With over years experience in community development in Australia and overseas, Ms. Loudon has held program management and leadership roles with Australian Volunteers International, EarthWatch Institute, and United Way Australia, and served as National Director Sri Lanka with ChildFund International for three years.
Announcing Eleanor’s appointment, Gavin Blakey OAM, Chair of the EWB Australia Board said “We are delighted that Eleanor will join us as CEO. Her extensive mix of community development and business management experience will enable EWB Australia to consolidate and grow support for appropriate engineering and technology solutions that can alleviate poverty, and accelerate inclusive sustainable development. She was selected from a strong field of applicants following a competitive selection process, and we believe she will provide exemplary leadership to help us achieve lasting positive change for communities.”
With a Masters of Management in Community, Ms. Loudon is an advocate of applying smart business principles to strengthen the for-purpose sector and increase its impact. She is also part of the emerging movement in Australia for a community-led, collaborative approach to tackling our most complex issues, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Reflecting on her appointment Eleanor said “I have a strong belief in the power and potential of the for-purpose sector within society. Engineers Without Borders Australia started with a few passionate individuals, and in just fifteen years has grown into a national humanitarian engineering movement of skilled staff, members and volunteers making a real and positive difference to thousands of people’s lives. I am excited to lead EWB Australia, and together with this team to grow it into an agile and progressive organisation delivering even greater impact for marginalised communities in Australia and the Asia Pacific.”
On behalf of the EWB Australia, Gavin extended thanks to Ms. Heidi Michael, who has held the Acting CEO role during the transition period. “Heidi has considerable experience in working in the humanitarian engineering sector, and is doing an outstanding job of leading the team during this time, delivering on EWB’s ambitious programs for our funders, partners and the beneficiaries of our work. We thank her for her ongoing commitment and contribution to the organisation”Eleanor is based in Melbourne, and lives with her partner and two children.