MEFL Coup: Jim Downey Appointment
July 20, 2005
Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL) has formally announced that it has appointed Jim Downey as its new CEO.
Jim Downey is a former Director of the Australian Conservation Foundation and CEO of Birds Australia. Jim has many years of experience in the community and political sectors, having stood as a candidate for the Australian Senate and having sought election to the Australian Republican Convention as part of the Real Republic team.
MEFL Chair, Mike Hill, said he was delighted that the organisation had been able to attract someone of Jims calibre as its second CEO. It is a tribute to Esther Abram and her staff that MEFLs profile is high enough for it to be able to interest Jim. Jim was the most impressive of a very high-powered field of applicants for the position that Esther has vacated. We really feel that Jim will be able to hit the ground running at MEFL given his previous experience and his depth of knowledge about Climate Change.
Jim is a well-known and passionate environmentalist, starting his career with the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre as the Cape York Campaign Coordinator. In August 1995 he joined the Australian Conservation Foundation to project manage and coordinate policy and liaison for the 1996 federal election. In 1996 he was appointed Executive Director of the ACF, a position he held for two years until he was invited to join the Democrats as senior policy and strategic advisor to senators Lyn Allison, John Woodley and Meg Lees. Jim was responsible for three portfolios while with the Australian Democrats; Energy and Resources, Environment and Native Title. J
ims most recent position has been as CEO of Birds Australia. We believe Jims time with Birds Australia will be valuable experience in the management and challenges of running a not-for-profit organisation such as MEFL, said Hill. At Birds Australia, Jim also engaged actively in fundraising, and achieved an operating surplus for four years in a row.
Jim is attracted to the position with MEFL because he enjoys the community interaction the role offers. He has met MEFL staff and MEFL Chair, Board Members and supporters and is really looking forward to working with them.
MEFL is confident that Jim will be able to build and extend MEFLs array of innovative programs and maintain MEFLs advocacy role on Climate Change. Jim commences work on Monday 4th July and will be available for interview that week.
For further information or interview with Jim Downey ring Mike Hill on 03 9380 1459 / 0419 877 702
