Sunshine Coast local Paul Mergard has been named the new chief executive officer of Transform Cambodia, an Australian-founded international child development organisation.
Mr Mergard brings more than 25 years of experience in international aid and development, having previously held leadership roles with Destiny Rescue Australia, The Salvation Army and Compassion Australia, and worked as an accountant with KPMG.
Transform Cambodia was founded in 2006 and works with children who are living in poverty in the Southeast Asian country, providing access to schooling, health care, English lessons, life skills and mentoring while keeping them with their families.
Founder Mark Patterson said the appointment was the culmination of a long search.
“Our board has been searching for the right person to step into this key role for some years, and we are delighted to welcome Paul,” he said.
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Reflecting on his new role, Mr Mergard said the work of the organisation was deeply inspiring.
“Standing in a room last month with 350 high school graduates who have spent the past 13 years at Transform was inspiring,” he said.
“To think that these articulate, smart and passionate young people started life as street children and now 90 per cent of them are off to university is a credit to the impact Transform Cambodia has had on their lives. It proves that your situation does not prophecy your future.
“In all my years working in international development, I have never seen such remarkable transformation in the lives of children. I look forward to connecting with Australian supporters to share more about this life-changing work.”
This year, more than 300 students graduated Year 12 through Transform Cambodia, many overcoming poverty, family breakdown and loss to complete their schooling.
