Philanthropy Australia CEO and Ladder Director, Sarah Davies has been recognised in the 2020 Australia Day Honours List as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Sarah was recognised for her significant service to the community through a range of executive roles.

In addition to her current role at Philanthropy Australia, Sarah serves on the Boards of Ladder, the Centre for Social Impact and Kids Undercover. Sarah was the CEO of Reach from 2011 – 2015 and prior to this, was the CEO of the Australian Communities Foundation.

Ladder CEO Stephanie De Campo congratulated Sarah on her appointment.

“I am thrilled to see Sarah recognised in the Australia Day Honours. She’s an inspiring, generous and values-based leader who is so deserving of this honour.

“Sarah is a champion in our sector and has provided great leadership and through a number of roles, contributed greatly to our community. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work alongside Sarah in her capacity as a Ladder Director,” Ms De Campo said.

Sarah spoke to Pro Bono Australia following the announcement. 

“It is wonderful to be seen, but what is even more meaningful for me is that the things that matter to me have also been seen as mattering to all of us,” Davies shared with ProBono Australia.

“I think that the growing awareness of the powerhouse nature of our not-for-profit and community sector and of philanthropy is just so exciting.

“As a sector we are 10 per cent of Australia’s workforce, plus another 3.6 million volunteers, we are about 8 per cent of GDP, and so seeing through this formal recognition program, all of the people that dedicate their energy and their time and their resources to positive change and overall progressing of public good is just marvellous. That I find so inspiring,” Ms Davies said.

Image courtesy of The Australian.