Courage to Care appoints first CEO
Coinciding with celebrating the 125,000th student attending B’nai B’rith Courage to Care Victoria’s educational exhibition and program, the organisation has appointed their first CEO, Mike Zervos.
Mike Zervos
The Courage to Care travelling exhibition and its associated educational program exposes visitors and participants, particularly students, to the stories of the actions of those who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust. Using these experiences as a model, participants are challenged to consider their own attitudes to prejudice, discrimination, racism and bullying. The inspirational stories and messages empower people not to be bystanders when they see injustice in society today.
Mike said he was particularly drawn to Courage to Care’s mission of informing and educating on the dangers of prejudice, racism and bullying. “I’ve been so impressed with the passion and professionalism of what I’ve seen so far, and I’m proud and honoured to be part of this organisations’ future growth and success.” Mike reflected on how well the organisation has reached into schools and the broader communityas well as its recent expansion into adult education, with sessions currently being run at the Victoria Police Academy.
Mike has had extensive experience in the not-for-profit sectorhaving spent the last 16 years in leadership roles at Make a Wish Foundation, Alannah and Madeline Foundationand Guide Dogs Victoria. He was pivotal in the growth and reach of Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s programs in schools. He is a qualified CPA with a corporate career both in Australia and internationally. His focus will be on strategic direction and raising the profile of the organisation.
Courage to Care is reliant on philanthropy and volunteering, without which the organisation could not do the important work it does. Dr Tony Weldon, Courage to Care Victoria’s chairman said that ‘”Principal Partner Gandel Philanthropy along with the Victorian Department of Education & Training and numerous other donors, large and small, our volunteers and the support of our parent body, B’nai B’rith, have all been pivotal to the success of Courage to Care to date. However, this next leap forward is key to the organisation’s growth.”
Mike Zervos is a marathon runner, currently in training for this year’s Melbourne marathon. He has the determination to drive things forward. “I am confident that by communicating the importance of our work, we will gain support. This will be a real team effort.”
Courage to Care will soon move into new, more spacious premises.
If you would like to find out more about Courage to Care, in particular how you can offer support through volunteering in a range of essential roles or donating please contact Mike Zervos directly on 0412 319 156 or [email protected]
