Philanthropy Australia announces Jack Heath as new CEO

Philanthropy Australia (PA) announces the appointment of Jack Heath as its new CEO, commencing January 2021.

Jack joins PA following eight years as CEO of SANE Australia, the leading national mental health charity he led through a period of substantial growth.

Jack has been a leader in the non-profit sector for more than 20 years, both in Australia and overseas.

After a decade working as a diplomat, speechwriter, and senior adviser to Federal Ministers, including Prime Minister Keating, Jack established the youth mental health service ReachOut Australia which he led for fifteen years.

He oversaw its expansion to Ireland and the United States where he also served as CEO. Jack has received several awards for his community service.

Philanthropy Australia Co-Chairs, Amanda Miller and Ann Johnson, announced Jack’s appointment. “Following an extensive search, we are excited to announce that Jack Heath will lead PA through its next major strategic planning process and build on the organisation’s significant progress to date, towards more and better philanthropy in Australia,” they said.

According to them, their Board was inspired by Jack’s vision for philanthropy in Australia and the strong alignment with our organisation’s values and aspirations. Philanthropy has been a constant and critical thread in the growth and achievements of all organisations Jack has led.

“Jack comes to PA with a lifelong passion for giving. He is deeply committed to making the world a better place and enabling others to do the same across all aspects of community life,” Amdanda and Ann said.

Commenting on his appointment Jack said, “I believe there has never been a more important time for philanthropy in Australia and I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead PA, building off the great work of those who have gone before me, especially current CEO Sarah Davies. I look forward to working with the PA Board and team to inspire more and better philanthropy that is big-hearted and clear-headed.”

The Co-Chairs also acknowledged the significant achievements of current CEO Sarah Davies.

“Sarah will leave PA at the end of this year highly respected across the philanthropic and non-profit sectors and more generally throughout the country for her leadership and advocacy for philanthropy,” Amanda and Ann said.

“Sarah has built strong foundations within PA that will allow it to develop its next major strategy for more and better philanthropy in Australia. We will work with Sarah and Jack on a handover towards the end of this year with Jack starting in the role in the new year – ready to take philanthropy in Australia into its next dynamic phase,” the said.

The Co-Chairs look forward to introducing Jack to all PA members and supporters as soon as COVID-19 restrictions permit.

Pearl Dy

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Pearl Dy is a community manager and journalist. She is passionate about business and development particularly involving not-for-profits, charity and social entrepreneurship.

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