Media release from New Zealand AIDS Foundation

The New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) has announced the appointment of Shaun Robinson to lead the organisation in the role of Executive Director. Robinson has spent more than 25 years working on issues of social justice, social change and effective support for people in distress. "I have two passions," Shaun says, "seeing societies become more just, and seeing not-for-profit organisations perform to the highest levels."

Alastair Cameron, NZAF Trust Board Chair says, "The Board is very pleased to announce the appointment of Shaun Robinson. Shaun has worked in the social services sector for the last fifteen years and he has a wealth of experience in successfully leading non-government organisations to deliver better outcomes for at-risk communities. He now brings his talent and skill to the NZAF, along with a commitment to deliver better HIV outcomes for the most at-risk communities."

Robinson's first day in the driving seat will be on Monday, 24 January 2010. He says he is eager to meet and talk with all NZAF staff and key stakeholders in his first few months. "There will be an open meeting in late January that will provide me with an opportunity to meet anyone who is interested in the mission of the NZAF, including key stakeholders, NZAF members and volunteers. The NZAF has always been centred on the needs of the communities it services and I'm very excited about participating in that."

The appointment comes after an intensive search followed by interviews for the six short-listed by two panels: one of NZAF Trust Board members and key stakeholders, and the other of staff, community and NZAF members and service users. Cameron says, "This was a very comprehensive recruitment process that resulted in a high calibre of candidates. We're very pleased that so many talented people were interested in leading the NZAF into the future."