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Navy veteran Paul Singer CVO has taken up the helm as the chief executive officer of veterans’ support organisation Soldier On.
Singer has previously held a distinguished career spanning decades of service to Australia as an officer in the Royal Australian Navy before transitioning to public service and the charities and non-profit sector.
The former official secretary to the Governor-General of Australia served under Sir Peter Cosgrove and General David Hurley. His naval career, which began in 1996, included postings on numerous vessels and multiple deployments on operations.
The appointments included member and later commander of the Royal Victorian Order and an officer and later commander of the Order of St John.
“I have worked closely with members of our defence force in recent years, both as a serving member and a veteran,” Singer said.
“I am excited to join the passionate team at Soldier On and look forward to supporting veterans and their families to thrive and feel valued for their service to our nation.
“Soldier On stood side by side with ex-service organisations, defence and the government during the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and has been a leading public voice advocating for the wellbeing and welfare of veterans and their families.
“An important part of my role will be to continue this vital work and help ensure the recommendations of the royal commission are implemented. I look forward to working with our many partners, supporters and the broader community to build upon Soldier On’s impressive record of serving and supporting those who have served us.”
Soldier On chairman Peter Leahy said he is delighted to welcome Singer and look forward to working with him as they continue the important work of empowering veterans and their families to thrive and lead meaningful civilian lives.
Kristen Hayes-Charlton, Soldier On interim chief executive officer and chief operating officer, said Singer’s wealth of experience and heartfelt dedication to Australia’s defence community made him an outstanding choice to lead Soldier On.
“I look forward to working alongside Paul as we embrace this new chapter, focusing on enhancing support for transitioning personnel, veterans and their families,” Hayes-Charlton said.
Singer said he had a long association with Soldier On and a great respect for its achievements for serving and ex-serving ADF and their families, and for the team’s work on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
