The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Cindy Smith as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the national peak body. 

After a comprehensive recruitment process, the AASW Board is delighted that Cindy will lead AASW, as her commitment to the organisation has been well established for many years. She has been a longstanding member and was Vice President of the Board from 2011–2016. After leaving the Board in 2016, Cindy was appointed as Deputy CEO and has held the position of Acting CEO since last September. 

Cindy brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience to the role of CEO. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and a Masters of Health Administration. She is a Fellow Member of the Australian College of Health Services Management and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Her extensive leadership experience includes senior management and executive director positions in health and community service organisations. 

Cindy has also worked as a sessional tutor at the Schools of Social Work of the University of Melbourne and RMIT University; educating and supporting students to launch their careers in the social work sector. 

Cindy quotes “I am very excited about my new role and the opportunity to further advance the Mission of AASW to promote the profession of social work, advance social justice and optimise prospects for members, by building AASW as the voice of our profession.” 

With over 17 years in the social work sector, Cindy mentions “it is important that AASW increases public knowledge of social workers and the work they do, especially ensuring AASW policy campaigning is targeted and achieves tangible change for the Australian community.” 

Taken from Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Media Release 8 September 2017