New Chairman for Mission Australia

Mission Australia has announced that Ken Dean will be their new Chairman, starting in November.

Dean is the former Chief Executive Officer of Shell Financial Services, he worked with Shell both in Australia and internationally for more than 30 years.

Dean said, “I’m honoured and enthused by the opportunity to serve Mission Australia further as Chair of the Board.  I look forward to engaging with staff, volunteers and clients throughout our services, and with supporters, governments and regulators as we work together to develop Mission Australia in ways that make a real, lasting and positive impact on individuals and communities.”

Ewen Crouch has decided to retire at the AGM having served as Chairman of Mission Australia since 2009 and as a director for 21 years.

“It has been an honour to serve Mission Australia as a Director and as Chairman,” Crouch said. “Given our focus on reducing homelessness and strengthening communities there is much demand for the services Mission Australia provides. I have been humbled to see the outstanding work done by our staff and privileged to hear the experiences our clients share.”

“I am delighted to be handing over to Ken to work with our CEO Catherine Yeomans,” he said.

Yeomans said Ewen had provided strong leadership and stewardship of Mission Australia throughout his time on the Board.

“He has helped steer the organisation from its city mission background to the creation of a national Mission Australia in 1999. He brought his considerable governance and corporate expertise in his role as Director as we grew into a leading national provider of community, employment and training programs,” said Yeomans.

“As Chairman of Mission Australia he has provided the Board with strong strategic leadership which has ensured significant growth in our community services and the consolidation of our early learning and housing programs. More recently he led the Board as we refocused our goal towards reducing homelessness and strengthening communities.

“I look forward to continuing with our strong record on service delivery and advocacy with Ken as Chairman.”