National child protection advocate Bravehearts has appointed board chairman Angelo Venardos to the role of CEO to oversee operations and spearhead continued expansion.

The Brisbane lawyer will replace Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston AM, who has been appointed chair of the organisation – the pair effectively trading places.

The former policeman and police prosecutor has practiced law for the past 25 years, most recently as a Director at Ferguson Cannnon Lawyers in Brisbane.

He was also corporate counsel at CareFlight Group Queensland (2010-13) and was a senior lawyer for ASIC for seven years from 1998-2005. A long-time supporter of Bravehearts, Mr Venardos was a non-executive director on the Bravehearts board and most recently served as Chairman.

“It’s an immense privilege to be appointed to this role and I look forward to contributing to the stellar work this powerhouse organisation does to protect kids in communities right around Australia,” said Mr Venardos.

“One thing that struck me about Bravehearts is its people and that level of commitment and talent is incredibly inspiring. There are some fantastic opportunities on the horizon and Bravehearts is well positioned to cement its place as the leading child protection organisation in the country.

“I want to also acknowledge outgoing chief executive Hetty Johnston whose courage, vision and guidance will continue here at Bravehearts as chair of the organisation and to the Board who supported and encouraged my decision.”

Mrs Johnston said Mr Venardos would bring a fresh dynamic to the position with a well-heeled business acumen set to create new opportunities and corporate partnerships.

“Angelo comes to the position with exceptional credentials following years as a respected legal professional and he has a strong sense of civil justice and leadership,” she said.

“Equally, he has a passion for child protection and workplace culture and will make a wonderful addition to the Bravehearts team, steering the ship to new frontiers.

“We are both focussed on the mission and vision of Bravehearts and we look forward to working together to ensure 2016 is the beginning of a fresh, new and exciting phase in the life of Bravehearts, the work we do and how we do it.”

Bravehearts’ Vision is to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child by 2020. It will achieve this with its child protection blueprint – 3 Piers to Prevention – Educate, Empower, Protect.