Emily commenced as Respect Victoria CEO in January 2022 and brought a wealth of experience in primary prevention, strong relationships with the prevention sector and government, and significant experience in organisational leadership and change.
Board Chair Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon stated: “Emily was recruited into the CEO role to continue building an effective, strategic and trusted dedicated prevention agency. Under her leadership, Respect Victoria has built strong foundations to support its long term, statewide work in preventing violence against women and family violence. Emily made a significant contribution to setting the organisation’s future direction through the development of our new strategic plan. Emily has decided to step away from her role to reconnect with prevention practice and focus more on broader areas of social change.”
Emily has guided significant foundational work that includes progressing Respect Victoria’s social change work including the new Respect Starts with a Conversation campaign and the 16 Days of Activism program, and the organisation’s inaugural three yearly report to Parliament which maps the current state of prevention in Victoria.
Emily has bought a strong focus on the importance of evidence to guide public policy, strategy, and practice and has been a keen advocate for the importance of collective impact to prevent violence against women and family violence.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to play a role in the journey of Respect Victoria over the past few years. I have had the opportunity to work closely with some exceptional people who have a deep and abiding commitment to driving change in Victoria. I’d like to thank the fabulous team at Respect Victoria who come to work every day with a sense of passion and enthusiasm for the contribution they can make to creating a Victoria that is free from violence. I’d also like to thank the Board and all the organisation’s partners and stakeholders who have championed Respect Victoria,” Emily Maguire said.
Board Chair Kate Fitz-Gibbon indicated that the organisation is well positioned to continue to lead statewide prevention reform efforts into the future.
“Emily’s commitment to driving effective statewide prevention efforts, and to establishing strong partnerships with the primary prevention sector organisations and the Victorian government have positioned Respect Victoria well to achieve on our new strategy. We wish her all the best for her future endeavours,” Board Chair Kate Fitz-Gibbon said.
Emily will depart the organisation in mid-September. Serina McDuff will be Acting CEO while the Board embark on a rigorous recruitment process to appoint a new CEO of Respect Victoria. Serina brings extensive experience as a CEO.
This is a pivotal time in Victoria and nationally for the prevention of violence against women and family violence. With a clear vision and strategy, Respect Victoria is looking forward to continuing to drive the critical efforts needed to achieve a Victoria free from violence.