Thursday 26 May 2022
Emeritus Professor Lesley Head FASSA FAHA, President of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, today announced the resignation of long-serving Executive Director, Dr Christina (Tina) Parolin, effective November 25, 2022.
“Our long-serving and much-loved Executive Director, Tina Parolin, has decided to resign effective 25 November 2022. I am happy for Tina that she has chosen to focus on the next phase of her life and career,” said Emeritus Professor Head. “Tina leaves the Academy in good shape with a new team in place, a dynamic and supportive Council, and mid-way through a robust Strategic Plan.”
Dr Parolin said, “It has been an incredibly stimulating, challenging and immensely rewarding position. The decision to resign has been exceptionally difficult as I have cherished my time with the Academy. I feel remarkably privileged to have had the Academy’s trust and faith to lead this remarkable institution with the vital mandate of advocating for the humanities. I feel the time is right to hand over to a new Executive Director with new ideas and new energy, as I feel I have achieved much of what I set out to do.”
Dr Parolin has been with the Academy for 14 years and has held the role of Executive Director for the past 12 years. Dr Parolin’s achievements in the role are many, including successfully securing the $1.65-million funding for the establishment of ‘A New Approach’ program, the fostering and strengthening of the relationship with the Chinese Academy of the Social Sciences, and the development and implementation of the Academy’s 2020-25 Strategic Plan.
Dr Parolin’s collaborative leadership style has earned her the respect of successive Academy Presidents and Council members, Learned Academies in Australia and abroad, the Academy’s 700-strong Fellowship and the Secretariat, and has been central to building the Academy’s reputation as a trusted and credible voice for the humanities in Australia.
Dr Parolin said, “I’m genuinely not sure what’s next for me, but it’s time for some new challenges – after having a good long break in the first half of next year!”
Recruitment for the role of Executive Director will begin in the coming months.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Director of Communications and Engagement
Carli Ratcliff
carli.ratcliff@humanities.org.au / 0407 438 002
