Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation has announced the appointment of Jerome Cubillo as its new chief executive officer following a national recruitment process.
Ironbark said the recruitment campaign, led by external recruiter Brooker Consulting, attracted more than 60 applicants from across Australia. The final shortlist comprised four First Nations candidates with senior executive experience, "reflecting Ironbark's commitment to strong Aboriginal leadership and alignment with its Strategic Plan", the Corporation said on Tuesday.
Mr Cubillo will replace outgoing CEO Shaun Pearce, who will be relocating overseas in May after leading Ironbark over the past 11 years.
Ironbark noted Mr Cubillo is a respected Larrakia man and experienced executive, widely recognised across the Northern Territory's business and community sectors. He previously served as chief executive of the NT Indigenous Business Network, where he led significant organisational growth, expanding staff numbers and establishing regional offices to strengthen Indigenous business support across the Territory.
Mr Cubillo has also served as Chair of Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation, "guiding the organisation to financial sustainability through strong governance, improved service delivery and disciplined commercial practices", Ironbark said.
Mr Cubillo also brings a deep understanding of Ironbark, having served on the Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation Board for five years, including two years as Deputy Chair.
Mr Cubillo said he was excited to join Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation as the incoming CEO.
"Having served on the Ironbark Board I have a strong understanding of, and commitment to, the organisation's values, mission and vision," he said.
"I would like to thank the Board for the confidence they have placed in me and for entrusting me to take the reins from the current CEO, Shaun Pearce. Shaun has done an incredible job building Ironbark into the successful and respected organisation it is today. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Shaun on the Board and to witness his dedication and leadership firsthand. Shaun leaves a strong and enduring foundation for me to inherit as the next CEO.
"I am excited to meet the dedicated staff who make Ironbark the organisation it is today. I also look forward to connecting with the Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners whom Ironbark has the privilege to support, partner with and operate on their lands in delivering Ironbark's services."
Mr Cubillo saif that with Ironbark recently celebrating 25 years in the Darwin Daly region and beyond, "it is an honour to lead Ironbark into this next chapter".
Ironbark Chairperson Robyn Regattieri said the appointment marked an exciting new chapter.
"The Board is excited about the appointment of Jerome Cubillo as the CEO of Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation," she said.
"Jerome brings extensive experience and strong values-driven leadership, and I look forward to working with him as Ironbark continues to grow and deliver on its vision of changing lives, one story at a time."
Mr Cubillo is currently overseas and will commence in the role in Darwin in early July. He will begin working remotely with Ironbark's Senior Management Team from April.
