Ms Eva Skira AM has been appointed as a Commissioner and Chair-elect of the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA), replacing Bunbury Bishop Gerard Holohan DD, who retires Friday 3 June 2022.
“It is a great privilege to be appointed Chair of CECWA, particularly at such a pivotal time for education and the broader community,” Ms Skira said.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be guided by the knowledge and wisdom of Bishop Holohan, whose chairmanship of CECWA has been much admired. I believe Catholic schools make a significant contribution to Western Australia and I look forward to working with Dr Debra Sayce, the Executive of CEWA, and CECWA to further the important endeavours of Catholic education in Western Australia.
“One of the main things that Catholic education offers is a very deep understanding of what it really means to be a Catholic, it underpins the whole moral framework of how we live our lives, our code of conduct, our integrity,” Ms Skira explained.
“Catholic education is about understanding and recognising the importance of faith at an individual, micro, and macro community level. It’s one of the things that motivates me, Catholic education in schools is an incredibly powerful means of formation and I feel a great sense of calling to this role.”
Bishop Holohan has served as Chair since 2013 and will be retiring not just as Chair of CECWA, but also from his role as Bishop of the Bunbury Diocese.
He has welcomed the appointment of Ms Skira, affirming her wealth of leadership experience and commercial acumen, as well as a strong personal belief in Christ-centred education.
A Member of the Order of Australia, Ms Skira joins CECWA after a distinguished career in governance and finance, including many significant non-executive board appointments (across a range of industries) such as, Director at Western Power, Chair of Macmahon Holdings, Deputy Chair of the Board and Chair of Trustees at St John of God Healthcare Group, Chair of the Water Corporation and Deputy Chancellor of Murdoch University.
She is also a Member of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia.
“Eva brings to CECWA her experience of leadership, a deep understanding of governance in the not for profit and business sector, and a personal commitment to serving for-purpose organisations aligned to her vibrant Catholic faith,” said Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, in his role as Chair of Members of Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA).
“The Bishops of Western Australia considered the skills, attributes and education sector knowledge considered important for the role. In addition to demonstrated expertise leading a large, complex governance environment, the Bishops and CECWA sought an individual with a personal commitment to the mission of Catholic education and experience in organisational improvement in a Catholic organisation.”