Lt Gen Peter Leahy AC (Ret’d), Chairman of Soldier On thanks Chief Executive Officer, Amy Cooper for her exceptional leadership of the charity, as she prepares to transition to a new role as CEO of Red Nose Australia.
Under her leadership, Soldier On has grown its national reach and impact to currently support more than 12,000 veterans and their family members to thrive during their Defence service, through the often-challenging transition to civilian life, and beyond.
The strength of the charity has been recognised by several recent awards, including Veteran Support Program of the Year at the 2024 Australian Defence Industry Awards. It is also a finalist in the upcoming Prime Minister’s Veteran Employment Awards.
Ms Cooper has fortified the charity as a leading voice in the veteran support community and ex-service organisation space, with representation to forums including the Stakeholder Reference Group of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide; the Department of Veterans’ Affairs ESO Round Table (ESORT); the Australian War Memorial; and discussions shaping a national Peak Body for the ESO sector.
Lt Gen Leahy AC (Ret’d) thanked Ms Cooper for her strong vision and leadership to Soldier On, and wished her well in her new role. “Amy has adeptly guided Soldier On through a period of significant structural change and national transformation,” said Lt Gen Leahy. “She has poured deep experience from her previous roles as a CEO in the charity space into Soldier On, and, on a personal note, her inspiring and positive style have been a wonderful contribution to our organisation and culture.”
“She has worked tirelessly amongst the veteran and broader Australian community representing our contemporary veterans, and I note her valuable contributions on our behalf to the sector, including the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.”
“On behalf of Soldier On, I thank her for her support to me, the Board, and the whole team, and wish her all the very best in her future role at Red Nose Australia, where I have no doubt her expertise will serve them very well,” Lt Gen Leahy said.
A Defence partner herself, Ms Cooper said that the role has been a highlight of her career. “Working at Soldier On has given me a wonderful opportunity to bring together my professional experience in the charity sector with my personal connection to the cause,” she said. “Soldier On provides vital support to the veteran community, changing – and sometimes saving – lives. I am incredibly proud of what Soldier On has achieved for the veteran community in my time leading the charity,” said Ms Cooper.
“With Government expected to provide its response to the Royal Commission by the end of the year, I believe this is a good time strategically for a new leader to take Soldier On forward as a veteran-trusted organisation to be a strong partner in implementing the Commission’s recommendations,” said Ms Cooper.
Ms Cooper will formally leave the organisation in January 2025. Kristen Hayes-Charlton, Soldier On’s General Manager, will serve as the charity’s Interim CEO. “With Kristen’s wealth of knowledge and experience as General Manager of Soldier On, I know the organisation could not be in surer hands with her leadership,” said Ms Cooper.
“I am deeply committed and truly honoured to take on the role of Interim CEO for Soldier On. Having served as General Manager, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of the charity’s work, and I am eager to continue driving our mission forward. I am devoted to supporting our Defence and veteran community while ensuring Soldier On’s continued success and evolution,” said Ms Hayes-Charlton.
Soldier On will now begin a national recruitment search for its new CEO.
