SVA thanks Lisa Paul for her many years of service as she steps down from the SVA board

Social Ventures Australia (SVA) Chair, Paul Robertson AO, has today thanked Lisa Paul AO PSM for her invaluable contributions to the organisation over her seven years of service as he shared the news that she will be stepping down from the SVA Board later this year.

‘For the past seven years, SVA has been incredibly fortunate to have a board member of Lisa’s calibre providing expert leadership and guidance.

‘Lisa brought her enormous depth of understanding of government, public policy and social services to her role as board member and enabled SVA to be a better, more sophisticated player in the sector as a result.’

Robertson paid tribute to Paul’s ability to provide a guiding hand to SVA’s work in education and employment thanks to her time as Secretary of the then Department of Education and Training, adding that her influence was also much wider.

‘While Lisa is best known for her expertise in education and employment, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her deep passion for many social policy issues, particularly housing, come in to play in her contributions to SVA.’

In announcing her stepping down from the SVA Board, Paul shared how much it has meant to her to serve on the SVA Board.

‘It has truly been an honour to be a part of this great organisation and to have had the privilege to work on bold initiatives to drive change,’ said Paul. 

‘I am particularly proud of our leadership in promoting what works in classrooms to help students learn, including the demonstration model of Evidence for Learning and the creation of a national evidence institute for education. In addition, SVA’s unparalleled investment nous has made a huge difference to people in need.’

SVA CEO Suzie Riddell reflected on Paul’s tenure as that of one of the most active board members she has worked with.

‘Lisa’s profound commitment to the vision of a fairer Australia meant that she has always been willing to get involved and offered her expertise when we’ve called on her.’

‘I can’t count the number of SVA initiatives that have Lisa’s fingerprints on them.

‘From convening global experts, local practitioners and thought leaders in our Education Dialogues, to sharing her wisdom on leadership and governance, or being a champion for the importance of measuring impact – Lisa has been a fierce advocate, as well as participant, of SVA’s work.’  

‘We are extremely grateful to Lisa for her dedication to SVA over the past seven years. And we know that her contribution to SVA’s understanding of public policy and social services will be a legacy that will continue to support us in the future.’

Paul will officially step down from the Board at SVA’s Annual General Meeting in November.

Social Ventures Australia (SVA) Chair, Paul Robertson, has also announced that, after 10 years’ service, he intends to step down from SVA’s Board. Rob Koczkar, Managing Director of Adamantem Capital and former SVA CEO will step into the role later this year. Adrian Appo has also stepped down, with the Board welcoming new member, Adam Davids. Full details about our Board governance are available here.