As many of you will be aware, FSC Australia has been pushing forward with appointing a Deputy CEO - Policy over the last couple of months. This role will be pivotal in running the standards development process, coordinating stakeholders and ensuring that submissions are coordinated to FSC International on the many policy issues that are currently being worked through.
The field was extremely tough. We received over 70 applications, telephone screened a dozen and interviewed 3. In the end, it was a unanimous decision of the multi-chamber selection panel and the Board of FSC Australia to appoint Daniel Mackey to the role.
Daniel has spent the last 5 years working with Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand managing stakeholder engagement, building up their scheme and running policy initiatives. In doing so, he is familiar with the work of ISEAL and how that relates to FSC, the role and processes of Accreditation Services International, the role of the organisation in gathering stakeholder input and achieving a consensus position to the International body. He comes with a strong understanding, and belief in the role that voluntary standards schemes like Fairtrade and FSC can play in balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders in responding to the environmental, social and market challenges facing industries and communities.
He is also completing a Masters in Trade and Diplomacy where he has conducted extensive research into the Australian Forest Industry and the Institutional Context for developing norms around best practice and sustainability where FSC is a subject of detailed study, and holds qualifications in International trade, Politics and International Studies.
Daniel will be commencing with us on Monday the 5th of August. This will align with the timing of having our contract with the Commonwealth signed and be putting out expressions of interest for the establishment of the Standards Development Group.
Please join me in welcoming Daniel. After a period of time in getting up to speed, he will be a welcomed addition to our team in Melbourne, and will be of great assistance to members of FSC Australia/FSC International who will be able to access his services as part of their membership. His email address will be dmackey@fscaustralia.org.