CFA Board Chair Greg Smith AM today announced Chief Executive Officer Dr Paul Smith will be leaving the organisation to take up a new role as Chief Advisor Climate Change in Industry Transition within the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.
Dr Smith was appointed CEO in February 2018 and has been responsible for continuing the implementation of a range of improvements to modernise the organisation and enhance support for volunteers and staff.
Under his leadership, CFA has overhauled wellbeing and member support services, implemented stronger governance and integrity measures, introduced programs to improve diversity and inclusion within CFA and begun the rollout of a child safety framework.
The Board is disappointed to be losing someone of Paul’s calibre and experience, but we understand his desire to undertake a transformational project for Victorian industry given his experience in climate change policy.
We want to acknowledge and thank Paul for his contribution to CFA over the past 14 months. His achievements in such a short time will better position the organisation to meet the challenges in the future.
On behalf of the Board, we wish Paul well in his future role. A decision on acting arrangements will be made in coming days.