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Country Education Foundation welcomes new CEO Wendy Cohen

By September 14, 2016July 27th, 2017No Comments

The Board of Directors of Country Education Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of experienced not-for-profit organisation leader Wendy Cohen to the position of CEO.

The appointment of Ms Cohen builds on the national charity’s 23 year foundation of providing financial assistance and support services to help disadvantaged rural and regional school leavers access education, training and careers.

Wendy brings with her over 14 years’ executive management experience in the NFP sector and a rich background in media, film and television production across Australia and the United Kingdom.

Ms Cohen honed her NFP skills as a long-standing CEO with Equestrian NSW, where her focus on membership, fundraising and advocacy brought substantial growth to the organisation.

Wendy’s strong background in media and marketing management carried the organisation through the equine influenza crisis and her advocacy achievement of securing significant relief funds for industry members remains a highlight of her time there.

Ms Cohen developed significant relationships with private and public sectors in her successive NFP appointments with Animal Welfare League NSW and National Disability Practitioners, as well as invigorating member benefit programs.

CEF Chairman Nick Burton Taylor said Wendy’s passion for social inclusion was a clear indicator of her suitability for the role. “We are thrilled to welcome Wendy to the CEF family and feel very fortunate to have gained an experienced, enthusiastic and innovative leader. We look forward to working with Wendy to capitalise on the strong position of CEF and take the organisation forward to help even more young Australians access further education and training.”

Ms Cohen said the appointment to CEF feels like coming home. “I completed my high school education in Orange, where CEF national office is based, so it seems perfectly fitting that I am returning to lead an organisation dedicated to providing further education and training opportunities.

“I am so excited to take on the challenges ahead alongside the Board and team at CEF. I am enormously grateful for the exceptional work of outgoing CEO, Sarah Taylor; she has led a period of growth for this important charity and I am committed to building on her exemplary legacy.

Growing up in rural NSW has really inspired me to return to my roots and get involved in progressing opportunities for rural and regional youth. Young people from country areas are vital to a prosperous future for Australia at a national, state and territory and local level. When our youth do well, our communities do well.”

Laura

Author Laura

CEF Projects & Operations

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