Lange to leave BGF

Bev Lange will move on from the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation after six years as the organisation’s CEO.

Lange will leave the job once a successor has been found and told Star Observer that person would need a combination of “corporate skills and client services — particularly around all the health reform issues that are going to be particularly prevalent over the next couple of years and of course the essential fundraising aspects”.

“I think good leadership and people skills are essential for the role as well,” she said yesterday.

Lange said a recent campaign against the organisation by a small number of serial complainants had not been a factor in her decision to leave.

“That campaign really didn’t change or speed my decision,” Lange said.

“I’ve been in the place now for over six and a half years and I’d been thinking for a little while that it was time to make the next step.

“It’s important for a CEO and I think important for an organisation that people don’t stay around too long, that there is a constant refresh and renewal. I’m looking for that personally and I think it’s a great opportunity for the organisation as well.”

BGF president Martin Walsh thanked BGF on behalf of the organisation.

“On behalf of the board of BGF, I would like to sincerely thank Bev for the vast amount of work she has contributed to the HIV sector in NSW through her work with hundreds of clients over the last six and a half years,” Walsh said.

“Her work in developing new services and policies for PLWHIV, improving the organisation’s operations and augmenting BGF’s funding are well known and much appreciated by the community.

“Bev has been an inspiration to many staff and volunteers within BGF as well as a highly credible public face of the organisation.

“Bev has few peers in terms of her profile across the sector and BGF wishes her well in making the transition to an equally significant role in the future.”