Hollonds is the former CEO of Relationships Australia and Chair of the Family Relationship Services Australia Board. Hollands has worked for the New South Wales Government in community health and the Department of Community Services in child and family counselling, out-of-home care and child protection, domestic and family violence, and community mental health. She has also worked for Barnardos and UnitingCare, and has lectured in social work at the University of New South Wales.

President of The Benevolent Society Sam Weiss said “Anne’s qualities as a leader and as a person were clearly evident.”

“She shares our passion for social justice and for transforming people’s lives,” he said.

Social researcher Hugh Mackay said “This is very good news for The Benevolent Society. Anne Hollands is unquestionably Australia’s greatest authority on managing relationships. As Australia’s oldest and most innovative charitable organisation, The Benevolent Society is ripe for the kind of leadership for which Anne is renowned.”

In recent years The Benevolent Society has more than doubled its revenue to $80 million and now employs nearly 800 staff and 600 volunteers, allowing it to offer its services to disadvantaged people in more places.

“I am very excited to be asked to lead an organisation with such a distinguished history and solid track record in caring for families and advocating for social change that improves people’s lives,” said Hollonds.

Hollonds joins The Benevolent Society on 8 August and takes over as CEO on 19 August 2011.