PFRA Interim CEO Announcement

Christy Spenle

Dear Members,

I am very pleased to share that Christy Spenle has been appointed as Interim CEO of the PFRA and will commence in the role on Monday 17 August.

Many of you will already know Christy through her long-standing involvement in the fundraising sector and her service on the PFRA Board from 2023 to 2026. During her time as a Director, Christy made a significant contribution to Board discussions, our recent Strategy 2030 development, and her role on the Member and Stakeholder Committee, bringing thoughtful insight, practical judgement, and a commitment to strengthening the face-to-face fundraising sector.

Christy brings more than 26 years of experience across Australia and the UK, having worked on both the charity and supplier sides of fundraising. This breadth of experience gives her a unique understanding of the opportunities, challenges and perspectives across our membership. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation as a passionate advocate for ethical, effective fundraising and for the important role that face-to-face fundraising continues to play in helping charities build sustainable supporter relationships.

Having served on the PFRA Board, Christy already has a detailed understanding of our organisation, our members, our strategic priorities and the issues facing the sector. She joins the role with strong existing relationships across our membership and a deep appreciation of the work being done by both charities and agencies to maintain and grow this important fundraising channel.

What stood out throughout the appointment process was Christy’s commitment to collaboration, her practical approach to problem-solving, and her genuine enthusiasm for supporting both members and the sector more broadly. She has long been an advocate of the role the PFRA plays, and shares the Board’s commitment to ensuring the organisation continues to support a strong, sustainable and trusted face-to-face fundraising industry.

The Board is delighted to welcome Christy into the Interim CEO role and we look forward to working with her over the coming months.

Christy is looking forward to reconnecting with many of you and meeting others for the first time in her new capacity. Members can contact her directly via christy.spenle@pfra.org.au or 0499006767, and she welcomes the opportunity to hear your feedback, understand your priorities and discuss how the PFRA can continue to support members and advocate for a strong, sustainable and trusted face-to-face fundraising sector.

As the Board continues the recruitment process for a permanent CEO, we are confident that the organisation is in excellent hands. Christy’s deep understanding of the PFRA, combined with her passion for the sector and commitment to our members, will help ensure continuity, momentum and a strong focus on the priorities that matter most to our community.

Please join me in welcoming Christy into the role and in supporting her as she leads the organisation through this important period.

Kind regards,
Jenny Kearney
Board Chair, Public Fundraising Regulatory Association

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