Australian of the Year

The National Australia Day Council (NADC) has appointed Carrie-Ann Leeson as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ms Leeson will commence on 27 July 2026.

Ms Leeson brings more than two decades of executive leadership across nationally significant not-for-profit and community organisations, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Lifeline Canberra. She has extensive experience stewarding trusted national organisations, leading partnerships, governance and community engagement and a strong commitment to inclusion and reconciliation.

Ms Leeson holds an Executive MBA from QUT, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Chair Nikki Govan AM said the Board was delighted to welcome Ms Leeson, and thanked Interim CEO Todd Ashurst who stepped into the organisation to guide the transition to a new permanent CEO. 

“Carrie-Ann Leeson is a trusted and collaborative leader with a deep commitment to the values at the heart of the NADC’s work. She has spent her career stewarding trusted national organisations, and the Board is delighted to welcome her,” Ms Govan said. 

“I also want to thank Todd Ashurst, whose steady leadership as Interim CEO supported continuity across the organisation and ensured a smooth transition to Carrie-Ann as permanent CEO.”

The NADC is the not-for-profit, Australian Government-owned organisation responsible for the Australian of the Year Awards and Australia Day, working with a network of State and Territory organisations to help all Australians reflect, respect and celebrate.