ADRA CEO Resigns

21st April, 2008

Wahroonga, New South Wales — The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia and the Executive Director of ADRA South Pacific, David Jack, resigned in April from his dual role with ADRA to spend more time with his young family.

Mr Jack, who has two children under the age of 10, acknowledged his desire to give greater priority to personal needs. “My two roles at ADRA require extensive international and national travel and while I’ve been able to minimise this to some extent, I now wish to spend increased time with my wife and kids,” Mr Jack said.

Mr Jack will continue working for ADRA until 16 May, including finalising project activities to support emergency preparedness in the Pacific, planning for this year’s ADRA Appeal and communicating with ADRA’s supporters about the enduring needs of the poor. “Regardless of who is in charge in a strong agency like ADRA, it still needs continued support from people who care about those in need. It’s important ADRA has ongoing support into another financial year,” Mr Jack said.

Mr Jack commenced work at ADRA in July 2004. Under his leadership, ADRA Australia became an incorporated entity, again achieved full accreditation with AusAID, received significant government funding for projects in Africa, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea, expanded its Emergency Management function, commenced a resilience program for Australian high schools and re-branded its ADRA Op Shops. “It’s been a great four years, but there is also so much ahead for ADRA. I’m excited about its possibilities,” said Mr Jack.

ADRA Australia's Board Chair, Peter Brewin, agrees. “David has served well as CEO of ADRA Australia and Executive Director of ADRA South Pacific,” Mr Brewin said. “He has left a sound foundation on which a new CEO can continue to grow ADRA. We wish David the very best for his future and thank him sincerely for his tremendous contribution.”

The appointment of CEO of ADRA Australia and Executive Director of ADRA SPD is done through the South Pacific Division Executive Committee, following recommendations from a search committee. The position for CEO of ADRA Australia will be advertised in the 3 May and 10 May issue of RECORD magazine, with applications closing 23 May.

Although Mr Jack is pleased with being able to spend more time with his children, he acknowledges he will miss working at ADRA. “I have enjoyed every aspect of my role with ADRA and I’ve particularly appreciated working with our Board of Directors, overseas partners, Conference ADRA leaders and the team at ADRA Australia. I will miss making a formal contribution to the Adventist Church’s efforts to help those in need, but I look forward to staying involved with community needs at a local level as an Elder at my church.”

Mr Jack’s new employment will keep him in Australia and close to his family. He will commence work as the CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association NSW and CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation Australia on 19 May.

Media Enquiries:
Candice Jaques
p    02 9489 5488
m   0407 172 305
e    news@adra.org.au
www.adra.org.au