Charities Community Organisations Associations

New appointments and departures

Candice de Chalain September 27, 2011

3 min read

The Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA), the peak body for professional fundraisers, has announced the appointment of Rob Edwards as its new CEO.

Chairman of the FIA Leo Orland said “This is an exciting appointment for the FIA. Rob brings an incredible amount of experience, not only in running a membership organisation, but also in the areas of board governance, government relations, marketing, links with other professional organisations and membership development.”

Edwards’s primary task will be to work with the Board to drive a reform agenda to enhance the FIA’s engagement with its members, volunteers and other stakeholders, including government and businesses.

“Drawing on his many years of senior executive experience, the Board is confident Rob will successfully lead the FIA through a period of organisational change as we build stronger relationships with government, business and the media,” Orland said.

Edwards experience includes 18 years as CEO at the Australian Direct Marketing Association, General Manager of Marketing at the MS Society of New South Wales, and General Manager of Marketing and Operations at Pacific Aviation, an Ansett subsidiary. Edwards has also liaised closely with the FIA on several regulatory issues.

After 23 years of social innovation the founder of national not-for-profit social enterprise Infoxchange Andrew Mahar has announced he is stepping down from his role as Executive Director and CEO.

The announcement comes more than two decades after Mahar built a computer database to help homeless people find beds, turning it into a social enterprise which today employs over 70 people and has proven to be a sustainable business model.

In announcing his decision Mahar said “the time is right for me to explore new horizons and for Infoxchange to flourish under new leadership. I have absolutely no doubt the timing is right both for me and for Infoxchange.”

Chairman of Infoxchange Lee Wapling said “During his time at the helm of Infoxchange, Andrew has helped to build a leading not-for-profit social enterprise, using information and communication technology to create positive social change.”

Wapling said “While Infoxchange will miss Andrew’s leadership we are also celebrating his impressive social contribution. Andrew has built a sustainable and robust business and played a vital part in putting Australia’s digital divide on the public policy agenda. He has also led the development of tools and solutions that help other community organisations use technology effectively.”

Mahar said the move will allow him to pursue his role as an advocate for Digital Inclusion in Australia.

Maxine Morand has been appointed as Breast Cancer Network Australia‘s (BCNA) new CEO. Morand will replace Lyn Swinburne who advised the Board of her intention to retire. Morand will officially be BCNA’s new CEO as of 28 November this year.

Chair of BCNA Board Marg O’Donnell said “Maxine brings some great experience and personal qualities to the role. She is a well-respected advocate for women, with extensive experience in the community and health sectors and in government, and is renowned for her collaborative approach and focus on building strong relationships.”

Morand experience includes working as a cancer researcher, co-ordinating an organ transplant unit and in politics as a Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Minister for Women’s Affairs. Furthermore, Morand was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year so she understands what many women experience.

Illana Halliday has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Aged and Community Services Association (ACS) of New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory. Halliday will replace Jill Pretty who is retiring after being ACS CEO for three and a half years.

Halliday has 20 years of experience in health-related roles for a range of employers including the New South Wales Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare and various New South Wales local councils.

The Technology Industry Association (TIA) has appointed Mike Williams as its new CEO.

TIA President Alan Thomas said “Mr Williams brings a wealth of experience and a unique mix of skills and qualifications to the position.

The Technology Industry Association (TIA) is the peak body for the technology industry in South Australia and the official voice for the technology industry.

Williams has many years of experience leading business development and research in the manufacturing and technology sectors. Most recently, he held the position of General Manager at the Cooperative Research Centre for the Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment.

“Mike will be examining ways of ensuring the sustainability of the TIA and planning its future direction to meet the needs of our many stakeholders,” Thomas said.

“I am very confident that Mike and the Board are going to lead the technology industry to new heights of success.”

Third Sector wishes everyone the best of luck in their new endeavours.