The Board of Body Positive is pleased to announce that Mark Fisher has been appointed to the role of Executive Director to replace current CEO Bruce Kilmister who is retiring.
Mark is a highly regarded and hugely capable leader with significant experience internationally in the HIV sector. Before moving to New Zealand in 2013 Mark was a Director at The Ontario HIV Treatment Network in Toronto Canada for 8 years and prior to that spent 10 years working at Ontario Public Health Laboratory.
Mark comments: “I want to make a significant difference in the field of HIV in terms of advancing treatment and care and quality of life of people living with HIV and in the awareness and prevention of new infections. I utilize my background in technology and passion for the HIV Community to manifest change. Being grounded in the public health and not-for-profit sector I rise to the challenge of working within limited budgets whilst making a significant impact that is soundly based on scientific evidence and community values. Where I excel is crafting solutions and solving challenges”.
Mark’s appointment comes as the organisation is midway through its current strategic plan and provides Body Positive with an opportunity to continue refining its services including the provision of contemporary advocacy and support initiatives to people living with HIV in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Ashley Barratt, Body Positive’s Chairperson, says the Board is delighted to be able to secure Mark’s services to continue the important work with Body Positive provides for people living the HIV across the country. The Board also wishes to acknowledge the continuing support for Body Positive from those across the HIV-positive community and our support partners, especially our core funder the Ministry of Health, and also from other agencies across the HIV sector including the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Positive Women and INA (Maori, Indigenous and South Pacific HIV/AIDS Foundation).
The Board acknowledges the enormous contribution that Bruce Kilmister has made to the HIV Positive community through his role as CEO of Body Positive. Ashley comments: “Bruce has worked tirelessly for the HIV community over the last 20 years and is greatly admired for his ability to assist the community at a personal level as well as working with government and sector organisations”.
Mark takes up the role of Executive Director on 1 December, express magazine will have an interview with outgoing CEO Bruce Kilmister in December’s issue.
Article | Levi Joule
