Australian Red Cross announces new President and Board Members

Following approval by Australia’s Governor General, the comprehensive Governance Reforms for Australian Red Cross will become effective on 1 July 2025.

Accordingly, following an extensive and competitive process, the National Council of Australian Red Cross has appointed a new President and six new Board Members for commencement on 1 July 2025, with a further two Board Member appointments from 6 December 2025.

President

Kate Jenkins AO has been elected as President of Australian Red Cross Society from 1 July 2025. Following the Governance Reforms the role of President has been separated from the Board Chair role, with the new President’s role being a pivotal ambassador for Australian Red Cross, including public speaking engagements, chairing the National Council, and acting as Australian Red Cross’ ambassador and relationship builder, as well as other ceremonial duties.

Australian Red Cross current President and Board Chair, Charles Burkitt welcomed this appointment, saying, “Kate brings a remarkable depth of experience in, and a proven commitment to, humanitarian work and community engagement, which aligns perfectly with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and the purpose of Australian Red Cross. Her leadership will be invaluable as we continue our vital work in a time of increasing humanitarian challenges both locally and abroad.”

Board

Following a comprehensive, advertised, open and competitive appointment process run by the interim Elections and Appointments Panel, endorsed by the Board and then approved by National Council:

• Mike Ferraro, Claire Rogers, Kul Singh, and Andrea Sutton have been appointed as Board Members from 1 July 2025; and
• Long term Australian Red Cross Members, Chris Kwong, and Garry Nolan AM, have also been appointed as Board Members from 1 July 2025, with Annette Ruhotas AM (reappointed) and Louise McCosker (appointed) as Board Members from 6 December 2025.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome our new Board Members to Australian Red Cross. After a thorough process, we have been able to appoint a Board of individuals with exceptional skills and a range of fresh perspectives. Their combined expertise and experience in strategic leadership, digital transformation, community engagement and financial stewardship will be pivotal in enhancing our capacity to adapt to the evolving humanitarian challenges the world is facing. It will also ensure Australian Red Cross is well placed to better serve communities in Australia and internationally.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our outgoing Board Members for their outstanding service and dedication. Their leadership has been instrumental in guiding Australian Red Cross through times of both challenge and growth,” said current Australian Red Cross President and Board Chair, Charles Burkitt.

Under the transition arrangements outlined in the new Rules for Australian Red Cross, consideration was given to ensuring a smooth and successful transfer to the new arrangements. As a result, the following current Board Members will continue as Board Members until the end of their existing terms, which have staggered end dates:

• Charles Burkitt who is deemed to be the Board Chair from 1 July 2025, until the end of his tenure on 5 December 2025;
• Annette Ruhotas AM who is deemed to be the Deputy Board Chair from 1 July 2025 until the end of her current term on 5 December 2025, and re-appointed as a Board Member after that time by National Council;
• Liz Smith until her current term ends in December 2026, after which she is eligible for reappointment.
• Brendan Murphy AC who is the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Chair and whose current term ends in January 2028, after which he is eligible for reappointment.

More information about governance at Australian Red Cross, including biographies of our new President and Board Members, as well as details of the Governance Reforms can be found at redcross.org.au/governance/governance-reforms/

Media inquiries: media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443.