Mark Fisher is the former Director of The Ontario HIV Treatment Network. Body Positive has appointed a new Executive Director to replace its longtime CEO Bruce Kilmister, who is retiring at the end of this month. Mark Fisher joins the HIV peer support and advocacy organisation with significant experience in the HIV sector, and a reputation as a highly regarded and hugely capable leader. Before moving to New Zealand in 2013 he was a Director at The Ontario HIV Treatment Network in Toronto, Canada for eight years. Before that he spent ten years working at Ontario Public Health Laboratory. “I want to make a significant difference in the field of HIV in terms of advancing treatment and care and quality of life of people living with HIV and in the awareness and prevention of new infections,” Fisher says. “I utilise my background in technology and passion for the HIV community to manifest change. Being grounded in the public health and not-for-profit sector I rise to the challenge of working within limited budgets whilst making a significant impact that is soundly based on scientific evidence and community values. Where I excel is crafting solutions and solving challenges.” His appointment comes as Body Positive is midway through its current strategic plan, and as it continues refining its services including the provision of contemporary advocacy and support initiatives to people living with HIV. Body Positive’s Chairperson Ashley Barratt says the Board is delighted to be able to secure Fisher’s services to continue the important work it does with people living the HIV across the country. It’s also acknowledging the enormous contribution Bruce Kilmister has made to the HIV Positive community. “Bruce has worked tirelessly for the HIV community over the last 20 years and is greatly admired for his ability to assist the community at a personal level as well as working with government and sector organisations,” Barratt says. Mark Fisher takes up the role of Executive Director on 1 December.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 14th November 2014 - 7:07am