Craig Ritchie The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies’ (AIATSIS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Craig Ritchie, a Dhungutti/Biripi man, as its new Deputy Chief Executive Officer from Tuesday 26 April, 2016. AIATSIS CEO Russell Taylor AM said he is very pleased to welcome Craig to the position and looks forward to working with him in the new role. “Craig comes to us from a senior executive role in the Federal Department of Education and Training and is well known to AIATSIS in this capacity. During this time he has always been an advocate of the Institute,” said Mr Russell. “Craig’s credentials are extensive and we are very pleased he joins us to share his wealth of knowledge and experience. He has provided significant leadership in the broader whole-of-government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs.” As a senior public servant Craig has been responsible for major systemic reform initiatives including remote primary health care service delivery, place-based community development and leadership of the Government’s Indigenous higher education agenda. Craig said he is very excited about starting this next chapter in his career. “I’ve been involved with AIATSIS at arms-length for a number of years now, and I’m excited to be working with the Council and Executive, strengthening our role, nationally and globally, as a place where Indigenous knowledge and culture is recognised, respected and valued,” Craig said. Born and raised in rural New South Wales, Craig was the first in his family to go to University. Craig has held senior positions at AWABAKAL Newcastle Aboriginal Co-operative, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), ACT Health, the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and the Australian Government Department of Education. Media Release (PDF 131 KB) Media enquiries: Commsmedia@aiatsis.gov.au