Erin Williams
Torquay
Summary
Purpose-driven executive leader with extensive experience leading transformational programs and operational excellence across community service sectors. Proven track record in designing and scaling inclusive, person-centred services that strengthen resilience, enable individual agency, and embed dignity and equity. Brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, governance, risk, and performance, with a passion for building sustainable, values-led organisations that deliver measurable impact. Skilled in guiding teams through complex change, while fostering collaboration, accountability, and a strong culture of care.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of State & Territory Operations Transformation
Australian Red Cross
01.2024 - Current
- Leading operational transformation across all states and territories, aligning frontline delivery with national strategy to amplify community impact
- Spearheading integration of climate-informed resilience, response, and recovery initiatives into core programming, strengthening national disaster readiness
- Developed and delivered a national federal funding strategy to secure scalable, sustainable investment in emergency services capability
- Restructured national budget frameworks to enhance financial stewardship, streamline resource allocation, and support long-term growth
- Embedding human-centred and place-based approaches, ensuring programs deliver measurable community outcomes and equity in access
Head of Emergency Services Redesign
Australian Red Cross
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Led a transformative re-design of the national Emergency Services function to address rising demand and operational complexity
- Delivered a future-fit operating model grounded in evidence and scalable workforce capability, aligned to strategic direction and community expectations
- Oversaw a 12-month national discovery process, synthesising data from evaluations, disaster reviews, and sector analysis to guide reform
- Directed national simulations and executive scenario planning to enhance leadership decision-making and disaster readiness
- Established and chaired governance structures to drive accountability, manage risk, and enable integration across business units
National Strategy & Influence Manager
Australian Red Cross
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Developed and executed the national Emergency Services strategy to strengthen resilience outcomes and support sustainable service models
- Introduced a nationally consistent framework for building community resilience enabling clearer measurement of impact
- Secured investment and built strategic partnerships across sectors to support scale and longevity of core programs
- Designed performance and evaluation systems to enhance accountability, learning, and data-informed practice
- Represented the organisation at senior forums to advocate for community-centred emergency management approaches
National Disaster Relief & Recovery Fund Manager
Australian Red Cross
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Managed the $240M fund supporting individuals and communities impacted by the 2019–2020 bushfires, balancing immediate relief with long-term recovery
- Established end-to-end governance, financial oversight, and transparency mechanisms in one of the country’s largest charitable fund deployments
- Designed tailored financial assistance programs based on community needs assessments ensuring fair and efficient distribution
- Oversaw internal and external audit processes, achieving best-practice outcomes in accountability and stakeholder confidence
National Member & Volunteer Operations Manager
Australian Red Cross
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Redesigned national systems for the volunteer and member workforce, strengthening engagement, compliance, and lifecycle management
- Delivered a contemporary national operating model to support workforce growth, diversity, and readiness
- Modernised digital processes, reducing onboarding time and increasing volunteer mobilisation during disasters
- Strengthened consistency and compliance through enhanced governance and performance tracking across jurisdictions
National Emergency Services Operations & Workforce Manager
Australian Red Cross
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Directed national emergency operations and workforce strategy to ensure consistent, timely responses to crises and disasters
- Delivered operational frameworks for workforce readiness, surge capacity, and disaster coordination across Australia
- Oversaw large-scale deployments and coordination of national services such as Register.Find.Reunite, improving efficiency and user outcomes
- Led national after-action reviews and learning cycles, embedding insights into future preparedness
Project Manager – Remuneration Review
Australian Red Cross
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Led a $25M national remediation initiative addressing historical pay discrepancies
- Designed and implemented robust governance, compliance, and assurance frameworks to mitigate financial, legal, and reputational risk
- Oversaw complex stakeholder engagement across legal, HR, finance, and union representatives to ensure integrity and transparency in outcomes
- Strengthened enterprise-wide remuneration systems and processes, laying the foundation for future workforce compliance and operational excellence
Victorian State Manager, Emergency Services Operations & Workforce
Australian Red Cross
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Executive lead for emergency operations across Victoria, responsible for preparedness, response, and recovery programming at scale
- Strengthened disaster readiness by building local surge capacity and leading coordinated interstate response mechanisms
- Established strong partnerships with state agencies and local governments through joint exercises, shared protocols, and community engagement
- Designed and implemented a new volunteer model to increase workforce capability and align with community risk profiles
Education
Advanced Diploma - Residential & Community Services
Certificate IV - Workplace Training & Assessment
Certificate IV - Business Administration
Skills
- Executive Leadership & Strategy
- Organisational Transformation
- Inclusive Program & Service Design
- Evidence-Based Practice & Impact Measurement
- Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Financial & Operational Oversight
- Human-Centred Innovation & Change
Timeline
Head of State & Territory Operations Transformation
Australian Red Cross
01.2024 - Current
Head of Emergency Services Redesign
Australian Red Cross
01.2022 - 01.2023
National Strategy & Influence Manager
Australian Red Cross
01.2021 - 01.2022
National Disaster Relief & Recovery Fund Manager
Australian Red Cross
01.2020 - 01.2021
National Member & Volunteer Operations Manager
Australian Red Cross
01.2019 - 01.2020
National Emergency Services Operations & Workforce Manager
Australian Red Cross
01.2018 - 01.2019
Project Manager – Remuneration Review
Australian Red Cross
01.2017 - 01.2018
Victorian State Manager, Emergency Services Operations & Workforce
Australian Red Cross
01.2014 - 01.2017
Certificate IV - Workplace Training & Assessment
Certificate IV - Business Administration
Advanced Diploma - Residential & Community Services
Similar Profiles
Erin WilliamsErin Williams
Head of State & Territory Operations Transformation at Australian Red CrossHead of State & Territory Operations Transformation at Australian Red Cross
Joanna JosephsJoanna Josephs
Manager - Community Mobilisation (SA & WA) at Australian Red CrossManager - Community Mobilisation (SA & WA) at Australian Red Cross
DARYL PAILLEDARYL PAILLE
Night care taker at Australian Red CrossNight care taker at Australian Red Cross
Aaron CHRISTOAaron CHRISTO
Landscaping & Concreter at Coastal LandscapesLandscaping & Concreter at Coastal Landscapes
Chau HuynhChau Huynh
NA at NANA at NA