Respect Victoria announces new CEO Emily Maguire

Respect Victoria is proud to announce its new Chief Executive Officer, Emily Maguire, who will commence in the role in early 2022.

Respect Victoria is proud to announce its new Chief Executive Officer, Emily Maguire, who will commence in the role in early 2022.

Respect Victoria Board Chair Dr Kate Fitz-Gibbon welcomed the appointment.

“Respect Victoria’s remit is significant and ambitious, and Emily’s expertise and experience will be invaluable as we head into our fourth year of operation,” said Dr Fitz-Gibbon.

Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Gabrielle Williams also welcomed the appointment: “As a passionate advocate for equality and respect, Emily will take on this crucial role and lead Respect Victoria as it continues to deliver vital research and evidence building, ground-breaking behaviour change campaigns and policy and advocacy work.”  

Ms Maguire has led family violence and violence against women prevention work in her former roles, including as Chief Executive Officer of the Domestic Violence Resource Centre for over five years. Ms Maguire’s experience also includes supporting the development of the National Framework at Our Watch; and policy, research and program management at the Australian Human Rights Commission, within the Victorian government and the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).

“At a time where the prevention of violence against women and family violence is at the centre of our public discourse, I am immensely excited to have the opportunity to lead Respect Victoria. I look forward to working with the Respect Victoria team and the many partners and stakeholders to build on the incredible progress Victoria has made in creating a state where violence against women and family violence is a thing of the past.” said Ms Maguire.

“Emily will commence in the role in mid-January 2022 and will continue the exceptional work of the multi-disciplinary team at Respect Victoria ably led by Acting CEO Ms Amy Prendergast.”

“On behalf of the Board, we thank Amy for her expertise and leadership, as well as her care and support for staff throughout this transitional phase for the organisation,” said Dr Fitz-Gibbon. 

“Under Amy’s guidance, the Respect Victoria team has continued to progress an impressive portfolio of work. The organisation has delivered multiple campaigns focused on gender-based violence, elder abuse and LGBTIQ+ family violence, research projects inclusive of new pilot programs aimed at supporting older Victorians and LGBTIQ+ parents, and crucial state and national advocacy focused on primary prevention.”

“With Emily at the helm, Respect Victoria will continue to lead into a future where all Victorians are safe, equal and respected. We warmly welcome Emily into our team,” Dr Fitz-Gibbon added.