McKinnon Institute CEO Announcement
After nearly four years of exceptional service at the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership (MKI), Margaret Fitzherbert has advised that she will not be seeking to renew her current contract and will be leaving the role of Chief Executive Officer.
Established in 2019, the McKinnon Institute is a partnership between Monash University and the Susan McKinnon Foundation and is Australia’s only organisation dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of our political leadership by building the capability of federal, state and territory members of parliament. The Institute is not-for-profit and non-partisan and its programs support MPs in parliament and in the community to ensure that political leaders drive policies that respond to current challenges, and shape Australia’s future.
As the McKinnon Institute’s inaugural CEO, Margaret’s deep connections in politics and government, her ability to engage and build trust, and her expertise in strategy development and execution have been integral to its success. This year, MKI will reach the milestone of providing professional development to 200 federal, state and territory MPs and, significantly, is making positive changes to our democratic system.
Margaret said it had been a remarkable and unique opportunity to lead and build MKI.
"I’m very proud of MKI, the fine reputation and partnerships we have established, and above all, the impact we are making across Australian parliaments. For me, it’s been a challenging, creative and rewarding role. I thank the Board, my fantastic team, my broader Monash colleagues and the McKinnon ambassadors for their great support."
“It’s very satisfying to have led MKI to where it is today and to have built something extraordinary. I’m ready for my next challenge."
McKinnon Institute chair, Professor John Thwaites AM has praised Margaret for her leadership.
“As the first CEO of the McKinnon Institute, Margaret has led the organisation from a start-up to an efficient and highly regarded organisation. She has developed close and trusted relationships with key stakeholders including Speakers and Clerks of Parliaments around Australia and with the many Members of Parliament who have undertaken McKinnon Institute courses. She played a key role in delivering courses in difficult times through the COVID-19 pandemic and has now put the Institute on the path to the next stage of its development.”
Grant Rule, Director, MKI and Director and Co-Founder, Susan McKinnon Foundation, has echoed these sentiments.
“Margaret has done an amazing job of building from scratch a previously untested concept in Australia. The McKinnon Institute has already achieved more than we could have hoped for when we established it with Monash four years ago.”
Monash University extends our sincere thanks to Margaret for her excellent leadership and commitment to the McKinnon Institute.
A thorough, expansive search to appoint a new CEO will now begin.