Jacqueline So reports for Australasian Lawyer.
McKernan commences her term in April. She succeeds Joanna Shulman, who served as RLC CEO for 12 years.
“Katherine brings to the centre significant expertise and strategic nous in a range of important areas that align with RLC’s core values and work, and – most importantly – an innate passion to support people facing disadvantage and vulnerability,” board chair Kerry O’Brien said in a media release.
McKernan has significant social justice experience, having led Homelessness NSW as chief executive for seven years. She also took on leadership roles at NSW Health and the Department of Family and Community Services, focusing on policy and strategy.
O’Brien praised Shulman’s contributions to the RLC during her time at the helm.
“Jo leaves RLC in a formidable position. RLC has more staff and pro bono volunteers on our books than ever before, which is a direct result of Jo’s leadership in diversifying the centre’s funding portfolio to include a mix of corporate, government and philanthropic sources,” O’Brien said. “During her tenure, Jo has forged many long-lasting partnerships, and has championed RLC’s proud tradition of identifying legal need and plugging gaps in the legal assistance available to create lasting change.”
Read the full article. (Australasian Lawyer, 10 March 2022)
Read the full statement from the RLC Board here.