Infoxchange founder to step down after 23 years of social innovation
Andrew Mahar, founder of national technology provider, Infoxchange, has announced today he is stepping down from his role as Executive Director and CEO.
In announcing his decision Andrew says, “the time is right for me to explore new horizons and for Infoxchange to flourish under new leadership. I have absolutely no doubt the timing is right both for me and for Infoxchange”.
The announcement comes more than two decades after Andrew built a computer database in a garage to help homeless people find beds, turning it into a social enterprise which today employs over 70 people and has a proven sustainable business model.
“During his time at the helm of Infoxchange, Andrew has helped to build a leading not-for-profit social enterprise, using IT to create positive social change,” Lee Wapling, Chairman of Infoxchange, says.
Founded 23 years ago with a $2500 grant, Infoxchange has grown its scope and services significantly, based on its mission to use technology for social justice. It operates more than 15 initiatives and enterprises designed to address digital and social disadvantage and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of community service organisations in Australia and the Asia Pacific through better use of information communications technology.
“While Infoxchange will miss Andrew’s leadership, we are also celebrating his impressive social contribution. Andrew has built a sustainable and robust business, and played a vital part in putting Australia’s digital divide on the public policy agenda. He has also led the development of tools and solutions that help other community organisations use technology effectively,” Lee says.
Andrew said the move will allow him more time to pursue his role as an advocate for digital inclusion in Australia and to ensure that everyone who wants to participate in 21st century Australia is able to do so.
“Infoxchange is providing funding for a digital inclusion campaign designed to increase access to the digital world for disadvantaged and low-income groups. I will also stay involved in the independent social enterprises supported by Infoxchange, including Carbonxchange and InfoTimor,” he says.
Andrew will remain at Infoxchange for another six months and the organisation has put in place a detailed succession plan while it searches for a new CEO.
“We are now looking to the next 20 years, and a new leader will extend our success and cement our position as a national social enterprise that makes a difference in the community,” Lee says.
“We have a strong management team in place and a diverse range of technology projects and services, so the new CEO will help us identify opportunities to grow the organisation, its influence and its outcomes."
Learn more about our CEO and senior management team