The Diversity Council of Australia has today announced the appointment of Lisa Annese as CEO, following Nareen Young’s departure earlier this year.
The council has moved to promote from within, with Annese currently serving as the Programs & Member Services Director for the organisation, specialising in providing advice and education to DCA members on diversity.
She first joined DCA in 2009, leaving for a period to work with Corrs Chambers Westgarth as the law firm’s first dedicated diversity manager where she established targets for women in the partnership and published an ASX Compliant Diversity Policy. Annese’s also worked at the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA), developing the first census of ‘Australian Women in Leadership’ and a number of award programs for businesses, among other things.
DCA chair Anna McPhee said the appointment will help with the evolution of the organisation, especially moving into its fourth decade.
“Now approaching its 30th year, the organisation has evolved from one focused only on gender affirmative action, to a modern inclusive agenda working with organisations on a range of diversity areas such as gender, cultural diversity, disability, generational/mature age, Indigenous, LGBTI and flexible working,” said McPhee in a statement.
“With Lisa at the helm, DCA will continue to deliver the latest diversity research, thinking and practice and support business to the high standards expected by our members.”
Annese said she hopes her tenure will see the DCA membership base expand and continue to deliver outcomes that support a more diverse Australia.
“I am determined during my tenure to continue to expand the reach of DCA membership and enable best practice through world class research and building critical partnerships.”
Annese’s appointment starts in June.