The consumer lobby for older Australians, National Seniors, has appointed Ms Dagmar Parsons as its Chief Executive Officer. A mechanical engineer with an MBA, Dagmar comes to the organisation with an impressive 20-year career in the mining and petrochemical industries.

To support the organisation’s advocacy activities and to ensure its long term sustainability, Dagmar will grow National Seniors’ commercial operations.

The appointment of a business-focused CEO represents a significant shift for the organisation but Chairman David Carvosso said the board was certain of the move. “It is vital that this 40-year-old organisation is not only relevant but sustainable into the future,” he said. “In a field of strong candidates Dagmar’s experience and strategic focus clearly shone through.”

To further strengthen National Seniors’ focus on advocacy the organisation’s lobbying and media activities now rest with the newly created role of Chief Advocate. National Seniors’ public affairs director, Sarah Saunders has accepted this position. “Working with two CEOs, Sarah has driven our organisation’s lobbying activities behind the scenes for over a decade,” said Carvosso. “Few people share her depth of knowledge and expertise in this area.”

“This dynamic mix of advocacy and business sets National Seniors on powerful footings for the future,” he said.

Dagmar replaces Michael O’Neill who was National Seniors CEO for 10 years.

From National Seniors Media Release 19 July 2016