Jane Mussared has been appointed as CEO of the Maggie Beer Foundation, a charity working to improve the food experience and quality of life for current and future generations of older people.
Mussared will spearhead the Foundation’s alliance of chefs, cooks, scientists, dietitians, philanthropists, corporations and organisations to improve the quality of life of older Australians through tasty and nutritious food.
“For 10 years, Maggie Beer has been at the forefront of the Foundation and instrumental in every facet of the business. Maggie’s knowledge, expertise and passion will continue to lead, educate and inspire in a way only Maggie can, but I look forward to working with her as we grow the Foundation’s reach, influence and footprint,” says Mussared, who joins the Maggie Beer Foundation from an advisory role to Federal Health and Aged Care Minister, Mark Butler.
Maggie Beer will continue an active role within the Foundation, focusing on where her passion lies – educating and mentoring chefs and cooks in the kitchen.
“There is much work to be done but the journey is so exciting,” says Maggie.
“Food is nutrition not just for the body, but also for the soul. It’s what fires our appetite for life, no matter what age. Every mouthful counts as we age, and I’m delighted to have Jane at the helm, to help achieve our goal of making good food and good eating the reality for each and every older Australian.”
Mussared has spent the last three decades as a non-Executive Board Director (including previously on the Maggie Beer Foundation Board), Chief Executive, policy and political lead and senior executive and has garnered a wealth of knowledge, networks and skills in public and for purpose policy analysis and advocacy, leadership, strategy, communication and governance.
With Mussared at the helm, the Foundation aims to continue evolving and scaling its aged care chef and cook training programs, including its online education modules, professional hands-on Trainer Mentor Chef Programs, and involvement in research and policy development.
Mussared will also lead the Foundation’s involvement in the development of new training, careers and qualifications for the cooks and chefs in partnership with the aged care and vocational education sectors.
The Maggie Beer Foundation was established ten years ago, with a continued focus on addressing the quality of food and the dining experience for all older Australians via education and training of the cooks and chefs at the coalface of the industry. Philanthropic collaborative partnerships and fundraising have been integral to the growth of the organisation.
“From the recent TV series showcasing the crucial need for and role of the Foundation, and in celebrating its tenth year this year, the time is right to engage someone with Jane’s expertise who can scale the Maggie Beer Foundation to affect greater change in the food and dining experience within aged care,” says Maggie Beer Foundation Chair, Jon Clarke.
“We’re thrilled to have someone of Jane’s calibre who has such a deep passion and understanding of advocacy and the aged care sector, lead us into the future.”