Tierney has worked across government, politics and stakeholder management as a policy officer, political staffer to members of parliament and as a communication and member engagement professional for several industry bodies. 

He has held senior roles with the Australian Property Institute, Committee for Economic Development of Australia, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Environment and Water Resources and Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, among others. 

“FIA’s focus on government advocacy and policy work are continuing with Blake serving as our first-ever full-time staff member in regulatory affairs. Advocacy and policy work are key benefits of FIA membership. Blake brings a wealth of experience to FIA, with significant expertise in managing organisational relationships as well as keen insights into the machinery of government. He is also an excellent communicator,” said Katherine Raskob, FIA chief executive.  

“There are a lot of regulations that impact fundraising and Blake will be the ideal person to represent FIA with government departments and regulators and to advocate for our members. We’re delighted to have someone of his calibre continue to build on the good work we have done in the last four years around the sustainability of the fundraising sector,” she added. 

Tierney’s priority will be furthering FIA’s efforts around red tape reduction for fundraisers and harmonisation of state-based fundraising regulations. He will also liaise with regulators on privacy, data and telecommunications issues.  

In addition, Tierney will oversee FIA’s member compliance program which regularly examines FIA member adherence to the FIA Code, and he will undertake a review of the Code, which was last updated in 2017. 

 “I’m looking forward to working closely with all levels of government to harmonise fundraising regulation and ensure our sector emerges from the COVID-19 crisis with a sustainable future,” he said. 

 “These are exciting and challenging times for the FIA membership. I want to carry forward the work that has been conducted in the FIA regulatory realm. I also want to play a role in supporting and collaborating with all FIA members – both individual and organisational members – across a range of policy and regulatory issues that impact our sector,” he added. 

 The FIA regulatory affairs role was created in 2016 to coincide with the establishment of the FIA sector sustainability taskforce to build trust and confidence in the fundraising profession.