Announcement – ACTCOSS CEO will step down in January

Dr Devin Bowles, CEO of ACTCOSS, has announced he will be stepping down from his current role at the start of 2027. Following a recent contract extension, he has now informed the Chair of his intention to resign effective from mid-January.

“ACT Government elections are the most important lever for ACTCOSS’s advocacy on behalf of people experiencing poverty and the broader community sector. Stable leadership is necessary for at least 18 months prior in order to build a coalition and shared platform within the community sector capable of effectively influencing political party platforms.

“Having worked with colleagues to accomplish so many of my original goals for ACTCOSS, I do not feel able to commit to another two years in the role with the energy that is required. In this context, it is important that I step away from the role soon to enable ACTCOSS the best chance of even greater success in its advocacy goals on behalf of people experiencing poverty and the community at the next election,” said Dr Bowles.

Jeremy Halcrow, Chair of ACTCOSS, thanked Dr Bowles for his dedicated service to the mission of ACTCOSS over the past 3 ½ years.

“Devin has led the team to transform our policy and advocacy work, shaping a constructive relationship with the ACT Government and across political parties.”

“Under Devin’s leadership, the team was a catalyst in changing the way the community sector and ACT Government engage on the budget. The most recent ACT Government budget saw a 26% ($75 million) increase in funding for the community sector in a single year – this is almost than 60% of the real increase over the last 17 years.”

“Devin has delivered on many key strategic priorities during his time at the organisation. Among these has been the success of the ACT for Community Campaign, which has seen once in a generation funding boost recognising historic underfunding of $5 million annually to community sector. This is despite the constrained fiscal environment in the ACT,” said Mr Halcrow.

“Devin strengthened ACTCOSS’s research, with a keen eye to policy relevance.”

“On a personal level, I will greatly miss his deep policy insights, wisdom and collegiality in a number of advocacy areas dear to my heart,” said Mr Halcrow.

Dr Bowles said “The ACTCOSS CEO role is one of profound privilege, with the opportunity to work with so many thoughtful, committed people. I am proud to have increased engagement with members, 95% of whom think ACTCOSS makes the sector stronger, and more than 90% of whom are satisfied with the organisation’s advocacy and sector development.”

“I leave this role hoping my children will be proud of how ACTCOSS expanded its work in the just energy transition and the leadership role we have taken in climate adaptation in the ACT. These are important fronts in the movement for greater future justice and equity.”

“I thank the ACTCOSS Board for all they have taught me. Every Board member has an enviable intellect and deep understanding of the sector.”

Mr Halcrow said that another significant achievement of Dr Bowles has been strengthening the culture and building up the capability of the ACTCOSS staff team over the past three years. This leaves the organisation in a strong position to deliver on its strategic goals under a new leader.

“I will always be indebted to the staff team at ACTCOSS. It has been the highlight of my career to work with such a committed and intelligent group of people. Its dedication to justice is perfectly balanced with its passion for pragmatism and improving things on the ground,” concluded Dr Bowles.

The ACTCOSS Board will announce plans for recruiting a new CEO in due course.

Details of a formal celebration of Dr Bowles’s time at ACTCOSS will also be released closer to his departure date.