Chief Executive Officer Nina Cullen departing IPAA Victoria

Since May 2021, Nina Cullen has led IPAA Victoria and championed the public purpose sector through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic to a new era of innovation, sustainability and transformation.  

Under Ms Cullen’s leadership, IPAA Victoria has strengthened its position as a true provider and partner to Victoria’s public purpose sector to deliver a program of sought-after, relevant and much-needed events, programs and thought leadership initiatives, including the International Women’s Day Gala Dinner, the Uncle Reg and Aunty Walda Blow Oration, the Leadership in the Public Sector Awards and the COVID 19 Top 50 (80) Public Sector Women Awards.

Ms Cullen reflected on her time at the helm and commented that she truly enjoyed deeply connecting with leaders and professionals in the public sector, upholding values of professionalism, integrity and pride, and championing treaty, truth and voice, mental health and wellbeing, and diversity and inclusion.   

I am incredibly proud of IPAA Victoria’s achievements over the past two and a half years. IPAA Victoria is a public purpose organisation representing and supporting the people of the sector, they are at the heart of everything we do.

Nina Cullen, Chief Executive Officer, IPAA Victoria

‘I am incredibly proud of IPAA Victoria’s achievements over the past two and a half years. IPAA Victoria is a public purpose organisation representing and supporting the people of the sector, they are at the heart of everything we do. We aim to be future-focused and ahead of the curve to deliver meaningful resources and opportunities for our members,’ said Ms Cullen. 

Ms Cullen thanked the IPAA Victoria staff for their commitment to supporting the sector and their teamwork and compassion for one another through some of the most challenging but also fun times.  

 ‘It is the small, dedicated team that truly makes IPAA Victoria what it is.’

In 2023, IPAA Victoria launched three Strategic Themes to address complex challenges, promote diversity of thought, build capabilities and celebrate achievements across the public purpose sector. 

IPAA Victoria President John Bradley said Ms Cullen had brought exceptional leadership and energy to IPAA Victoria while CEO, elevating the organisation’s reputation and its ability to provide value to the public sector and its public purpose partners.  

The IPAA Victoria Board is very thankful to Nina for her tremendous contribution. Her leadership has brought our sector together, to support, inspire and collaborate with each other while building capability.

John Bradley, President, IPAA Victoria

‘The IPAA Victoria Board is very thankful to Nina for her tremendous contribution. Her leadership has brought our sector together, to support, inspire and collaborate with each other while building capability,’ Mr Bradley said.    

Nina Cullen’s last contribution is to support IPAA Victoria’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 22 November 2023. Nina Cullen’s last day is Thursday 23 November 2023. 

Recruitment for a new Chief Executive Officer is underway. IPAA Victoria is confident the right candidate will be selected to lead the organisation into a new chapter.