Philanthropy Australia Announces New CEO
29 September 2010 at 12:04 pm
Philanthropy Australia, the peak body for philanthropic trusts and foundations, has announced Dr Deborah Seifert as its new CEO.
Dr Deborah Seifert takes the reins of the 400 strong membership organisation on October 4 replacing Gina Anderson.
Dr Seifert was previously Head of University College at The University of Melbourne, and Head of Fintona Girls’ School. Her doctorate is in the area of Leadership.
Bruce Bonyhady, President of Philanthropy Australia says Dr Seifert’s arrival coincides with the emergence of a new phase in the growth and public profile of philanthropy.
Bonyhady says she brings a wealth of experience in the Not for Profit sector in leadership, governance, strategic planning, management, development and review, as well as 10 years experience as a trustee in the philanthropic sector.
He says Australian philanthropy is developing its own unique characteristics shaped by the context of Australian society and the role of governments and it is now at a tipping point where it has the potential to scale new heights of significance and achieve lasting benefits for the community.
Dr Seifert has been a Director of The Invergowrie Foundation and Chair of the Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship Trustees in association with the Dafydd Lewis Trust and ANZ Trustees. She is currently a Member of Council for the Victorian Branch of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
Dr Seifert says she's honoured and excited to be taking on this role and is very much looking forward to meeting the members of Philanthropy Australia, canvassing their views and contributing to thought leadership in the sector.
She says the prospect of working with the Philanthropy Australia Council, members and the wider philanthropic community to further grow effective philanthropy in Australia is very inspiring.
Bruce Bonyhady thanked Gina Anderson for her very significant contribution to Philanthropy Australia and the philanthropic sector over the past five years.
He says the hallmark of all outstanding CEOs is that they leave their organisations stronger than they found them, which Gina Anderson has accomplished with distinction.
Link www.philanthropy.org.au
