher, inspector, administrator, author and instigator of ideas. He was recognised as being visionary and yet realistically practical. He was involved in the planning and governance of public and private schools and in the design, financing and management of education buildings for more than 30 years. During that time he provided inspirational leadership, innovation and the sharing of ideas locally and internationally. John was vitally instrumental in establishing the first Australian chapter of CEFPI in 2000 and he received a special CEFPI International Award for this initiative. Recognizing the importance of investing in our youth, John began a professional development program for younger members, which is now known and supported as the Mayfield Project.