The Polly Farmer Foundation has announced the appointment of its new CEO.
Mark Wirtz will take on the role from 28 November 2022.
Mark is well known to the Foundation as he is currently the Group Manager at the Monadelphous Group, one of the Foundation’s key funding partners. Mark has been a school principal at multiple schools, including in the regional and remote communities of Marble Bar, Carnarvon, Port Hedland and Wangkatjungka. His most recent school appointment was as the principal of the Winthrop Primary School in 2017. He has also worked at the WA Department of Education and has extensive experience in the corporate sector at Rio Tinto, Leighton Contractors and Monadelphous.
Mark played a central role in the existing partnership that Monadelphous has in place with the Foundation. He also led the implementation of Monadelphous’ Indigenous Pathways Program, a $4.2m partnership with Rio Tinto and launched the company’s second Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan. The RAP was crucial to achieving in excess of 3% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment for the past three years and spending of over $5m a year on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses, as well as employing over 160 previously unemployed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women through the Commonwealth Government’s Employment Parity Initiative.
“We are delighted to announce Mark’s appointment. Mark will bring significant experience and vision to the CEO role and will be a real asset to the Foundation,” said Polly Farmer Foundation Chair, Mandy Gadsdon. “Mark will be an important part of setting the strategic direction of the Foundation for the next 25 years.”
Mark has been appointed to the role for four years. Anthony Beven will remain in the current role of Project Manager until Mark commences on 28 November 2022.
