Former Wallabies and Brumbies player, Joe Roff, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the John James Foundation.  In August 2017, he will replace Phil Greenwood who is retiring after 7 years in the role and 20 years of leadership in the not-for-profit sector.

Joe Roff said he was extremely pleased to be appointed to the position.

“The John James Foundation is a leader in its field.  The Foundation undertakes incredible work that benefits our community and much further afield but is often unsung.  I am excited to be joining an organisation that makes a positive difference, of which Canberra can be proud.”

“I have been involved in our community for more than 20 years.  In this role, I will be seeking to leverage my relationships and experiences to build on the strong partnerships and programs that already exist at the Foundation.”

“An example of this has been the partnership approach in the recent development of the John James Village, a sanctuary for people and families living with blood cancer.  I am looking forward to playing an integral part in the exciting future of the Foundation.”

Joe Roff is moving from the University of Canberra, where he has held the position of CEO of the University of Canberra Union.  The University is quickly becoming a leading University for sport in Australia and Joe Roff was instrumental in bringing the Brumbies and the UC Capitals to the campus during his tenure.

Prior to his time at the University, Joe Roff was the Director for Workforce and Development at Lifeline Australia and has remained committed to the not for profit and charity sector.  He has been an ambassador for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, RUOK and White Ribbon.  He is well known to many having spent 10 years playing professional rugby union for the Brumbies and Wallabies.

John James Foundation Chair Professor Paul Smith congratulated Joe Roff on his appointment and thanked Phil Greenwood for what he has achieved.

“Phil Greenwood has led John James Foundation from a fledging charity to a prominent backer and instigator of local, interstate, and international activities.  It now has credibility in Canberra as a supporter and funder of many highly valued projects,” Professor Smith said.

The John James Foundation is a Canberra based medical charity with a proud history of support of volunteer work by medical specialists and medical educators.  The Foundation funds medical education activities and provides opportunities for clinical placements for medical students.  It supports local grassroots organisations by providing cash grants to fund activities that may not otherwise find financial support.

As a not-for-profit organisation, the Foundation uses income from its land holdings to support its programs and medical education activities.

In 2016, the John James Village opened on land donated by the ACT Government to provide short-term residential accommodation for the families and carers of people undergoing treatment for blood cancer and related diseases.  This seven-million-dollar project, fully funded by the Foundation, was handed over to the Leukaemia Foundation at no cost to them or to the people who now use the facility.

“It is a privilege to be able to support some grassroots organisations doing tremendous work, often running on a budget of nothing but providing much needed support.”

“The work of volunteer medical specialists, numerous projects that benefit people in need in Canberra, the Solomon Islands and everywhere that the Foundation organises assistance and backs local charities is truly inspirational – it is that satisfaction that makes the Foundation such a great place to work, even better with such a dedicated staff who really work miracles,” Phil Greenwood said.

“Joe Roff is well placed to take the John James Foundation to the next stage of its life and development as a prominent medical charity.”

Prior to his various roles in the not for profit sector, Phil Greenwood was a Wing Commander with 23 years of Air Force service in Administration.  He will continue his involvement in the not for profit sector through volunteer work, interspersed with opportunities to travel, following his retirement in September.

From John James Foundation Media Release on 19 June 2017