Lifeline WA Appoints Sarah Fordham As Incoming CEO

Lifeline WA Appoints Sarah Fordham As Incoming CEO

Lifeline WA has appointed Sarah Fordham as its next Chief Executive Officer, with Sarah set to commence in July 2026.

Sarah joins the organisation during a significant year for Lifeline WA, which is marking 40 years of supporting Western Australians through crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Currently CEO of Breast Cancer Research Centre WA, Sarah brings leadership experience across both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors, including previous roles with the Heart Foundation, Telethon Kids, Shell and Qantas.

For Sarah, the decision to join Lifeline WA was driven by the organisation’s role in the community and the people behind it.

“Lifeline WA plays a critical role in the community, with the cost-of-living pressures and global conflict, the services are more in demand than ever, and I’m honoured to be leading the organisation,” Ms Fordham said.

“I’m looking forward to learning and working alongside the staff, volunteers and partners who make this work possible and providing support to the community”.

Lifeline WA Chair Peter Thomas said the Board was pleased to appoint a leader with strong experience and a thoughtful approach to leadership.

“Sarah brings sound judgement, strong leadership capability and a clear understanding of the role organisations like Lifeline WA play in people’s lives,” he said.

“She understands the responsibility that comes with leading an organisation supporting people through crisis, and the importance of supporting the staff and volunteers delivering that work every day.”

Outgoing CEO Lorna MacGregor said she was confident Sarah would lead Lifeline WA thoughtfully into the future.

“Sarah brings warmth, experience and a genuine respect for the people who make Lifeline WA what it is,” she said.

“As Lifeline WA marks 40 years of supporting Western Australians, I’m confident the organisation will continue to grow while staying true to the care and compassion that sits at the centre of its work.”