CAMD welcomes its new Executive Officer

Stephen Forbes has now taken over the role of Executive Officer for CAMD. Stephen is passionate about the role of cultural institutions in helping us to conserve and connect with what’s important in our shared heritage, and about the role of museums in community life and discourse.  Stephen observes that, ‘Working with CAMD allows me to be close to the centre of this dialogue.’

Stephen’s background is as a botanist and in leadership roles with botanic gardens in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and, most recently, as director of the Botanic Gardens of South Australia (BGSA). As cultural institutions, botanic gardens share much in common with CAMD museums giving him a strong understanding of our sector from a somewhat different perspective. At the BGSA he facilitated a strong alliance with Museums Australia SA Branch, and in 2010 saw BGSA became the first institution outside the USA accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. He chaired the Council of Heads of Australian Botanic Gardens Inc from 2012-2015.

Stephen writes regularly in the Adelaide Review, is currently editing the modern volume for A cultural history of plants and working towards a doctorate.  On a personal note he and his 9 year old son share the same ageless hero – the venerable David Attenborough.

CAMD’s Chair, Prof Suzanne Miller thanked retiring Executive Officer Meredith Foley, ‘Meredith has provided truly wonderful support for CAMD over the last 12 years. She has helped to build CAMD and strengthen our national profile and engagement, in addition to being a delight to work with.‘

Stephen would welcome contact on CAMD issues or opportunities through [email protected]