World Vision welcomes ex-Police Commissioner and tech executive as newest Board members

Thursday, July 11, 2019

World Vision Australia is pleased to announce the appointments of retired NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and former Google Australia executive Sally-Ann Williams to its Board.

Mr Scipione, one of NSW’s longest serving police chiefs, brings his vast leadership experience to the board, including overseeing global investigations and counter terrorism activities, and campaigns to reduce alcohol-related violence.

He retired from the force in 2017 after a decorated career that saw him appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia, and awarded an Australian Police Medal.

“I count it as a tremendous privilege to be appointed to the board of World Vision Australia,” he said.

“Having seen the significant difference that WVA makes in the lives of so many people around the world I cannot help but be inspired by the passion, hard work and creativity of the staff."

Ms Williams has recently been appointed CEO of Cicada Innovations, a “deep tech” incubator owned by four of Australia’s leading universities: the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney.

Prior to this she was Executive Program Manager at Google Australia, responsible for the company’s research collaborations with universities, entrepreneurs and start-ups and its programs in Computer Science and STEM education.

The experienced innovator works with a number of not for profits and start-ups, including serving  as a non-Executive Director on the board of Fishburners, Australia's largest non-profit tech co-working space, and mentoring budding entrepreneurs in a program called Startmate.

“I still remember participating in the 40 Hour Famine in primary school, and feeling that I was helping to make a difference to someone, somewhere in the world,” she said.

“I’m delighted to be able to contribute decades later as a board member. World Vision's commitment to overcoming poverty and injustice by building lasting change in communities around the world is inspirational.”

World Vision Australia Board chair Shannon Adams said the two new members would bring invaluable insights to help shape the future of Australia’s biggest humanitarian organisation.

“I’m delighted to welcome Andrew Scipione and Sally-Ann Williams to the World Vision Australia Board,” he said.

“Their diverse professional backgrounds share a common thread – a passion for helping make a difference in people’s lives. Their expertise will serve to further enrich the work of World Vision Australia in standing up for the world’s most vulnerable children.”

World Vision Australia CEO and board member Claire Rogers said the new additions would be a tremendous asset to the organisation.

“We look forward to the new perspectives they will bring to the board at an exciting time of transformation at World Vision,” she said.

“Andrew Scipione is a respected leader who has made great strides in reducing social harms like domestic violence and alcohol-fuelled violence. He brings a heart for World Vision’s mission to change the lives of those living in vulnerable communities.

“At World Vision Australia we have a big focus on empowering girls and women to step out of the poverty cycle the world over, as well as pursuing digital innovation to renew donor engagement.  As a female who has forged an exciting career in the STEM space and nurtured female entrepreneurs and is driving global innovation, Sally-Ann will bring an enormous contribution to that agenda.”

Media contact: 
Elissa Doherty
Media and Communications Advisor – World Vision Australia
0409 994 433
elissa.doherty@worldvision.com.au

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