Cerebral Palsy Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Buchanan as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, taking over from Paul Masi after a decade of visionary leadership.
The appointment was confirmed at this month’s meeting of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Board, where Paul Masi announced his decision to stand down, ending his eight-year tenure as Chair.
During his tenure, Paul oversaw a period of significant growth and change, navigating the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and overseeing the expansion of Cerebral Palsy Alliance into the global centre of expertise for cerebral palsy.
While stepping back from his Board role, Paul will maintain a close connection with Cerebral Palsy Alliance, where his daughter Grace has been a life-long client.
In being unanimously appointed as the new Chairperson, Andrew Buchanan continues a decades-long association with Cerebral Palsy Alliance stretching back more than 70 years, when he received support and services as an infant.
Andrew has been a director of Cerebral Palsy Alliance since 2010, Deputy Chair since 2017 and has served as Chair of the Research Committee and Chair of the Fundraising Committee, as well as taking an active role as mentor and supporter of young disability advocates through activist community, CPActive.
“Paul has been a powerful advocate for people with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities and their families. He has been instrumental in bringing the vision of CPA to life – a world of opportunity for people with cerebral palsy and their families. I’m proud to further this legacy and continue the important work,” said Buchanan.
Andrew has been a prominent voice in the disability sector, having served as the Chair of the Disability Council of NSW from 2003-2011. He is also an accomplished corporate leader with more than 40 years’ experience in broadcasting, communication and media. He is currently Principal of AB Communicates and was previously General Manager of Local Radio at the ABC.
“For more than 75 years, our mission has been informed by the lived experience of people with disabilities and their families. I look forward to ensuring this vital perspective remains at the heart of everything we do across the full scale of Cerebral Palsy Alliance – from services and advocacy to research and technology innovation.”
The Board has also unanimously appointed experienced marketing executive John Sintras as Deputy Chair of Cerebral Palsy Alliance. John returned to the Board in 2018, having previously served as Director between 2009-2016. He brings invaluable lived experience as the parent of Lia, who has cerebral palsy and is a Cerebral Palsy Alliance client.
“On behalf of Cerebral Palsy Alliance, I thank Paul for his outstanding and long-term service and wish him all the best. I very much look forward to working with Andrew, John and the rest of the Board to lead this ground-breaking organisation and extend our impact in research, advocacy, services, and assistive technology innovation,” said Rob White, CEO of Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
