After guiding the organisation through a significant period in its history, Jane Goodall Institute Australia (JGIA) CEO James Forbes has decided to step down in early 2025.
Over his nearly seven years as CEO, James has made an extraordinary contribution. Under his watch, JGIA has grown from a small team of three part time staff and revenue of about $300,000, primarily reliant on Dr Goodall’s tours, into a dynamic organisation with a skilled team of seven staff and 60 volunteers, a revenue base approaching $1 million, environmental education programs reaching 4,000 schools and 100,000 young people, and greater contributions to conservation programs in Africa.
James also led the highly successful 2019 and 2024 tours of Australia by Dr Jane Goodall.
The JGIA Board expresses its deep gratitude to James for his years of dedicated leadership, which have left an indelible mark on the organisation and the lives of the countless young people, communities and animals impacted by its work.
James will conclude his tenure in early 2025, with the extended notice period ensuring a smooth transition to the incoming CEO. The Board will soon commence a rigorous search for a visionary leader who is ready to build upon the organisation’s strong foundation and guide JGIA into its next chapter.
Photographs: Jo Yeldham, Luke Stambouliah, Phil Hines, JGI
