New leadership team to expand Coast Shelter services

A new leadership team is poised to double the number of people served by Coast Shelter over the next three years.

Lee Shearer has been appointed as the new CEO of the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and domestic and family violence.

Shearer has more than 25 years’ experience working in senior leadership positions.

She was Chief Operating Officer of Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council and played pivotal roles in NSW Government departments including as Deputy Secretary/Resources Regulator at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, Chief Compliance Officer at the NSW Department of Industry and was the Administrator for NSW Cemeteries.

In addition to these roles, she also had a career as a lawyer and police officer and was awarded the Australian Police Medal for Distinguished Service.

Shearer brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community welfare to her role as CEO and is poised to guide Coast Shelter through a period of growth and innovation.

“I have been in awe of the role Coast Shelter plays in the lives of so many here on the Central Coast,” she said.

“We have seen a great deal of growth over the past 32 years of operation and I have been working with our teams to ensure that continues.

“The appointment of our new Board is a significant step towards that goal.

“This new period of leadership will only strengthen and solidify the future of Coast Shelter in the Central Coast community.”

Paul Murnane is the new Chair of the organisation’s Board of Directors.

Murnane brings strategic vision, a wealth of experience and a passion for social impact to Coast Shelter’s governance.

A Central Coast local, he is a corporate adviser and company director with more than 35 years’ experience in investment banking and financial services, consulting and general management in Australia and overseas.

He also has extensive not-for-profit experience across many sectors, having started NFPs, revitalised and merged NFPs, helped build social enterprises to more than $100M in size and advised many NFP Boards and CEOs on strategy, governance and performance.

Murnane said he was thrilled to be appointed as Board Chair and was excited for what’s ahead.

“Coast Shelter has been a constant in our community for more than 30 years delivering services to our most vulnerable who need them most,” he said.

“Having had the opportunity to meet with some of the staff already, I have been amazed by their stories and their commitment to our services and clients.

“I am looking forward to working with the senior leadership team to ensure the growth and longevity of Coast Shelter in our community.”

Under the leadership of Shearer and the guidance of Murnane, the organisation is embarking on an ambitious strategic plan to significantly increase its capacity to help those in need by aiming to double the number of people served over the next three years.

“We are entering an exciting chapter in Coast Shelter’s journey,” Shearer said.

“With a clear vision, a dedicated team and strong community support, I am confident that we will achieve our goal of expanding our reach and providing vital assistance to more individuals in need.”