New CEO for The Benevolent Society

Australia’s first charity, The Benevolent Society, today announced its new CEO Anne Hollonds, will take over in August 2011, leading the Society into its third century.

Ms Hollonds is the former CEO of Relationships Australia NSW and Chair of the of Family Relationship Services Australia Board.

President of The Benevolent Society Sam Weiss said, “I am very pleased that following an extensive national search, the Board of Directors has appointed Anne Hollonds to become the Chief Executive of The Benevolent Society.”

“Anne’s qualities as a leader and as a person were clearly evident during the search, which attracted an exceptionally strong field of candidates.

“She shares our passion for social justice and for transforming people’s lives and I am looking forward to working with her as our collective journey approaches its third century.”

The appointment was welcomed by leading social researchers.

Hugh Mackay, author and social researcher said, “This is very good news for The Benevolent Society. Anne Hollands is unquestionably Australia's greatest authority on managing relationships.”

Prior to Relationships Australia, Anne worked for the NSW Government in Community Health, and the Department of Community Services, in child and family counselling, out-of-home care and child protection, domestic and family violence, and community mental health. She has also worked for Barnardos and UnitingCare, and has lectured in social work at the University of NSW.

“I am very excited to be asked to lead an organisation with such a distinguished history and solid track record in caring for families and advocating for social change that improves people’s lives,” said Ms Hollonds.

Mr Weiss also thanked outgoing CEO Richard Spencer. Under Richard’s guidance the organisation has grown significantly. The Benevolent Society’s services now reach more people in more places, revenue has more than doubled to $80 million and the organisation now employs nearly 800 staff and is supported by more than 600 volunteers.

“The Society is now well established across New South Wales and Queensland with a wide range of services reaching into many disadvantaged communities. Our Social Leadership Australia programs and our tightly focused research from our Social Policy and Research team have enabled The Benevolent Society to help set the national agenda on critical social issues and how to improve life for all Australians.”

Mr Spencer said he is proud to have led an organisation that is not only recognised as a high quality provider of welfare and support services for vulnerable people and communities, but has also embraced innovation to achieve positive change.

“We jumped at the challenge of joining Social Ventures Australia, Mission Australia and the Brotherhood of St Laurence to create the GoodStart consortium which has taken over the running of more than 600 of the failed ABC Learning child care centres – making GoodStart the biggest social enterprise in Australia,” Mr Spencer said.

“I am also proud of our championing of a new model of housing for older Australians to support people to have greater autonomy and choice. Apartments for Life is now seen as one of the country’s most innovative retirement housing projects.”

Anne Hollonds joins The Benevolent Society on Monday 8 August 2011 and takes over as CEO from Friday 19 August 2011.

20 July 2011.