‘A privilege’: Executive Director to leave ALWS in 2022

Jamie Davies, Executive Director of Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS), says it has been a privilege to shepherd the organisation through some exciting changes for more than three years. She will be leaving ALWS early next year.

The six-month transition period will allow her to complete some critical projects with the team, including re-accreditation and operational planning in line with the organisation’s new strategic directions. The lead time will also smooth the path for Jamie’s successor.

In making the announcement last week, ALWS Board chair, Jodie Hoff, paid tribute to Jamie’s leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Jamie’s input and involvement across the wider LCANZ, Lutheran World Federation, and with our fellow sector partners, has added further to ALWS’ contribution in reaching out to the forgotten’, she said.

‘Her passion for ALWS, our church and the most marginalised and forgotten people in the world has been a blessing, building on the strong foundations laid by her predecessors, and starting with her contributions as an ALWS Board Advisor from 2012.’

Born and educated in the USA, Jamie has worked in the aid and development sector for much of her adult life, including in some of the world’s most challenging countries.

‘Although my heart breaks when I see the poverty and injustice suffered by the people we reach together, I am humbled to see the Aussie and Kiwi Lutheran family bringing love to life in places and times of great challenge’, she says.

‘You’ve made my heart for ALWS grow bigger and bigger with your outpourings of love for all those doing it tough, especially during the pandemic. And I am so proud of the talented ALWS team.’

While there is still much work to be done before she leaves, Jamie is already looking forward to spending time with her elderly father in the USA, once borders re-open, ‘and seeing where God leads me next’.