VICSES Chief Executive Officer Stephen Griffin has advised the Victorian Government that he does not intend to renew his role at the end of his current term.
Mr Griffin started his role as VICSES CEO in May 2014 and has provided exceptional leadership over almost a decade across the organisation and Victoria’s emergency management sector.
He has been instrumental in delivering a significant number of new VICSES units while leading the agency throughout some of the busiest operational years in the organisation’s history, including three consecutive La Niña seasons.
Victoria has faced some of its most significant emergencies during Mr Griffin’s tenure, including the 2019-20 Victorian fire season, the COVID-19 pandemic response, the June 2021 storm event and the floods in October 2022.
He has also overseen some of the largest reforms and changes in VICSES’ history, including his work campaigning for increased support for volunteers as well as working with local and state governments to ensure the organisation’s ongoing sustainability and viability.
Mr Griffin will take a period of long service leave in September before formally finishing in the role in May 2024.
The VICSES Board will work with the Victorian Government to undertake a recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
“Victorians know that when emergencies hit, our hardworking VICSES volunteers are there to help – Mr Griffin leaves a proud legacy at VICSES of leadership and strengthening its volunteer base.”
“I would like to wish Mr Griffin all the best for the future and thank him for his hard work over the last ten years.”
