Latest NFP appointments

Petra Buchanan has been appointed as the new CEO of the McGrath Foundation.

Ms Buchanan’s executive background includes roles as CEO of the Australian Subscription Television Association (ASTRA), Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Unisys Asia Pacific and nearly a decade with Discovery Communications on the global roll-out of the Discovery Channel.

McGrath Foundation Co-Founder and President Glenn McGrath AM welcomed the appointment of Ms Buchanan, noting her international business experience and marketing expertise.

“Petra brings more than 20 years global experience working to develop and build awareness for leading brands. She has been extensively involved in the media, television and technology sectors in Australia and internationally, working to actively engage and connect people through content and digital initiatives,” said Mr McGrath.

As of 18 August 2014, Alan Schwartz AM will be the new Philanthropy Australia President.

Alan is the Managing Director of the Trawalla Group and has extensive experience in the not-for-profit and community sector. He contributed to the creation of Jewish Care, a merger of Jewish Community Services and Montefiore Homes, and was appointed its inaugural President. He has held a number of other senior not-for-profit board positions including Volunteering Victoria (Treasurer) and Philanthropy Australia (Treasurer, 1998-1999). Alan was the founder of SEAL Force, one of Australia’s first ‘social ventures’, which developed the technical and interpersonal skills of corporate executives by challenging them with not-for-profit projects.

The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) has appointed Brett Jeffery as General Manager New Zealand.

Brett Jeffery is a long term AuSAE member and has served on the AuSAE board for the past five years. Brett has had over twenty years’ experience working alongside association and other non-profits in his numerous New Zealand tourism and hospitality roles, including most recently Sales and Marketing Manager at Rotorua Events and Venues.

Chairman of beyondblue Jeff Kennett has welcomed Johanna Griggs to the beyondblue Board.

Mr Kennett said beyondblue’s Board is comprised of individuals with medical backgrounds and lay people with a range of living experiences who add to the quality of the organisation’s campaigns and programs.

“As a former elite athlete, Johanna is driven, passionate and committed to everything in which she is involved, which will now include beyondblue,” explained Mr Kennett.

“It also means she understands the pressure professional sportspeople face and the many difficulties they can encounter once their competitive days are over.”

Vision 2020 Australia has elected Amanda Vanstone as Chair of Vision 2020 Australia.

CEO Jennifer Gersbeck said the new Chair would bring extensive experience to the role.

“Vision 2020 Australia has always been able to attract high calibre Board members with a wealth of knowledge and experience and Ms Vanstone will complement the suite of talent on the Vision 2020 Australia Board,” Ms Gersbeck said.

Ms Vanstone was Liberal Party Senator from South Australia in the Howard Government, where she held a number of Ministerial appointments before retiring from the Senate and becoming the Ambassador to Italy. She is currently Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Board member at Port Adelaide Football Club, a columnist for The Age newspaper and a presenter of ABC Radio National.