Introducing our new Chair: Kerryn Pennell

VANISH is delighted to welcome Kerryn Pennell as our new Chair, taking over the role from Todd Dargan, who will remain on the Committee of Management after three years of dedicated service as Chair.

Adopted in the late 1960s in South Australia, Kerryn brings three decades of leadership in health and research organisations, a strong commitment to advocacy and innovation, and a deep understanding of the impacts of adoption.

“I’m at a point in my professional life where I have the time to commit to an organisation I feel strongly about,” Kerryn says. “I want to see VANISH continue to grow and innovate in the work we do supporting people affected by adoption and donor conception.”

The next chapter for VANISH

Kerryn is clear about the challenges ahead. “We need funders and the wider community to understand that the issues faced by people affected by adoption and donor conception are very real, significant and current,” she explains. “As the needs of our community become more complex, continued support is essential.”

Her expertise in advocacy, awareness raising, diversifying funding and stakeholder engagement will be vital as VANISH implements its new strategic plan (to be released soon)—a framework she’s particularly excited about. “This plan will guide how we strengthen our services, inform and connect with the wider community and key stakeholders, look to partner with like-minded organisations, better educate other professionals, and advocate strongly to secure ongoing support and investment in VANISH.”

A commitment to lived experience

For Kerryn, stepping into the Chair role is both an honour and a responsibility. “I follow in the footsteps of so many passionate leaders of the organisation, and I’m particularly thrilled to be able to work with VANISH’s highly experienced, skilled team. I hope that I will be able to honour the faith placed in me by bringing leadership, commitment, and a passion for innovation, growth and long-term sustainability.”

Her message to the VANISH community—people with a lived experience of adoption or donor conception—is clear: “I’m committed to ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience will always be valued, amplified and centred at the heart of the work we do. Now and into the future.”

Learn more about Kerryn and our governance team here.

Photo of Kerryn by Rebecca Taylor Photography.