Media Release
From: ESOL Home Tutor Service
For immediate release
New CEO Appointed - ESOL Home Tutor Service
Julie McGowan commenced this week as the new Chief Executive Officer of the ESOL Home Tutor Service. Of her appointment
as head of New Zealand’s key service for teaching English to adult refugees and migrants, Ms McGowan said: “I welcome
the challenge of leading this forward-thinking organisation.”
One week into the role, Ms McGowan will address the annual conference of the ESOL Home Tutor Service in Christchurch
next weekend, updating delegates on the Service’s response to changes in tertiary education and immigration. Changes
impact on the Service’s core work providing English language tutoring to over 6,000 refugee and migrants each year. As
one of her priorities, Ms McGowan intends tutoring a refugee. This entails completing the Certificate in ESOL Home
Tutoring, run by one of the three schemes in the Wellington region.
Ms McGowan, of Wellington, comes to the ESOL Home Tutor Service with an impressive commitment to volunteering and
voluntary agencies. These includes previous roles as the National Co-ordinator for Rape Crisis, current president of the
New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations, and a Masters in Business Administration with a focus on
not-for-profit management. “As New Zealand’s social fabric changes, organisations such as the ESOL Home Tutor Service
are a vital part of the community, both for services and advocacy”, Ms McGowan said.
Ms McGowan’s practical study on the 'contracting model within the voluntary sector' will enhance the Association's
continued relationship with its funders and the growing requirements for accountability and meaningful measurements of
English language learning.
Ms McGowan also brings a portfolio of excellent skills in general management, governance and negotiation and conflict
management. She was particularly drawn to this leadership role as the service's mission reflects her own commitment to
excellence and reputation in the not-for-profit sector.
ENDS