The Institute of Public Administration Australia (ACT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Fennessy PSM FIPAA as our new President, following the conclusion of the term for outgoing IPAA ACT President Katherine Jones PSM FIPAA. 

Currently serving as Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Adam brings more than 25 years of public sector experience at both state and federal levels. Adam is also an IPAA National Fellow, having been actively involved in IPAA Victoria as an IPAA Victoria Board member and supporter of work in IPAA Qld.   

Adam has previously served as Secretary of two Victorian departments, the Victorian Public Sector Commissioner, and Dean and CEO of the Australia New Zealand School of Government.  

IPAA ACT is deeply grateful to Katherine Jones for her exceptional leadership as IPAA ACT President since May 2022. Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department, Katherine has been a driving force in strengthening IPAA ACT’s engagement with the public sector and championing innovation and collaboration across the APS. Under Katherine’s Presidency, IPAA ACT has continued to rebuild following the disruptions of the COVID pandemic. 

“Katherine has been a generous and visionary leader, and we thank her for her unwavering commitment and outstanding contribution to IPAA ACT,” said IPAA ACT CEO Kate Driver.  

“I’m particularly grateful for Katherine’s advocacy of the role of IPAA ACT across the senior leaders of the ACT and Commonwealth public sectors, and her wise advice. Katherine’s leadership of the recent strategic planning process sets us up for future success.”  

“We’re thrilled to welcome Adam as our new President,” said Kate. “His depth of experience and passion for public service will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve.”

Adam commences his term as IPAA ACT President on 9 July 2025.