VCOSS CEO Emma King OAM to step down after 10-year term

The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) is farewelling CEO Emma King OAM after a 10-year term, with her final days to be in early September 2023.

Prior to joining VCOSS, Ms King was CEO of the Early Learning Association Australia. In June 2023, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her service to the community, both as the CEO of VCOSS and through numerous other roles across the community and social sector.

VCOSS Board President Damian Ferrie said that, during her term,Ms King has led the organisation with distinction and made a monumental contribution to Victoria’s social service sector.

“Emma King has been a phenomenal leader in every respect,” he said.

“She has led VCOSS through a period of immense change and growth, led our sector through challenging times, and helped lead public debates on key social issues affecting our state.”

Her work in leading and helping  the sector navigate a time of profound social services reform including (but not limited to) education, disability, family violence, mental health and gender equality drew particular acclaim.

“Emma is held in the highest regard across the social sector, among VCOSS members and in government because of her tenacity, eloquence, diplomacy and empathy,” Mr Ferrie added.

Speaking about her upcoming resignation, Ms King said she feels both proud and emotional. 

“VCOSS is a dream organisation. You work with the smartest and most values driven people and the best organisations – within and beyond the community services sector – who are committed to achieving real change,” she said.

“As an advocacy organisation, VCOSS is in continuous conversation with governments working to eliminate poverty and disadvantage. I’ve had the privilege of engaging with hard-working political leaders, ministerial staff and public servants throughout the 10 years.”

“It’s been incredible to be part of behind-the-scenes work that is delivering generational change. The reimagining of early childhood education and care is emblematic of the real reform underway in Victoria,” she said. “It’s been an honour to lead VCOSS for the past decade.”

Ms King will take on a new role in the skills and workforce space. Details are not yet publicly available. The VCOSS Board will undertake a comprehensive process to appoint a new CEO.