Vinnies SA welcomes new CEO Evelyn O'Loughlin

The St Vincent de Paul Society SA (Vinnies) has announced the appointment of Evelyn O’Loughlin to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Ms O’Loughlin joins the organisation from an executive role at disability support organisation Orana, however she will be more familiar to the South Australian community as the former long-serving CEO of Volunteering SA&NT.

Ms O’Loughlin will commence at Vinnies on 5 September 2022.

‘I am delighted to be joining the St Vincent de Paul Society. I have enormous respect for the Vinnies team and what they achieve year after year in serving vulnerable South Australians. This role aligns perfectly with my experience and personal values, and importantly,  my resolve to take an active part in the creation of a more just and compassionate society,’ Ms O’Loughlin said.

‘Throughout my career, whether in paid positions or voluntary Board or other volunteer roles, I have been committed to serving those who are most vulnerable in our community to make real, impactful changes to their lives.

’I look forward to joining  Vinnies and continuing the great work being done to tackle disadvantage, homelessness and to support people in need across South Australia. 

‘It is confronting to know that in 2022 one-in-six children are living in poverty and great disadvantage persists, especially in regional and remote communities. I am very keen to get out over coming months and meet those we support, as well as Vinnies volunteers, staff and stakeholders.

‘I look forward to developing new and existing relationships and partnerships with local businesses, government stakeholders and community organisations, to ensure the viability of our crucial work.’

St Vincent de Paul Society SA State President Brad Hocking welcomed Ms O’Loughlin to the role, and said he was looking forward to working with her to amplify the organisation’s positive impact on the lives of South Australians experiencing disadvantage and homelessness.

‘Evelyn has broad experience across a range of sectors and is a proven networker and influencer. As Vinnies is a volunteer-led organisation comprising more than 2,500 volunteers, Evelyn’s understanding of how to leverage the impact of a volunteer workforce will be instrumental to our ability to meet the growing demand for services in an environment that is seeing rising costs of living and ballooning rental prices.

'We are delighted to have her on board.’

Mr Hocking also paid tribute to Michelle Kemp, the organisation’s Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of Corporate Services, who has been serving as interim CEO since September 2021 when former CEO Louise Miller-Frost left the organisation to pursue a political career.

'Michelle stepped up at short notice and during a difficult period, with the ongoing effects of COVID and other factors continuing to impact our operations and demand for services.

'I thank Michelle for her significant contribution to the organisation and the people we serve,' Mr Hocking said.

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Media contact:

Jo Dinnison ph 0419 940 721 or email media@svdpsa.org.au