I have decided it is time for me to explore new opportunities in humanitarian engineering.
I am stepping away from the role of CEO with Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) to lead EWB Connect, our new venture for pro bono engineering. I will also support the growth of the EWB International network.Jane Hadjion has taken on the role of acting CEO. Jane has been EWB’s Operations Director for the past twelve months, and I feel very confident in her ability to lead EWB while our Board undertakes a recruitment process to select our next CEO.My time with EWB has given me the opportunity to practice humility, compassion and collaboration. I took on the role of CEO because I had such a strong belief in EWB’s vision for a better world. I also have a strong belief in the passion and ability of EWB’s staff, members, partners and collaborators to creative positive and lasting change through humanitarian engineering.My past five years as CEO have often been challenging, but also immensely rewarding and enjoyable. What I’ve enjoyed most is bringing new ideas and programs to fruition. I enjoy building support for new ideas and inspiring others to get involved. I would like to make this process a much bigger part of my work, and will have the opportunity to do this on a greater scale by focusing on EWB Connect’s development.As I write, there is a range of exciting things happening across EWB. We are:
- Recruiting In-Country Managers and Field Volunteers to deliver on our agenda of inclusive and sustainable development across South East Asia;
- Negotiating significant, three-year partnership proposals with global engineering companies:
- Working with numerous universities on engineering curriculum development and exploring post-graduate research collaborations; and
- Delivering Design Summits across Cambodia and India, with over students participating in the June/July programs.
I am proud of the impact EWB has created over the past five years and even more excited about what’s to come.Later this year, the EWB Strategy will be endorsed. It represents over twelve months of work by our members and reflects the strong foundation of experience, capacity and support EWB has developed. We have a culture of being innovative and bold in our approach to engineering a better world. I am confident that we’re heading in the right direction.Thank you for your support, encouragement and advice over the past five years. It has been a privilege to work and learn with you.I look forward to introducing you to EWB’s new CEO in the near future and working with you in new and meaningful ways.With thanks,Lizzie Brown