Philanthropy Australia's New CEO-First Impressions
13 February 2006 at 12:02 pm
Gina Anderson was appointed CEO of Philanthropy Australia in November 2005 – with just a few months to settle in, what are her first impressions of a sector in transition?
Anderson has stepped out of the corporate world to take on Philanthropy Australia -the national organisation for grantmaking trusts and foundations. Its aim is to promote and protect the interests of family, private, corporate and community giving in Australia.
Previously Anderson was General Manager Human Resources for St Hilliers, an integrated property development and construction company. Before this, she had seven years at Westpac Banking Corporation in a variety of management roles including Head of Community Involvement.
For Anderson the transition has reinforced many of her views on the sector while there have also been a few surprises.
She believes her corporate perspective will have some beneficial repercussions for the sector.
Anderson says the philanthropic sector is in transition with some interesting changes around the way people give, and the impact on our social fabric of people who have money but not the time to get involved.
The new CEO believes philanthropy is moving away from a ‘begging’ mentality to a more sophisticated approach; an approach that requires a change in attitude across the sector.
Later this month Anderson will deliver the 2006 Commencement Lecture for the Centre for Philanthropy and Social Investment at Swinburne University where she will describe her impressions of philanthropy and social investment in Australia, some of the opportunities and challenges it faces, and how Philanthropy Australia can guide and assist it.
The lecture will take place at the Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University on the corner of Wakefield and William Streets, Hawthorn on Monday 20 February 2006 at 5.30 – 7.00 pm.
Registration is free, but bookings are essential. Please complete this form and return it to Philanthropy and Social Investment at Swinburne, PO Box 218, Hawthorn Vic 3122; fax 03 9819 5349.
Inquiries to Denis Tracey (03) 9214 8384 or detracey@swin.edu.au.
