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We’re excited to announce one of Australia’s corporate governance leaders, Kara Nicholls as the new Non-Executive Chair of ICMEC Australia.
Over the last nine months our team has almost quadrupled in size to add the essential specialised skills needed to deliver on the next phase of our important mission, shifting gears to embed the organisation as a key player within the child sexual exploitation (CSE) disruption ecosystem.
Reaching this growth milestone and establishing the foundations for achieving significant and impactful partnership and data collaboration targets was the goal of founding CEO and Executive Chair, Paul McCarney. And this has been the catalyst in his handing over the board reins to Kara.
“I’ve been involved in founding over 10 companies, but this four year journey has made me the proudest of what has been created in such a short space of time,” said Paul. “It excites me and fills my heart to think of the impact that the organisation will have in the future.”
“I’d like to thank Paul for his vision and the legacy he’s created for the team to contribute to such an important mission,” said Anna Bowden, ICMEC Australia CEO.
Kara brings deep governance skills and previous experience as a NFP Chair through to ensuring that we continue to meet the targets of the next phase of our journey.
Her career experience includes over 27 years’ experience in senior executive roles in global equity capital markets, commercial, regulatory, and corporate governance across ASX listed, private entity, startup and NFP organisations.
She has also previously held the positions of Chair and Independent, Non-Executive Director of Gidget Foundation Australia, a non-profit organisation supporting the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents, and Chair of the Nominations Committee, and Member of the Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance Advisory Board for Macquarie University.
She is currently a Non-Executive Director of Zoom2u Technologies Limited, Chair of their Audit & Risk Committee, and a member of their Sustainability Committee. In addition, she is the inaugural independent member of the Australian Medical Association (NSW)’s Audit & Risk Committee and a Non-Executive Director of social enterprise organisation, Ripple Learning Limited.
“Kara’s specialist expertise in governance and risk, combined with her senior level management and executive skills will be invaluable to steering us through this next pivotal stage of the organisation’s evolution, and will assist the Board in guiding us to deliver on our mission to enhance detection, reporting and prosecution of child sexual exploitation,” said Anna.
“I am delighted to be joining the board of ICMEC Australia. It’s a privilege and honour to serve as Chair of the Board. I look forward to working with the management team, my fellow directors, our collaboration partners, and our stakeholders to deliver on our strategy. I’m committed to supporting the organisation’s vision and mission, to collectively make a difference by facilitating meaningful change through collaboration and data driven innovation, disrupting perpetrator tactics, and working to safeguard vulnerable children.”
ICMEC Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners throughout Australia and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and Elders past and present.
