The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations welcomes its new interim CEO Ms Samantha Jenkinson who will be filling the role until November 2007.

Outgoing CEO Maryanne Diamond has moved on to an international development role with a major disability services organisation.

Ms Jenkinson has been involved in advocating and promoting the rights of people with disabilities since the early 1990’s when she became involved with student politics at university.

“Over the next 6 months, I will be ensuring that the voice of people with disabilities continues to be heard through the work that AFDO does,” said Ms Jenkinson who uses a wheelchair.

“I have a strong commitment toward seeing the organisation continue its move forward in its vision of promoting an inclusive society for people with a disability,’ she said.

Ms Jenkinson is a qualified Social Worker and has worked as a trainer, group facilitator, case manager, project officer and systemic advocate.

Ms Jenkinson has worked for community organisations, service providers and as a state public servant within human services.

The key areas in disability she has worked in have been employment services, housing, service co-ordination, and policy development in disability services.

She has extensive experience in governance having been involved with many community organisations as a member of various committees of management and boards of governance, including People with Disabilities WA, Women with Disabilities Australia and AFDO.

A permanent CEO for AFDO will be recruited before the end of November 2007.