Melbourne Cares Changes Leadership
2 October 2007 at 1:39 pm
Corporate Volunteer brokers Melbourne Cares has had a change of leadership with the inaugural CEO Simon Robinson resigning after more than three years in the job.
Robinson came to Australia from the UK for a three-month stint to help the Committee for Melbourne set up volunteer and community connections with corporates – and stayed!
Robinson says the time is right to move on now that the strategic plans for 2008 are in place.
He says he is proud of his achievements at Melbourne Cares and has decided to take some time out and consider opportunities in Australia and in the UK.
The Board acknowledged Simon’s time as leader of the Network saying a significant foundation stone has been laid by Simon upon which the organisation can continue to build the important work of Melbourne Cares.
Chairman Simon McKeon says Simon has played a critical role in educating business about the tangible benefits of community engagement. During his time as CEO Simon has had some significant achievements and more than doubled company membership and elevated the corporate social responsibility debate in Melbourne.
Robinson told Pro Bono Australia he is leaving the organisation in good shape having just welcomed three new supporters.
He says the Network is at a turning point in terms of its core business and its potential and the time is right for fresh leadership and a fresh approach.
Leah Sertori is the new CEO effective from 17th September.
Sertori successfully established Business Working with Education, a key Melbourne Cares initiative, which is a sophisticated interface between business and public education in Victoria.
McKeon strongly endorsed the change in leadership saying Melbourne Cares has reached a tipping point, in terms of the potential for what it can create here.
He says the Network is unique in bringing more than 30 corporations, over 100 community partners and government departments together to develop joint responses to community need. What we’re building here is a sustainable approach to corporate community engagement.
