Latest Appointments

Surf Life Saving Australia welcomes Melissa King as first female CEO

Surf Life Saving Australia has announced Melissa King as its new CEO, commencing 1 July 2015. She is the first female CEO of the organisation and will replace Greg Nance who is retiring in June.

Ms King is currently Surf Life Saving Australia’s General Manager of Communications and Business Development, responsible for the external relations, marketing, fundraising (commercial and philanthropic) and partnerships for the national body.

Previously, Ms King has held senior roles in marketing, fundraising and events with Sydney Opera House, Prime-Minister and Cabinet (part of the APEC 2007 Taskforce), Governance Institute and Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Graham Ford, President of Surf Life Saving Australia said, “Melissa King was competitively hired in 2013 and has made a significant impact as a part of the change management program.

“In particular Melissa has impressed SLSA with her collaborative approach, leadership, knowledge and experience in fund raising. Melissa has the proven capacity to build Surf Life Saving as a strong brand in the community and engage all stakeholders along the way.”

Ms King said she was honoured to be selected for the role and is looking forward to the future growth and development of the iconic organisation.

Philanthropy Australia announces incoming CEO, Sarah Davies

Philanthropy Australia has appointed Sarah Davies as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 30 November 2015. Chris Wootton will remain Acting CEO in the interim.

Ms Davies is the current CEO of The Reach Foundation and was previously the CEO of the Australian Communities Foundation. She is also involved with a number of community organisations; Director of Kids Under Cover, a board member of the Centre for Social Impact and Director of an independent school board.

Alan Schwartz, President of Philanthropy Australia, believes that Davies is the right person to lead the organisation.

“She will focus on continuing to develop the service culture within the organisation, focused on innovation and building strong and effective relationships with our membership and other stakeholders,” Mr Schwartz said.

Joanne Toohey appointed as the Benevolent Society’s new CEO

The Benevolent Society has welcomed Joanne Toohey as its new CEO, following nine months as Acting CEO.

Ms Toohey joined the Benevolent Society in 2013 as Executive Director of NSW Operations. She was formerly the Director of Operations at UnitingCare Ageing and Regional Executive Manager for Property at Uniting Care.

Lisa Chung, Chairman of the Board, said , “Ms Toohey has proven to be an exceptional interim CEO and the Board is confident that she is the right person to lead The Benevolent Society at this point in its more than two hundred year history.”

“The Board is deeply impressed by Ms Toohey’s capable and calm leadership, and the extent of internal consolidation she has achieved in a relatively short time.”

Ms Toohey’s goal for the Society is to build on its reputation as an innovation service provider.

“I am motivated by our commitment to social justice and want to see The Benevolent Society continue to be a leader in improving social impact and advocacy for a just society where all Australians are able to thrive,” said Ms Toohey.

Kevin Robbie joins United Way Australia as CEO

United Way Australia has appointed Kevin Robbie as its new CEO, commencing 1 June 2015. Anne Myers will continue as Interim CEO until then.

With over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector, Mr Robbie is a natural fit for the position. His most recent role was Executive Director at Social Ventures Australia, leading venture philanthropy work which supported the growth, scaling and impact of some of the most innovative ‘for purpose’ organisations across Australia.

Prior to Social Ventures Australia, Kevin was Chief Executive of Forth Sector, one of Scotland’s leading social enterprises, and was an Advisor to the UK Government Cabinet Office.

Mr Robbie also developed a 10-year employment strategy focused on tackling employment exclusion and led development of the Industry Employment Initiative – a collaboration involving the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Jesuit Social Services, Mission Australia and the Business Council of Australia that is co-funded by a range of progressive philanthropic foundations.

St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia announces new President, Graham West

Graham West, a leading NFP consultant, has been elected as the new President of the St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia for the next four years.

Mr West has over 20 years’ experience working in government and NFP agencies. He is a long-time member of the Society and was the former CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society in NSW as well as the Society’s National Vice President.

Mr West’s focus will be young people, in particular, engaging school-leavers to remain committed to the organisation. He is excited about finding new ways to reach them and offer leadership roles.

“When I first joined the Society at 17, it had a far more diverse age range both in members and in leadership than we do currently. We have been extremely successful in schools, but need to renew our efforts to encourage post school leavers to be an active part of the Society,” Mr West said.

Mr West succeeds Anthony Thornton as President.

Julian McGrath

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