WaterAid Australia
WaterAid is delighted to welcome The Hon. Karlene Maywald to the WaterAid Australia Board.
Appointed after an external recruitment process, Karlene will take up the Chair position on 19 August 2021, from incumbent Rob Skinner, who steps down after nine years in the role.
WaterAid Australia is part of a global federation, alongside six other members: America, Canada, India, Japan, the UK and Sweden, who work together with partners around the world to unlock people’s potential with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.
Karlene will bring to WaterAid her extensive experience as a chair and non-executive director across a range of industries in both the private and public sector, including six years as a State Government Minister and three years as Chair of the National Water Commission.
Karlene is currently appointed by the South Australian Government to the role of Water Ambassador, leading the development of a ‘Water for Growth’ strategy to support the State’s Growth agenda.
Karlene’s water sector experience includes chairing the International Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Management (ICEWaRM) and the Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust as well as directorships with SA Water and the Goyder Institute.
She is also a Board Member (elect) of The Australian Water Association and Chair of the CSIRO Land and Water Advisory Committee. Her not-for-profit experience includes Chair of the Cancer Council SA and membership of the Independent Advisory Panel for the Red Cross Bush Fire Relief Fund.
Karlene’s recent international experience includes playing a key role in the transfer of knowledge between the Australian water reform experience and developing countries including India and Nepal, where WaterAid works.
The Hon. Karlene Maywald said:
“I am delighted and honoured to be joining WaterAid Australia as chair of such an experienced, motivated and passionate Board.
Through its partnerships, WaterAid Australia has a strong presence in the water industry and I have long admired the organisation’s work.
Their efforts to bring clean water to the 785 million people globally still lacking access is remarkable and I am thrilled to be able to contribute to this extraordinary cause.
Rob Skinner leaves big shoes to fill, and I look forward to building on his great work to ensure the organisation is well positioned to meet future challenges.
Rob Skinner, outgoing Chair WaterAid Australia said:
“Serving as chair of WaterAid Australia for nine years has been my great honour, and I have been privileged to oversee the life-changing work the organisation does.
I have full confidence in handing this role onto Karlene, whose leadership will no doubt see WaterAid Australia continue to grow and strengthen as it strives to make a significant contribution to the global goal of bringing clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to everyone, everywhere. “
WaterAid Australia Chief Executive Rosie Wheen said:
“I am thrilled to welcome Karlene to WaterAid Australia. We are excited to have her extensive knowledge and experience as part of our Board. Karlene’s authentic and collaborative leadership style will enhance our efforts to deliver on our mission.
We are grateful to Rob for his many years of incredible leadership, passion and dedication.”
