We are delighted to share an important leadership update at Mary MacKillop Today. After six years of dedicated service as Chair of the Board, Kieran Gleeson has concluded his tenure, and we are proud to welcome Hilary Johnston-Croke as our newly appointed Chair.
Hilary has been a valued member of our Board since 2020 and brings extensive experience in education, leadership and governance. A scientist by training, she has had a distinguished career including leading Kincoppal–Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart as Principal and CEO, and serving as Principal of Catherine McAuley in Westmead. She currently sits on the Board of the University of Notre Dame Australia and has contributed her expertise to several other Boards throughout her career.
Her commitment to empowering people through education, combined with her strategic leadership experience, makes Hilary an inspiring and natural fit for her new role as Chair.
Reflecting on her appointment, Hilary shared:
“It’s a privilege to lead an organisation that empowers communities to create lasting change through education.”
Farewell to Kieran Gleeson
Kieran joined Mary MacKillop Today just before the onset of COVID-19 which was an extraordinary time for any organisation, let alone one in its early years. Over his two full terms, he played a central role in strengthening governance and guiding the expansion of our international development programs across Timor-Leste, Fiji, Peru, and Australia.
His leadership supported our recent reaccreditation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and helped broaden the Board’s skills and diversity. This forward-looking approach has positioned Mary MacKillop Today for a strong future.
We are deeply grateful to Kieran for his unwavering commitment to our mission and the steady guidance he has provided throughout tenure.
We now look forward to the vision, compassion and strategic perspective Hilary brings to her role as Chair, and we are excited for the next chapter of Mary MacKillop Today under her leadership.
