Expression Australia Board - New Co-Chairs Announcement
Expression Australia today announced a transition in its Board leadership, with Demetrio Zema’s term as Chair of the Board coming to an end following the completion of a full nine-year tenure.
Demetrio has served Expression Australia with distinction over that period, including four years as Chair. A highly respected leader with exceptional professional credentials, he has brought deep governance expertise, strong strategic insight, and a sustained commitment to inclusion and community impact during a time of unprecedented change in the organisation’s 145-year history.
His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the organisation’s governance and supporting Expression Australia through significant transformation and growth, including the appointment of Rebecca Adam as CEO, the appointment of six new Board members, and navigating a complex and challenging period in the organisation’s pursuit of financial sustainability and continued service to the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Demetrio also played a key role in supporting the creation and launch of AEI, delivering a much-needed and important service for Deaf and hard of hearing Australians and helping to close a long-standing gap in 000 access for the community.
Reflecting on his time as Chair, Demetrio said:
“It has been a privilege to serve Expression Australia and the Deaf and hard of hearing community it supports. I am incredibly proud of the organisation’s progress, the strength of its governance, and the dedication of its people. I have every confidence in Rebecca as CEO, the Executive and leadership team, and the Board’s future direction, and I look forward to continuing to support Expression Australia in new ways.”
The Board and Executive extend their sincere thanks to Demetrio for his outstanding service, stewardship, and lasting contribution to the organisation.
The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Crisp and Kathryn Forrest as Co-Chairs of Expression Australia, effective from April 2026.
Andrew and Kathryn bring extensive governance experience, complementary leadership strengths, and a shared commitment to Expression Australia’s mission and the communities it serves. The adoption of a Co-Chair model reflects the Board’s commitment to contemporary governance practice, collective accountability, and robust oversight, consistent with ACNC principles and best-practice not-for-profit governance.
Andrew Crisp said:
“Expression Australia is an organisation with a strong purpose and a clear impact. I am honoured to take on this role alongside Kathryn and to build on the strong governance foundation established under Demetrio’s leadership.”
Kathryn Forrest added:
“We are committed to providing stable, collaborative leadership and to working closely with the Board and Executive to support Expression Australia’s strategic ambitions, financial sustainability, and continued service to the Deaf and hard of hearing community.”
Expression Australia looks forward to this next chapter under the leadership of Andrew Crisp and Kathryn Forrest and once again thanks Demetrio for his exceptional contribution to the organisation.