Lisa Tierney appointed managing director at Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
Lisa Tierney becomes managing director after cultural audit and CFO retirement.
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has promoted Lisa Tierney to managing director. Tierney is now the main executive working with trustees and advisory boards.
Michelle Lawson retired from her chief financial officer role due to health reasons. Lawson continues part-time as Diocesan Financial Administrator.
Bishop Michael Kennedy noted staff feedback about unclear decision-making authority. He said the changes bring greater accountability.
The moves follow a KPMG cultural audit. They come after the previous chief executive, Sean Scanlon, left in February 2025.
He had been there for 16 years. An executive director of corporate services will also be hired.
This will make reporting clearer.
- Sean Scanlon, 16 years
- Previous CEO tenure
- $17.4 million
- Annual losses
- 95 per cent
- Wages as percent of grants
- October 30
- Appointment date
Why it mattersThe diocese has faced serious money problems with annual losses of about 17.4 million dollars. Clear leadership is important as wages take up about 95 per cent of grant income.
AustraliaThe restructure affects schools and staff across the Hunter region; the diocese is cutting about 2.8 per cent of roles to manage rising costs as government funding lags.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
