Ms Jodie Sizer has been appointed Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) after Professor Michael McDaniel announced his resignation.
Ms Sizer is a Djap Wurrung/Gunditjmara woman, and part of the Framlingham Community of South West Victoria. She is one of the Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of PwC’s Indigenous Consulting, a Director on the Boards of Wathaurong Glass and Arts, the Ebony Institute and the Collingwood Football Club, and has been an AIATSIS Council Member since 2015. Ms Sizer will be only the second female Chairperson of the Institute after Professor Marcia Langton held the role from 1992 to 1998.
Ms Sizer said she is looking forward to progressing the goals of AIATSIS as Chairperson.
“It is a great honour to be appointed as Chairperson and to keep working with the AIATSIS Council and staff in achieving the Institute’s vision,” Ms Sizer said.
“On behalf of the Council, I thank Professor McDaniel for his leadership as we embark on a range of exciting initiatives supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural resurgence and extending our reach to the nation and the world to engage in our stories.”
Ms Sizer brings a wealth of experience to the role of AIATSIS Chairperson, having worked in Indigenous organisations and government. She was an ATSIC Regional Councillor, a finalist in the Telstra Business Women of the Year award, listed in the Australian Women's Who's Who publication, inducted on the Victorian Women's Honour roll, recipient of the Prime Minister’s Centenary medal and listed as one of the Australian Financial Review's 100 Women of Influence.
Ms Sizer’s appointment comes as former Chairperson, Professor Michael McDaniel, announced his resignation from AIATSIS to focus on his significant roles at UTS as the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Indigenous Leadership and Engagement and the Director, Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research.
AIATSIS CEO Craig Ritchie said AIATSIS is indebted to Professor McDaniel for his forward-thinking leadership at a critical point of the Institute’s history.
“It was with great regret that I received the news of Professor McDaniel’s resignation. It is not a decision he has taken lightly,” Mr Ritchie said.
“On behalf of the AIATSIS community, I sincerely thank Professor McDaniel for his time on the Council, shaping the strategy of the Institute and stewarding the Institute through its transition to a more publicly engaged and outwardly focused cultural institution.
“We wish Professor McDaniel all the best for the future and know that he will remain a great friend and ally of AIATSIS.”
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