St John Ambulance ACT has announced the appointment of its new chief executive officer, Martin Fisk.
The organisation's chair James Goodwin welcomed Mr Fisk on behalf of the board.
"Martin brings a wealth of experience in community leadership and executive management and has a deeply ingrained passion for improving the lives of those he serves," he said.
The former long-time CEO of Menslink, Mr Fisk said he was honoured and excited to take on the role.
"I am very proud and privileged to join this great organisation in the city that I love," he said.
"St John Ambulance ACT plays an important role in supporting the Canberra community and I am looking to grow our impact across the territory and ensure everyone can access high-quality first aid when we need it the most.
"Ultimately, I would like to see every household, every workplace and every vehicle in Canberra equipped with a first aid kit and someone trained in how to use it."
Since leaving Menslink in late 2022, Mr Fisk has served as a volunteer board member of Menslink's sister organisation Fearless Women, worked as the senior director of public advocacy at the ACT Human Rights Commission and spent six months as the CEO of Project Independence.
He felt like he was giving back in his new role.
"I have long admired the dedication, commitment and compassion of the people who work and volunteer for St John Ambulance, ever since receiving much-needed first aid from them some 40 years ago."
Mr Fisk says whebn he was 18 he "got into trouble" at a concert (full disclosure - it was an Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark concert) and "the St John Ambulance people really helped me out".
"I'd drunk too much - like so many 18-year-olds do - and I had, unfortunately passed out, with the press of the crowd. And they just took me outside, got me cleaned up, helped me out and I've never forgotten their kindness and professionalism.
"And I've always had a loyalty to St John's. I've got five St John's first aid kits. And it's just such a valuable organisation.
"One of the directors, when they were looking for a CEO, just sent me a text saying, 'You might be interested in this'. And I went, 'You know what? This is my opportunity to give back to an amazing community and do it in Canberra'."
Mr Fisk said he'd been involved in three first aid situations over his life including being first on the scene of a nine-car pile-up on the Hume Highway. Another was when his partner was sick and had to be airlifted from a remote location while they were bushwalking.
"And in all of those times, having had a first aid kit, having had a training just helped you to do what was needed for the time it took for the proper emergency services to come and take over," he said.
Mr Fisk said he was committed to leading St John Ambulance ACT's critical initiatives in Canberra including CBR NightCrew, the mission to increase the number of defibrillators in public spaces, and delivering vital first aid training and support to the community.
Mr Goodwin acknowledged the contribution of deputy CEO Greta Evans in leading the organisation during the transition period.
"The board are deeply appreciative of Greta, who has been acting in the role of CEO since July," he said.
Mr Fisk officially took over the role on Monday, meeting staff before his appointment was made public.
