VCOSS CEO Emma King announces departure

STATEMENT FROM THE VCOSS BOARD

Victorian Council of Social Service CEO Emma King OAM is stepping down after 10 years at the helm.

Ms King has served as CEO since July 2013, and will continue in the role until early September.

VCOSS Board President Damian Ferrie said Ms King has led the organisation with distinction and made a monumental contribution to Victoria’s social service sector.

“Emma King has been a phenomenal leader in every respect,” he said.

“She has led VCOSS through a period of immense change and growth, led our sector through challenging times, and helped lead public debates on key social issues affecting our state.”

Mr Ferrie highlighted Ms King’s work leading and helping the sector navigate a time of profound social services reform including (but not limited to) education, disability, family violence, mental health and gender equality.  

“Importantly, Emma helped steer the sector through COVID.  At all times, Emma has elevated the workforce challenges and opportunities with government and other stakeholders.”

“Emma is held in the highest regard across the social sector, among VCOSS members and in government because of her tenacity, eloquence, diplomacy and empathy.”

Ms King said she’s both proud and emotional as she prepares to leave VCOSS.

“VCOSS is a dream organisation. You work with the smartest and most values driven people and the best organisations — within and beyond the community services sector — who are committed to achieving real change,” she said.

“It’s been an honour to lead VCOSS for the past decade.”

“As an advocacy organisation, VCOSS is in continuous conversation with governments working to eliminate poverty and disadvantage. I’ve had the privilege of engaging with hard-working political leaders, ministerial staff and public servants throughout the 10 years.”

“It’s been incredible to be part of behind-the-scenes work that is delivering generational change. The reimagining of early childhood education and care is emblematic of the real reform underway in Victoria,” she said.

Prior to joining VCOSS, Ms King was CEO of the Early Learning Association Australia.  In June 2023 she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her service to the community, both as the CEO of VCOSS and through numerous other roles across the community and social sector.

The VCOSS Board will undertake a comprehensive process to appoint a new CEO.