The Amy Gillett Foundation today announced the appointment of dual Olympic Road Cyclist and non executive AGF Director Tracey Gaudry as acting Chief Executive Officer.

The announcement comes at a significant time for the Foundation, given the recent injection of funding from the Department of Health and Ageing for AustCycle, a joint venture with Cycling Australia, to assist in the expansion of AustCycle nationally to deliver the country’s first nationally standardised cycle training program.

Along with a suite of equally ambitious programs currently underway, AustCycle will be an opportunity for Gaudry to steer the Foundation towards its ultimate mission – to reduce the incidence of death and injury caused by the interaction of motorists and cyclists on Australian roads.

“I have immeasurable respect towards the Foundation’s legacy and reason for existence,” said Gaudry.

“My appointment as acting CEO will be to focus on reviewing the Foundations strategic objectives and setting a steady, yet ambitious course for the organisation. The Foundation will keenly focus on further research to inform our road safety education and awareness campaigns and programs Australia-wide.  Our reason for being has global relevance and this is a step I believe the Foundation will take in the medium term. During my tenure as acting CEO we have much to work on in our own backyard” she said.

Dual Olympian, Commonwealth Games representative, ranked third in the world at the height of her career, Gaudry’s cycling achievements are matched impressively by her professional credentials.

She has worked in business development and operational management roles with organisations including Ernst & Young, Jacobs Australia and DLA Phillips Fox, as well as enjoying Board and advisory roles with health, sporting and community organisations at local, state and national levels.

“I have long been aware that the Amy Gillett Foundation is an organisation that punches well
above its weight. The Foundation holds a unique position in that it is not an advocacy body, rather it represents the glue that works to bring everyone together both on the roads, in parliament, and in the boardrooms. Ensuring a safer, more harmonious relationship between road users starts and finishes with attitudes and behaviour. Education, research, policy and infrastructure are all critical enablers.” said Gaudry.

Having trained on the same German country road on which Amy Gillett was tragically killed five years ago, Gaudry believes her personal background will also contribute to the position.

“I am a former professional cyclist, an everyday motorist, pedestrian, mother of three, and highly focussed on health, the community and our environment. Rarely is one able to assume a professional role that draws upon so many passions and taps into almost every essence one’s being. I am privileged to be taking on this role,” said Gaudry.

The Board will confirm the ongoing CEO appointment in early 2011 in line with the outcomes of the Strategic Review being led by Gaudry.

Gaudry, the Board and all staff at the Amy Gillett Foundation acknowledge and thank outgoing CEO Tony Fox for his work over the past two years, and wish him all the very best for his future endeavours.