Save the Children Australia today announces the appointment of Suzanne Dvorak to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Suzanne takes over from Peter Falvey, who has been acting CEO since the departure of Margaret Douglas in October.

Suzanne has distinguished herself over the past decade as a driving force behind the development of Marie Stopes International (Australia, South East Asia, and Pacific Region), most recently as Group CEO.

Prior to her time with Marie Stopes International, Suzanne worked with the Australian Red Cross, with Telstra in Vietnam, and with the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia. She has brokered significant local and international partnerships at senior government levels, and in 2005 was recognised as a leader in the not-for-profit sector as Telstra Business Woman of the Year in the Community and Government Category.

Commenting on the appointment, Save the Children Australia Board Chairman, Brian Hartzer, said “We are thrilled to have someone of Suzanne’s calibre to lead Save the Children Australia into the future. She brings fabulous experience in delivering programs that help mothers and children in need across the region. She has particular experience in delivering programs across Indigenous Australia that fits well with Save the Children’s priority on expanding our domestic programs in this area.”

“Improving the lives of disadvantaged children in Australia and our wider region has never been more important, so we are very fortunate to welcome someone with Suzanne’s experience, vision and determination. I believe her leadership will help us lift the profile of Save the Children as an advocate of children’s rights and help us make an even greater difference for children in need.”

“I would also like to extend a special thank you to Margaret Douglas for her many years of service to the children of Australia and the region. Under Margaret’s leadership, Save the Children Australia has grown dramatically and we wish her continued success. Also the Board would like to thank Peter Falvey for his continued contribution to the organisation as acting CEO.”

Suzanne Dvorak will commence as CEO in February 2009, with Peter Falvey continuing as acting CEO until that time. An announcement about Peter Falvey’s continued role with the organisation will be made in due course.