The Helpmann Academy have appointed David McKee AO as the new Chair for the Foundation Board, effective Monday 11 September 2023.
David steps into this role as part of his ongoing support of the Helpmann Academy.
Mark Roderick, Chair, Helpmann Academy Board of Governors said, “I am proud to announce the appointment of Mr David McKee AO as Chair of the Helpmann Academy Foundation Board. David has had a distinguished career and is a prolific supporter of the Arts. He will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. He will be an invaluable advocate and leader for the Helpmann Academy, as we continue our mission to champion emerging South Australian creatives.”
David retired in mid-2011 after a forty-three-year career in stockbroking and finance. He was a member of the Australian Stock Exchange, Director of Morgan Stockbroking, Partner of JBWere and spent the last four years of his career at Macquarie Private Wealth as an Associate Director.
He has a strong association with the arts. David is a current Board Member of the UKARIA Cultural Centre (9 years) and is the Chair of the UKARIA Foundation. He is also a Finance Committee member of Foundation Adelaide Festival, is involved with the Art Gallery of South Australia’s Funds Management Committee, and he is actively involved with Carrick Hill and is a member of their arts committee board.
Previously, David served seven years on the board of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, National Advisory Council for the Australian Chamber Orchestra and six years on the Board of the Art Gallery of South Australia, among other activities.
In 2017 he was recognised as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the community through philanthropic, administrative and voluntary service with social welfare and arts organisations in South Australia.
“I am thrilled to join the Helpmann Academy Foundation Board as Chair – they are an organisation that punches well above their weight, and work tirelessly to ensure that emerging South Australian creatives have access to crucial support. I look forward to working with the organisation, and my fellow Foundation Board members, to continue the significant work of the Helpmann Academy,” said David.
As part of his responsibilities as Chair of the Foundation Board, David also joins the Helpmann Academy Board of Governors.
David takes over from outgoing Chair, Chris Penny.
“The Helpmann Academy acknowledges Chris Penny’s generous support of the organisation as Chair of the Foundation Board from May 2021, and Foundation Board Member since October 2018. During his time as Chair the Helpmann Academy have emerged from the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic into a strong position. I thank him for his commitment and ongoing support of the Helpmann Academy,” said Mark Roderick.
Image: David McKee AO (left) pictured with Top Undergraduate Award 2022 recipient, Miles Farnan at the 2022 Jazz Awards. By Morgan Sette.