Crime Stoppers Australia Board member, Dr Vince Hughes, is the new Chair of Crime Stoppers Australia, following the not-for-profit’s Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 25th November 2021.
Dr Hughes takes over from Ms Diana Forrester, who made history as the first woman in the national leadership role when she was appointed in May 2019.
In welcoming Dr Hughes to the key strategic position, retiring National Chair, Diana Forrester, said Crime Stoppers was set to greatly benefit from his strong networks and experience across the law enforcement sector, government and public service.
“Vince has already proved himself to be a significant contributor as a member of the Crime Stoppers Australia Board, so having him commit to the pivotal role of National Chair brings a new dynamic at what is the start of an exciting next phase in our ongoing evolution,” Ms Forrester said.
“His strategic input, wise counsel and extensive leadership experience is invaluable, and his integrity, vision, passion and commitment to a safer Australia mirrors Crime Stoppers’ core values,” she said.
Dr Hughes welcomed his elevation on the Board of the highly-trusted not-for-profit organisation and praised the contributions of retiring Chair, Diana Forrester.
“Diana leaves Crime Stoppers Australia as a much better organisation because of her significant commitment during her two and a half years as Chair. Under her leadership we have secured significant Commonwealth funding for a range of important national and state-based initiatives, strengthened relationships with key partners and kindred organisations, and we have considerably enhanced our governance and branding,” he said.
“The Crime Stoppers Australia Board is committed to working more closely with younger people and those from diverse cultural backgrounds, and opportunities to embrace new and emerging technologies to engage with the community to encourage them to share what they know about unsolved crime and suspicious activity.”
Dr Hughes will continue to work as Chief Executive Officer of Crime Stoppers in Western Australia in addition to his volunteer duties as National Chair. He has held senior public sector roles at the Public Sector Commission, WA Police, Corruption and Crime Commission and the National Crime Authority. Prior to this he was a police officer in the Republic of Ireland and has published papers in knowledge management and intelligence.
Dr Hughes is a certified CEO through the CEO Institute and was recently credentialled as a Fellow of the International Institute of Directors and Managers
