I am delighted to announce that following an extensive search Greg Leach AFSM has been appointed by the Victorian Government as the new Chief Executive Officer for CFA.
Greg brings deep emergency management expertise to the role, with a career spanning more than three decades working across senior leadership roles in four emergency services agencies in both Victoria and Queensland (Ambulance Victoria, Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Victoria State Emergency Service).
Greg is a current member of the Board of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Council (AFAC).
Greg started his service with CFA as a volunteer in 1978, before commencing in 1988 in a staff position in Bendigo. During his time with CFA, he performed various operational roles including Operations Manager (Regional Officer) and Manager, Structural Fire Planning.
From these very early days Greg has had a passion for supporting volunteers in the vital work they do in protecting the community.
Since October 2023, Greg Leach has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the VICSES. In this capacity, he has been instrumental in championing a significant health, safety, and wellbeing program to support the mental and physical health of SES volunteers and staff as well as overseeing a review of the VICSES Operating Model.
I know that Greg is very excited by the prospect of returning to CFA to continue the ongoing program of work to ensure CFA is a great place to volunteer and work, and a contemporary, progressive emergency service.
On behalf of the Board, I would also like to acknowledge and thank Robyn Harris for so ably fulfilling the role of Interim CEO since 1 August while the search for the substantive CEO was undertaken.
It has been a great pleasure to work closely with her during this time and I am very grateful to her, Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and the full executive team for their ongoing professionalism and dedication which has supported a smooth transition.
Greg will commence in the role on 18 November 2024.
Jo Plummer
CFA Chair