The Institute of Public Administration Australia’s NSW branch welcomed Rod Cooke as its new chief executive officer on Thursday at the annual Picnic in the Park event in the Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney.
Cooke takes over day to day running of the professional association for the state public sector from John Carnegie, who will continue to have a role with IPAA at a national level as executive director.
Andrew Cappie-Wood, IPAA NSW president and secretary of the Department of Justice, said Cooke was bringing considerable knowledge to the association.
“Rod has an extensive background in leadership, governance and professional development. This expertise will provide a renewed direction for IPAA NSW’s professional training and development area as well as allowing us to continue to deliver our broad range of high quality, public sector focused activities,” said Cappie-Wood.
“The IPAA Council and I look forward to working alongside Rod to connect people and ideas and to grow the capability and capacity of our members and the whole public sector.”
Most recently Cooke was the chief executive officer at the Community Services & Health Industry Skills Council. His previous roles include company director, operations manager with the Australian Defence Force, CEO at Orana Education and Training Cooperative, general manager of HR and administration at SHFA, organisation development manager for BAT Australasia and national learning and development manager at the NRMA. Rod was an officer of the Australian Regular Army for 16 years and served with the Army Reserve until 2010.
Cappie-Wood also thanked Carnegie for his leadership over the past two and half years.
“John’s expertise has ensured IPAA NSW is fit for the future by developing and implementing a new strategic vision that will guide the organisation for many years to come. Membership has grown substantially during John’s tenure and IPAA NSW is increasingly seen as an essential resource for anyone working in or with the public sector.”
The next membership opportunity is International Women’s Day, where IPAA members are invited to celebrate the inspiring role women have played in securing a strong public sector with guest speakers Gabrielle Kibble and Dr Michele Bruniges. Details at the IPAA NSW site.
