The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) is delighted to announce the appointment of Lisa Ward as Chief Executive Officer. Ms Ward will commence in her new role on the 18 November 2021.
The Board conducted a rigorous selection process in which candidates were assessed for the role. Ms Ward is currently the Director, Social Services for Access Community Services and has previously held senior national and state roles with the Australian Government, responsible for multicultural affairs and settlement, and refugee and humanitarian policy. These roles have included Deputy State Director for the former Department of Immigration and Citizenship for Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Ms Ward said “I am excited to lead the work of ECCQ. ECCQ holds an important responsibility providing independent and evidence informed policy advice to government, the sector and the broader community. I look forward to working with the staff, members and communities across Queensland to support and advocate for their needs, interests and contributions.”
Mr Alton Budd, Chairperson said, “it is this commitment, together with Ms Ward’s proven record of passion to support CALD communities that makes her the strongest leader to lead the multicultural community sector in the next stages of representing the voices of multicultural communities”. Ms Ward is passionate about multiculturalism and importantly, brings the strategic, innovative, business development and leadership skills required to drive this important organisation to achieve its vision”.
Elijah Buol OAM, Deputy Chairperson said, “Ms Ward’s appointment as CEO makes her the first woman to lead the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland and the multicultural sector’s peak body, and I am proud that ECCQ has written this history. Ms Ward’s extensive experience and leadership skills will strengthen social cohesion and empower diverse communities across Queensland.”
With the support of all members and culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Queensland, Ms Ward is ideally placed to lead ECCQ with great energy and focus through the next stage of its development as a strong voice for the multicultural communities.
