A search lasting more than 6 months has recommended 46 year old Mark Payne be chosen as the new CEO of a revamped Sydney Diocesan Secretariat.
After the illness and resignation of Steve McKerihan, an executive recruitment firm was given the job of making a market-wide search for a replacement.
In announcing the appointment to SDS staff, GAB Chairman, Canon Bruce Ballantine-Jones said "The process of replacing Steve McKerihan has been a protracted one, but also very thorough. We went to open search and out of that competitive process it became very clear that Mark was not only highly qualified but the best available person for this task. He comes to this role with the full confidence of the Board and you his colleagues and I want to congratulate him on his appointment and wish him well for the future."
Mr Payne, who holds a Masters of Law from Sydney University, as well as a degree in economics, joined SDS in 1991 and has held a range of managerial posts in Sydney Diocese, including that of Diocesan secretary and most recently has been General Manager, Parish & Property Services.
During his time in the role he brought about key reforms including the creation of a client-orientated Parish services division, which later amalgamated with the property division.
Key achievements include the development of a strategic plan for the acquisition of land in new areas of the Diocese for ministry centres including the purchase of major sites at Leppington, Oran Park and Stanhope Gardens.
Canon Ballantine-Jones also paid tribute to Mr Payne's achievements as acting CEO, during a board and organisational restructure.
"At conceivably the worst possible time Mark was thrown into the Acting Chief Executive Officer's role and I have to say that he took up the challenge in a selfless and brilliant way. For these 10 months he has initiated and steered our organisations through many major changes, some involving pain and sorrow." he said.
Synod was told in October that a major study by outside consultants had resulted in change to the Board's operations and the outsourcing of many investment functions.
Mr Ballantine-Jones said "There is still a way to go, but as the economy and markets pick up there is every reason to believe that the Diocese will come through this period in better shape to face the future, and that the SDS & GAB will be able to add value to the gospel mission of the Diocese."
Photo: Archbishop Jensen, Mark Payne and Canon Ballantine-Jones
Mr Payne is married to Sue and has four children. He is an active member of Cherrybrook Anglican Church, where he leads a Bible study as well as being involved in a mission team.
Archbishop Peter Jensen congratulated Mr Payne and told staff “Mark has my complete admiration..he has my deep and complete support”.
In taking over such a large task, Dr Jensen spoke of his own experience in being daunted by becoming principal of Moore College in 1985, and being sustained through prayer.
"The same Lord will sustain him. Mark is the right man for the job, the right man for this moment in time and that is God’s blessing on us.”
