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• ALIA Announces Appointment of Cathie Warburton as New Chief Executive Officer

ALIA Announces Appointment of Cathie Warburton as New Chief Executive Officer

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has announced the appointment of Cathie Warburton as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Cathie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the areas of legal, policy, education campaigns and management, from her roles throughout her career in state and federal government agencies and the higher education sector. Cathie has a strong legal background, strategic skills, commercial acumen and governance experience. With qualifications in arts, law and education, Cathie is also a qualified company director.

As the Interim Managing Director of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) since May 2021, Cathie has proven experience in successfully operating in a CEO role. GRDC is a Commonwealth corporation with 120 staff across Australia which invests in research and development for the benefit of its levy payers, more than 22,000 Australian grain growers.

Cathie has said of her appointment, “I am excited by this opportunity to lead ALIA, an organisation that aligns with my values and personal passions. I have worked in government for the majority of my career because I have a strong desire to contribute to the greater good and provide a public service.

“Outside of work I have volunteered in various roles to support those most vulnerable to ensure their voices are heard and they have the resources to participate and help build an inclusive community.”

Cathie has previous experience with the Australian Law Reform Commission, The Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Charles Sturt University, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and currently holds a voluntary Board member role with ACT Women’s Legal Centre.

“The role of CEO is critical to help achieve the goals of the library and information sector", said ALIA President, Vicki Edmunds. "Cathie will be an incredible asset to ALIA with experience as a CEO and in senior executive positions with responsibility for a broad range of areas including legal, commercial, human resources, communications and stakeholder relations. Cathie’s leadership and advocacy skills will ensure the ongoing, sustainable future of ALIA.”

Cathie will take up this appointment on Tuesday 31 May 2022, replacing Sue McKerracher who left the organisation in January 2022.

Taken from ALIA.