Mission Australia Chairman Ken Dean is pleased to announce the appointment of James Toomey as the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer. Mr Toomey will take up his appointment on 25th November after Catherine Yeomans steps down from the role.

The appointment follows an extensive executive search process.

James will bring continuity and strong leadership to Mission Australia as the organisation implements its strategic plan to deliver evidenced-based, integrated services that create powerful and sustainable change in people’s lives.

Since joining Mission Australia in 2010 James has been a highly respected and capable senior leader of the organisation. He has been Executive Operations and Fundraising since 2014 and in this role has been responsible for the national operations of all Mission Australia’s community services.

James is also a Director of Mission Australia Early Learning and Mission Australia Housing. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Vincent Fairfax Centre for Ethical Leadership and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Master of Business Administration.

Prior to joining Mission Australia James was the Operations Director of SkillForce, a charity that works in partnership with schools to inspire young people to succeed. He was also Assistant Director of Foster Care Associates in the UK.

In his executive role at Mission Australia, James has led a team of 1,900 staff to deliver services nationally in the areas of homelessness & housing, families, children & early learning, young people, disability & mental wellbeing support and employment, skills & training. He has played a key role in developing and implementing Mission Australia’s strategic goal of reducing homelessness and strengthening communities.

In announcing James’ appointment, Mission Australia Chairman Ken Dean thanked James for taking on the vital role of leadership and development of Mission Australia’s team and activities. “I have been delighted to work with James in his past role, and am excited that he will now lead us in building further on Mission Australia’s strong operating performance as we strive to live out our founding purpose to meet human need and spread the knowledge of the love of God.”

Mission Australia is a national Christian organisation that has been assisting Australians in need to regain their independence for more than 155 years. The Board looks forward with confidence that under the leadership of James Toomey, Mission Australia will continue to respond to contemporary social need through innovative and excellent service delivery in partnership with our funders and volunteers.

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Our founding purpose - 'Inspired by Jesus Christ, Mission Australia exists to meet human need and to spread the knowledge of the love of God'