Emergency Action Alliance Announces Board Changes

MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 2nd December 2024

Emergency Action Alliance (EAA) has today announced some changes to its board of directors as it enters an important new stage of development.

Mr Matthew Maury stepped down as a board director and Chair on the 30th of November, following his resignation as CEO of Tearfund Australia. Matthew was the inaugural chair of the EAA board and was a central and driving force in the establishment of EAA and its first three successful appeals. Matthew will take up the role of Interim CEO of ACFID, the peak body for Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) involved in international development and humanitarian action. We sincerely thank Matthew for his exceptional leadership over the years.

EAA is thrilled to announce that Ms Susanne Legena has been appointed as the new Board Chair, effective December 1st 2024. Susanne is the CEO of Plan International Australia and has played a critical role in the formation and growth of the alliance. Susanne is highly regarded in the humanitarian sector and a powerful advocate for women and girls in vulnerable contexts. Susanne has served on the EAA Board since September 2023.

Ms Legena says she’s excited about taking the reins as Chair.

“In a world of more frequent and intense natural disasters and more protracted conflict, we need to be able to come together to ensure that those in need get life-saving assistance as fast as possible. We know that Australians are a generous people ready to lend a hand. The EAA makes that easier by bringing trusted emergency brands together under one umbrella in times of crisis. I am honoured to be the Chair and look forward to working with partners to make the EAA the ‘go to’ for large-scale overseas emergency funds.”

Matthew Maury says he is pleased to be handing over the reins to Susanne.

"It has been a great privilege to be the inaugural chair for the EAA and help lead this milestone collaboration. I am so pleased to hand over the Chair to Susanne who brings such a depth of expertise and great leadership for those impacted by humanitarian crisis."

The EAA has also announced that Melissa Lipsett, CEO of Baptist World Aid, will join the EAA Board. Melissa brings to the board a wealth of experience in leading diverse teams and complex organisations, including her time spent in the Australian military.

Ms Lipsett she’s looking forward to the challenge.

"I am delighted to join the EAA Board and look forward to serving alongside other directors as we work together to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable during times of humanitarian disaster."

EAA Executive Director, Kerren Morris has welcomed the new Board appointments.

"Our Board is crucial to EAA’s success. We owe a debt of gratitude to Matthew Maury for his inspiring leadership and wish him well in his new role. We are so fortunate to now have Susanne step into the role of board chair at this pivotal time of expansion and growth for EAA. With Melissa joining the board, Emergency Action Alliance is in very good hands and I am excited for what is ahead."

For more information about EAA visit: https://emergencyaction.org.au/

ENDS
MEDIA: Interviews with Melissa Lipsett and new EAA Board Chair Susanne Legena are available. Contact Kerren Morris on 0410457869 info@emergencyaction.org.au ‬‬‬‬
‬

About Emergency Action Alliance (EAA):

EAA brings together 15 leading Australian NGOs to raise funds quickly and efficiently to respond to humanitarian emergencies as they unfold. Members include ActionAid Australia, Act For Peace, ADRA, Anglican Overseas Aid, Australia for UNHCR, Australian Lutheran World Service, Baptist World Aid Australia, CARE Australia, Caritas Australia, CBM Australia, ChildFund Australia, Oxfam Australia, Plan International Australia, Save the Children Australia, and Tearfund Australia.