Petra Buchanan Steps Down As CEO

McGrath Foundation today announced that CEO Petra Buchanan is stepping down from her role, having successfully positioned the organsiation for growth over the next decade.

Petra’s key achievements include double digit revenue growth, increased funding, renewal of the Federal Government’s financial commitment, and launching a new look for the Foundation.

“We celebrated the first ten years of the Foundation in 2015 and since then, under my leadership, the charity has been set on a solid path for the next decade,” said Petra.

John C Conde AO, Chairman, said “Petra has been the driver of our renewal over the past three years and we are very sad to lose her.”

“During her time as CEO she has increased the financial performance of the organisation and significantly increased the placement of McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across the country to support families affected by breast cancer. Revenue has grown at eight times the industry average, enabling 16 more McGrath Breast Care Nurses to be placed since 2014,” he said.

Glenn McGrath AM, Co-Founder and President, said “Petra’s marketing and communications expertise has added significantly to the organisation. She has positioned the Foundation at the pinnacle of charities, with the re-branding also bringing a fresh, digital approach to how we engage supporters and create awareness for McGrath Breast Care Nurses.”

Petra thanked Glenn and John and the Board for their support, noting the talented and professional team at the Foundation who will continue to progress the mission of the organisation.

“Now is an appropriate time for me to leave the McGrath Foundation, knowing that the organisation is in a strong financial position that will help to carry on the legacy of Jane McGrath and her desire to support patients and families through the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis. I leave the McGrath Foundation in great shape with a plan to return to the corporate sector. It’s been an honour to contribute to this important cause and to bring a corporate perspective and tools to the not-for-profit sector,” Petra said.

Achievements

Petra Buchanan joined the Foundation in 2014 and in less than three years has achieved a number of significant results including:

16% revenue growth in FY16/17
Created new revenue streams including generating 9,000 extra regular givers committed to monthly donations
Renewal of the Commonwealth Government grant for $20.5m for four years (2017-2021)
Placement of 16 new nurses across the country, five of which are metastatic focused on supporting patients with secondary breast cancer
Rebranding the organisation to enhance its position and reinforce the McGrath Breast Care Nurse focus; increased ranking in AMR Charity Reputation Index to seventh place nationally and ranking in top five of GiveEasy Innovation Index
Achieved highest fundraising amount in nine-year history of the Sydney Pink Test of more than half a million dollars (January 2017)
Shining a light on breast cancer at Sydney Vivid 2016
Board expansion, to include two new directors.

Related articles