ARACY announces new CEO

The Board of the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) has announced the appointment of Penny Dakin as ARACY’s Chief Executive Officer. Ms Dakin has been acting CEO since July 2018, and is “very excited” about the opportunity to continue in the role.

ARACY Board Chair Elaine Henry OAM said the appointment comes after an exhaustive recruitment process, which saw the ARACY Board commission “two reputable firms” to assist in the recruitment process.

A Selection Committee was appointed comprised of Board Members and an independent paediatrician, with ARACY saying the time taken to appoint a new CEO was “deliberate” and designed to seek out a candidate with the capacity not only to meet the position description, but possessing the attributes of a person who would be suitable to lead the next stage of ARACY’s journey.  

ARACY described the large number of applicants interested in undertaking the CEO position as being “a testament to the esteem in which ARACY and its staff are held”.

“After interviewing four very impressive candidates, the Board is very pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Dakin as our CEO. I congratulate Penny her on her appointment and am excited by the opportunity to work with such an accomplished and highly respected person.

“I also wish to thank all those who applied, and especially those whom we interviewed. I thank them for the excellence of their presentations, and for considering ARACY as a vehicle through which to deliver on their vision for a brighter future for young Australians. On behalf of the board I wish each all the best for the future,” Ms Henry said.

Ms Dakin said she looks forward to continuing the reforms she and the Board have begun, to strengthen ARACY as a leading voice for Australia’s children and young people.

“These are challenging times for Australia’s young people,” Ms Dakin said. “They face issues such as increasing levels of obesity and mental illness now, and the potential impacts of climate change, and uncertainty around issues such as employment and housing affordability into the future.

“As such it is very important that national policy makers not only be aware of the challenges young people face, but that policies are based on sound evidence of what works. This is the surest way to get the best result for our kids, for our economy and our community.

“With a strong network of supporters, and excellent relationships across the political divide, ARACY is well placed to help guide our policy makers, philanthropic organisations and the private sector to work smarter in the interests of our children and through them, the nation” Ms Dakin said.

More information about the work of ARACY can be found on their website.