Fairfax - Changing of the Family Guard

Former FIA CEO, Sue-Anne Wallace has recently taken up the role of Executive Officer of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF). Her appointment marks the appointment of the first non-family executive.

As Chairman, Sir Vincent Fairfax ran the Foundation from its establishment in 1962 for almost 30 years. Lady Nancy Fairfax’s deep involvement extended to her Chairmanship through the 90s, during which time Geoffrey White OAM, a son-in-law of Sir Vincent and Lady Fairfax, accepted the role of the executive leading the Foundation. Geoffrey’s service of almost 20 years concluded on 28 February 2010.

Since 1962 the VFFF has distributed in excess of $70 million to Not for Profit organisations in Australia - particularly NSW - for public charitable purposes.

Wallace brings a range of experience to her new role, including the past five years as CEO of Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA), in which role she drove forward the development of the Principles and Standards of Fundraising Practice.

Prior to her work with FIA, she was a director of the Visual Arts/Craft Board of the Australia Council, at which time she administered a fund of $7.5 million annually.

Although the Foundation focuses on children and young people, rural and regional, community and Christianity in its philanthropy, Wallace says the experience she brings in visual arts and cultural development will be useful in her new role.

She remains connected with the Not for Profit sector as Chair of the Australian Council for International Development Code of Conduct Committee, a director of the Blake Society and a member of the Advisory Council of the Centre for Social Impact.

Link: www.vfff.org.au