We announce our Chief Executive Officer Dr John Davis has made the decision to resign his position at Stronger Smarter Institute to pursue his own academic and community interests.

Dr Davis was instrumental in the establishment of the Research and Impact division at the Institute, prior to his appointment as CEO in 2019.

Dr Davis has positioned SSI well with various positive media forums and rebuilt important relationships with stakeholders and Alumni.

He led the Institute through the many challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.  His leadership throughout this difficult and complex period ensured we maintained our position and strong connection to stakeholders.

Whilst moving on, we will remain connected to Dr Davis and enjoying seeing what the future brings for him in his future endeavours.

Mr Ken Riddiford has been appointed CEO at the Stronger Smarter Institute, from 1 March 2022.  Dr Davis will remain at SSI until Friday 18 March 2022 to ensure a smooth transition for our new CEO.

Mr Riddiford is an experienced Director and leader, with over 30 years of experience working at the Senior Management and CEO level in a variety of settings and systems including government, not for profit and the private sectors. He has been committed to representing the views and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, at every level of management.

Mr Riddiford’s most recent role as Founder and Director of Constructing Futures; building strong foundations, resulted in him working with a vast array of businesses and organisations to align their activity with their strategy, to minimise risk, unlock value and to maximise sustainability. Further, Mr Riddiford brings his extensive experience and success in the governance and compliance space.

Mr Ken Riddiford has strong ties to the Stronger Smarter Institute, as a key community member leading the project [Impact with Indigenous Education] run in partnership with Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation in 2019. On program reflection he said, “The program honours our ancestors and present Elders who have resided upon and maintained this land over millennia. The Impact with Indigenous Education program will help ensure that the Taribelang Bunda thrive into the future as we did in the Dreamtime.”

We welcome Mr Riddiford’s leadership and wealth of cultural knowledge, which will only strengthen the great work undertaken by the Stronger Smarter Institute.

– Board, Stronger Smarter Institute