IAP2 Australasia announces new CEO

Moves to increase public commitment to community and stakeholder engagement

The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), Australasia’s leading public participation member association, today announced the appointment of Laurie Patton as its new CEO.

Mr Patton joins IAP2 from Internet Australia, where he led the organisation through a broad-ranging revitalisation process and spearheaded its advocacy for a 21st Century national broadband network. He has an extensive history of involvement in a range of not-for-profits, both as a CEO and a non-executive director.

Welcoming this appointment, IAP2 Australasia Chair Leanne Hartill said, “Laurie brings extensive experience in building organisations and leading change. His media and communication skills are particularly suited to raising the profile of IAP2 and the contributions of its members”.

Ms Hartill also thanked interim CEO, Chris Gandy, who has maintained the group’s focus while helping look for a new permanent head and setting in train moves that will assist Mr Patton’s smooth transition into his role.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Patton highlighted the importance of increased public participation in all the decision -making processes that affect us.

“At a time when we’re seeing unprecedented levels of infrastructure spending and disturbing losses of the public’s trust of our elected officials, the work of IAP2 and its members is crucial. More than ever before, skilled advocacy and effective representation of peoples’ interests is essential in order to ensure optimal outcomes based on well-managed public participation”.

Mr Patton officially joins IAP2 on March 6th. His career details are available on LinkedIn: http://linkd.in/LauriePattonand Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurie_Patton_(Australian_executive).

Media contact:

Leanne Hartill (Chair): 0414 574 873

Laurie Patton: 0418 777 700