Rochana Sheward Appointed New Chief Executive Officer of ARMS Trust
The Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS) Trust has announced the appointment of Rochana (Ro-ka-na) Sheward as their
new Chief Executive Officer. She will start on the 18th of April 2017 and will succeed Dr Mary Dawson who has stepped
down from this role last year.
The selection was made after a national search and selection process undertaken by ARMS Board of Trustees.
“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” says Dr Bruce Bryant, Trust Board Chair. “Rochana will bring
leadership and creativity to ARMS’ programmes and a deep sense of commitment to our community projects. She has served
non-profits at all programme levels, fundraising, executive and leadership levels, and has a breadth of perspective and
experience.”
Rochana’s portfolio includes over 12 years of executive planning, administration, strengthening communities through
empowering and developing sustainable projects, engaging people, developing their capacity and skills through training
and coaching, funding and resourcing.
“I feel honored to be taking up a leadership role with ARMS and facilitating the delivery of the Board’s strategic
vision for Auckland as a whole. I’m really looking forward to working with the ARMS whanau in finding solutions to some
of the challenges that face migrants, refugees and newcomers within the Auckland region,” adds Rochana.
“I am looking forward to working with the many diverse communities and together strengthening leadership within our
communities and addressing some of the gaps of support for our clients. I acknowledge that some of the challenges in
this role will be around funding and resourcing. I have noted that in a 2012 report that was independently produced for
Auckland Council on migrant and refugee services within Auckland had highlighted that the sector is severely underfunded
leading to a lack of support and good settlement for newcomers. I will spend the first couple of months getting to know
the range of groups we collaborate with and listening to the sector’s needs and wants. ”
Prior to this appointment Rochana was the CEO of MacLaren Park Henderson South (MPHS) Community Trust. In 2011, she also
received the West Auckland Business Award of Distinction for not-for-profit management category. She lives in West
Auckland with her husband and two children.
ARMS is Auckland’s specialist settlement support agency, providing targeted programmes for migrants, newcomers, former
refugees and their families. Our programmes and services are delivered in several locations across Auckland.
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