Wendy McCarthy

Contact Wendy McCarthy

Wendy McCarthy has broken many glass ceilings on her professional journey from the classroom to the boardroom. She has assumed many major leadership roles in both the public and private sector and has been an active change agent in women's health, education, broadcasting, conservation and heritage.

Wendy's senior executive and non-executive positions have included:

• CEO, Family Planning Association of Australia (1979-84)

• Member, National Women's Advisory Council (1978-81)

• Commissioner, NSW Education Commission (1981-83)

• Member, NSW Higher Education Board (1980-83)

• General Manager, Australian Bicentennial Authority (1985-89)

• Deputy Chair, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1983-91)

• Chair, National Better Health Program (1989-92)

• CEO, National Trust of Australia, NSW (1990-93)

• Chair, Australian Heritage Commission (1995-98)

• Chair, Clean-Up Australia Environment Foundation (1996-98)

• Director, Star City Pty Ltd (1994-99)

In 1995 Wendy left line management and established Women's Business which consults to major corporations on managing change and diversity.

In addition to her portfolio of clients she holds the following positions:

• Chancellor, University of Canberra

• Executive Director, Women's Business and McCarthy Management Pty Ltd

• Chair, The Look of the City Committee, Sydney City Council

• Chair, Plan International Australia

• Chair, Wik Ed

• Trustee, Adelaide Festival Centre Trust

• Member, Plan International Board

• Member, Olympic Urban Design Review Panel and Olympic Public Art Committee

• Member, Australian Advertising Standards Board

• Member, Sydney Symphony Orchestra Council

• Member, Advisory Committee WHO Kobe Centre

• Member, North Limited, Environment, Health and Safety Advisory Committee

Wendy has represented Australia internationally at conferences on health promotion, broadcasting, media, family planning and women's issues. In 1994 she was one of 100 Australian women leaders chosen to attend the Australian ASEAN Women Leaders Conference in Singapore, and in 1995 was contracted to train those attending the UN Women's Summit in Beijing.

Wendy has published four books and written numerous articles on various aspects of Australian life. In 1989 she became an Officer of the Order of Australia, and in 1996 she received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of South Australia.