Our Village is delighted to announce the appointment of Kate Kennedy AM as Chair of the Board.
Kate brings more than 30 years’ experience across the not-for-profit, philanthropic and international development sectors, alongside more than 20 years as a Non-Executive Director. She has held senior leadership roles with organisations including World Vision, Hagar Australia, The Pratt Foundation, the Freedom Fund and Brotherhood of St Laurence, and currently serves on the boards of the Human Rights Law Centre, Campbell Page and IPRO.
A passionate human rights leader and strategist, Kate was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll in 2021 and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2023 for her global leadership.
Kate also has a long-standing connection to Our Village through GoodCompany, the organisation she founded, which has connected Our Village with corporate volunteers for many years.
“Every baby and child deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of the circumstances into which they are born. Our Village turns that belief into something incredibly practical – supporting babies and children with dignity while giving quality children’s goods another life rather than sending them to waste. That combination of social impact, sustainability and community is what makes Our Village so special to me.”
Our Village CEO Ruth Holdaway MBE welcomed Kate’s appointment, saying her experience and values were a strong fit for the organisation as it enters its next phase of growth.
“Kate brings an extraordinary depth of experience, a deep commitment to social impact and a genuine connection to the Our Village community. Her leadership will be invaluable as we build on the strength of the organisation and work towards our ambition to reach every child who needs us in Victoria and, ultimately, beyond.”
Our Village is hugely grateful to outgoing Chair John McCluskey for his significant contribution over the past three years, including 18 months as Chair.
John has provided valuable expertise and networks in waste reduction, actively supported fundraising and donor stewardship, strengthened corporate relationships and played an important role in recruiting several new Directors to the Board.
Kate joins Our Village at an important moment as the organisation prepares for its next chapter – increasing its scale and impact, strengthening its long-term financial sustainability and reaching more vulnerable babies and children.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Our Village and hope many people from my own community will come and be part of Our Village too,” Kate said.
Media Contact: hello@ourvillage.org.au
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