A change of Management

 
Earlier this week I headed to Canberra for an informal handover/takeover of the Chairman of our Board. After six years in the job, our esteemed inaugural Chairman of the Board, retired Chief of Air Force, Air Marshall Leo Davies, AO, CSC, has decided to step down and pursue other adventures. 

When I saw the pink flying pig fabric I knew I had the perfect recipient so I asked Cath Hpr to make a personalised laundry bag for Leo to take away with him. For those that don't know the F111's which Leo used to fly, are nicknamed the Flying Pigs.  One side features the RAAF crest and the pigs and the other side features Leo's other passions including his cute dog, golf and red wine. 

Our new Chairman is retired Navy Captain, Craig Powell. Craig served in the Royal Australian Navy for more than 30 years and is a highly experienced leader and manager.  For the past six years, Craig has held the role of Chief Executive Officer of Sayres Australia.  Craig holds post graduate qualifications, majoring in International Relations, Maritime Studies and Management (Defence Studies) as well as an Undergraduate qualification majoring in Sociology.  He is also a graduate of the prestigious US Navy War College, the Australian Command and Staff College, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Also retiring from the Board at this time is Michelle Fulton. Michelle is also one of the founding members of the Board and she played a significant part in seeing Aussie Hero Quilts established as a Registered Charity. 

Craig's wife, Mary, has taken over from Michelle. Mary has a background in governance and administration, and has experience working in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.  She has been responsible for ensuring organisations deliver to their missions and has experience as the General Manager of two organisations:  one operating in the fintech sector, and one operating in the Defence industry sector (her current role).  Mary has undergraduate degrees in philosophy, English, and psychology, an honours degree in psychology, and a master’s degree in politics and public policy.  She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to both Leo and Michelle for their years of service on the Aussie Hero Quilts Board of Directors.   Their dedication and commitment have been truly appreciated and they have both definitely made a big difference to our organisation.   In particular, Leo has been instrumental with his efforts/engagement with Defence leadership throughout his term as Chair.   Leo and Michelle will both be sorely missed.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Mary and Craig.   It is great to see us transition our Chair and Board positions to two such experienced pairs of hands.   The time spent this week with the handover/takeover discussions really reinforced to me that this will be a smooth and beneficial transition.

Till next time.... Keep spreading the word and happy stitching! 

Jan-Maree xx