Science & Technology Australia announces departure of CEO
Science & Technology Australia (STA) today announces the departure of the Chief Executive Officer of the peak body, Kylie Walker, who will finish in December 2019 after an outstanding 3.5 years in the position.
STA President Professor Emma Johnston said Ms Walker had been an excellent leader for the organisation since she joined as CEO in June 2016.
“During her time with STA, Kylie helped us grow in both scale and impact, and she created many of our new programs.
“STA now supports more than 80 member organisations to flourish; to share their achievements; to connect with government; and to build equity and diversity in STEM.
“I attribute much of our current success to Kylie’s powerful leadership,” Professor Johnston said.
Ms Walker will be taking up a new position as CEO of the Australian Academy and Technology and Engineering (ATSE), beginning in early 2020.
“Kylie will leave STA in a strong position and we are pleased that she will continue to support science and technology in Australia as the new CEO of ATSE.
“ATSE is gaining a true leader in Kylie and she will be an asset to their organisation,” Professor Johnston said.
Incoming STA President Dr Jeremy Brownlie, whose term commences from the Annual General Meeting on 25 November 2019, said that Ms Walker had helped position STA as a true champion for STEM in Australia.
“As the CEO of Science & Technology Australia, Kylie has established the organisation as the leading voice of STEM not just in our Federal Parliament but in our school halls as well.
“Through the Superstars of STEM program, she has lifted the profile of 90 female researchers and inspired tens of thousands of school children about STEM.
“I cannot think of a bigger or better legacy than that,” he said.
Ms Walker said it had been an honour to lead STA.
“It’s been my genuine pleasure and deep privilege to work with STA’s Board, staff and membership to advance the role, reputation and impact of science and technology in Australia.
“The organisation is growing from strength to strength and I’m proud to leave it in excellent shape.
“I look forward to watching STA continue its important work advocating for the stable and strategic public and private investment in science and technology, and promoting the skilled, valued, diverse and inclusive scientific and technological workforce Australia needs to build health, wealth and wellbeing,” Ms Walker concluded.
The STA Board will immediately launch a comprehensive search to identify the next CEO of STA.
