New Chief Executive for Refugee Services

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR REFUGEE SERVICES

June 2009

The interim board of Refugee Services Aotearoa New Zealand has appointed Heather Hayden as the organisation’s new Chief Executive.

The interim Board chairman, Brian Lynch, says Heather brings to Refugee Services a wealth of experience in communication management, strategic planning, policy and development.

“Heather’s arrival occurs at a significant time for Refugee Services – the organisation is continuing to evolve in the way it operates in meeting the requirements of Government contracts, the refugees we resettle, and our heavy reliance on donations and volunteers.” says Mr Lynch.

Heather has spent the last six weeks settling in, meeting staff and key stakeholders and is excited about the future of Refugee Services.

“It’s a real privilege to be part of the committed and dedicated team at Refugee Services, an agency that has had such a vital role in refugee resettlement in New Zealand for over 35 years. I look forward to meeting more former refugees and their communities who make such a positive contribution to our society.”

Ms Hayden has held senior positions in the public and private sectors, with responsibility for significant staff numbers, substantial budgets, and many change management programmes.

She spent seven years in India in the 1980s where she gained valuable practical experience in work with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Following her return to New Zealand she has had a range of work experience, including in the health sector, the Airways Corporation, Wellington International Airport and managing her own company.

Much of her work has had a strong focus on communications and community development. She is a director of the Wellington Community Law Centre and of a private company specializing in strategic communications. Heather has a Masters degree with first-class honours.

For further information please contact <br /> Heather Hayden at Refugee Services <br />heather.hayden@refugeeservices.org.nz <br /> Ph: (04) 815 9102