Media releases

 

RSPCA South Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of Marcus Gehrig as the organisation’s new CEO. Mr Gehrig will take over the role from retiring CEO Paul Stevenson next Monday, February 6.

For the past 15 years Mr Gehrig has held senior positions in the not-for-profit sector, most recently as an executive manager with Cara Incorporated (Community Accommodation and Respite Agency) where he led the transformation of the organisation’s intake and customer experience teams while also developing the organisations financial improvement strategies to build business sustainability under the NDIS.

During his seven years as part of the executive team with Minda Incorporated, Mr Gehrig led the transition of the organisation’s customers to NDIS, oversaw the Brighton Dunes retirement development and spearheaded the development’s stage 1 sales and marketing strategy.

RSPCA SA President Rob DiMonte said Mr Gehrig was the standout candidate in a strong field of over 50 applicants, and that his experience as an RSPCA South Australia board director for the past seven years gave him huge insight into how the organisation works and the challenges it faces.

“I’ve worked with Marcus during his seven years as a director and believe he is a very good fit for our culture and approach to animal welfare,” Mr DiMonte said.

“His extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, initiating and driving major commercial, fundraising and marketing initiatives and leading teams through restructures and the implementation of new strategic plans, makes him well-equipped to take the reins at RSPCA SA at this pivotal point.”

Mr Gehrig said his decision to apply for the role stemmed from a long held passion to give a voice to those who need it. Having a young family and a household of animals that are loved, he said he had no hesitation when invited to join the RSPCA SA board.

“My passion for animal welfare grew quickly when I saw the good work being achieved by the organisation, particularly in advocacy, animal adoptions and the inspectorate,” Mr Gehrig said.

“The organisation operates as a movement for positive change in societal attitudes towards animals, and we see every day how much joy each rehomed animal can bring to those who adopt them.”

The changing of the guard is taking place ahead of the organisation’s relocation to a new Animal Care Campus, being built on a prominent corner site within Glenthorne National Park at O’Halloran Hill. Construction is due to begin within weeks, with the new Campus anticipated to open in February next year.

The Campus development has been largely driven by outgoing CEO Paul Stevenson, who is retiring after six years at the helm. Mr Gehrig said he felt honoured to be building on his predecessor’s legacy and leading the organisation through the move to the new Campus, which will incorporate SA’s first dedicated wildlife hospital.

“Paul and the team have done an exceptional job, working tirelessly to bring this wonderful organisation to this point.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to be part of RSPCA’s future as we bring Stepney and Lonsdale together, move into wildlife veterinary care and contribute to the first major review of our state’s Animal Welfare Act in almost 40 years ago.

“I’m inheriting an organisation that’s in great shape to meet the challenges ahead and to continue being the leading voice and advocate for our state’s most vulnerable animals.”