MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
NEW CEO ANNOUNCEMENT
Community Centres SA (CCSA) is a not-for-profit leader in community development and our CEO holds an important leadership position in our community.
At CCSA, we champion connection, inclusivity, and empowerment, and we are an advocate for local solutions to tough problems like loneliness, anxiety, racism, unemployment, illiteracy, and family breakdown.
In building our communities, we support our members who do incredible work to support our community’s health and wellbeing every day. Our 200+ membership base is diverse, hard-working, and deeply committed to strengthening communities.
We recently embarked on a search for a visionary, influential, and inclusive CEO. We looked for someone who is highly strategic and genuinely passionate about our sector, and someone who will connect meaningfully with members, volunteers, and the communities we support as well as advocate persuasively with government.
After a thorough search, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Kerrie Akkermans to the role. We selected Kerrie from a high calibre of candidates, and we thank everyone who took part in the recruitment process.
“I am excited to work with the CCSA team, members, and stakeholders to make a positive difference in the sector and its communities.
I believe Community Centres’ ability to provide a ‘local touch, global impact’ in addressing sector challenges needs to be shared and heard.
My background in membership, advocacy, property, not-for-profit and commercial enterprise will be valuable in leading CCSA to achieve its goals.
I look forward to meeting members and developing relationships that will build capacity, inclusion and connection within the sector” said incoming CEO, Kerrie Akkermans.
Kerrie is an experienced executive leader who is deeply values-led and passionate about Community Centres and our community. Kerrie brings extensive and broad experience to the role – from time spent in the not-for-profit sector, in the media, and on community Boards. Kerrie is strategic, has a strong financial background, and is experienced working with a diverse range of stakeholders. Kerrie is visionary and committed to bringing the sector together and making sure CCSA is the representative, leading, and go-to voice on social issues and community development in SA. She knows the importance of financial sustainability for our organisation and our members, and understands the power of a peak body to act as a broker, facilitator, and ‘one voice’ for our diverse sector and communities. In her work and day-to-day life, Kerrie champions inclusivity, connection, and authenticity – and as a leader, she empowers those around her and lifts the voices of lived experiences.
Kerrie is full of ideas for CCSA and the sector and we cannot wait for you to meet her and hear more about her passion and plans.
Kerrie will also be travelling extensively to visit Community Centres and connect with members over the coming months. We will be updating the sector with some upcoming opportunities to meet with Kerrie.
Congratulations Kerrie, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with you and for all that you can bring to the sector
Cristina Blumberg
Chair