SVA Incoming Chair and Board Member

The SVA Board is pleased to announce a new Chair of the Board

At the end of last year, we announced that our Chair, Rob Koczkar, would be stepping down from the SVA Board.

Rob’s current tenure started in 2020, and it was preceded by five years as a director from 2013 and 2018, during which time he was also CEO.

“It has been a privilege,” says Rob.

“Good governance sits at the heart of every effective social purpose organisation. And a good governing body is made up of many things: a balance of skills, diverse perspectives, genuine interest, and a mix of tenure.

“This is how a Board stays innovative. It’s how we do the best job possible for SVA staff, stakeholders and the people and communities we serve.

Today we are pleased to announce that our search for a new Chair has been successful. In September 2026, Ms Melinda Cilento will join the Board to lead the next chapter of innovation and systems-change at SVA.

Melinda is an economist with a wealth of leadership experience in major Australian organisations. Her current roles include Chief Executive at CEDA and Deputy Chair and Non Executive Director of Australian Unity. Previously, she served as Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia, Non-executive director with Woodside Energy, Commissioner at the Productivity Commission, and Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Economist of the Business Council of Australia.

“I’ve no doubt Melinda’s cross-sector fluency will amplify and enhance SVA’s purpose to connect partners across business, government, philanthropy and community, and change systems for good,” says Rob.

Melinda will be joined on the Board by Mr Jesse King.

Jesse is a Waanyi descendent from North-western Queensland who has a passion for education and the opportunities it provides. He built his career through teaching and education roles in regional and remote communities. His current role at the Aurora Education Foundation is centred on evidence-based program delivery, policy reform and improving pathways for Australian First Nations peoples.

Jesse has significant experience in First Nations-focussed organisations and advisory bodies including as the chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance, and as an advisory member with The Smith Family, the Australian Education Research Organisation and ACARA. Jesse will join the Board from September 2026 and will also be joining the SVA First Nations Council.

Jesse’s appointment to the Board follows Chris Harrop’s departure last year at the conclusion of his tenure having served on our Board since 2016.

Robert Fitzgerald AM will likewise retire from the Board at the end of this year, having served since 2017, as will Adam Davids who is moving on to focus on his role as CEO & Managing Director of Career Trackers. Recruitment for their replacements is underway to ensure a period of handover and smooth transition.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Chris, Robert and Adam for their service and for generously volunteering their time and expertise to further SVA’s purpose,” says Rob.

“This is an important time for SVA. With Future Strategy work underway, leadership transitions take on particular significance. “We have ensured a healthy hand-over period between the new and outgoing Directors, and I have no doubt that Melinda and Jesse, together with the continuing Board members, James and our Executive Leadership Team, will ensure continuity of care for the work we do, energised with the fresh perspectives that come with this kind of change.”