Ex-RSL NSW president misses out on charity CEO job

The son-in-law of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has missed out on the top job at RSL NSW.

James Brown stepped down from his voluntary role as president in June to apply for the paid chief executive position following the retirement of Robyn Collins.

But on Monday the charity organisation for veterans and their families announced the appointment of Jon Black.

Black was most recently managing director of TAFE NSW, but previously spent more than 20 years in the Australian Army. In between, he had roles in various Queensland government departments and agencies.

“It has clearly been a challenging time over the last two years and I commit to working tirelessly with the team … across the state to ensure RSL NSW continues its leading role in member and veteran services,” he said in a statement.

Acting president Ray James said Black’s experience and knowledge of governance practices was exactly what the organisation needed in its new chief executive.

RSL NSW has been going through significant reform since allegations of misconduct were raised during a public inquiry in 2017.

The board in June acknowledged Brown had helped unite the organisation and restore its reputation during his two-year tenure but opted not to appoint him.

Brown congratulated Black, saying the RSL was an amazing organisation.

“It was an honour to lead it through its toughest challenges. I am proud of the work we did strengthening the league for current and future veterans and their families,” he tweeted on Monday. “I look forward to watching @rslnsw grow to greater success and continuing to serve as a member at my North Bondi sub-Branch.”

RSL members are due to vote on a new constitution and revised operating procedures at the end of October.

with AAP

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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