Meet the Interchange Board: Chair John Bouffler

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Meet our chair, John Bouffler

Hello everyone, my name is John and I feel honoured to have been part of the Interchange Board for the past 7 years. I joined the Board in January 2015, having previously served as Chair of the Governance Committee, and assumed the role of Chair in October last year.
I have found it pleasing and incredibly enriching to have been part of the growth of Interchange as we adapted to the NDIS and worked through the challenges of COVID-19 over the past 2 years, as well as the ongoing workforce pressures. I also find it phenomenal to see the level of commitment Interchangers have shown in rising to these challenges in such a positive way. It makes me proud and honoured to be part of such an empowering organisation.

The Mission and Values of Interchange align strongly with my beliefs in building an inclusive and welcoming community where all people feel supported and empowered. I find it critical that we have a strong and sustainable service system that can thrive, and that as a society we invest in people.

When looking into the future, I see Interchange continuing to build on the essential foundations put in place over the years. I also envisage strengthening our culture through enabling and empowering staff, improving our finances and harnessing our investment in systems.

Let me share a little bit about the experience and knowledge I bring to the table. I spent over 20 years in a range of senior banking and finance roles in Sydney and Perth with major banks and financial institutions. The not-for-profit (NFP) sector has also been an important part of my life for over 40 years, through a range of organisations, including as a lay missionary role in PNG, Camp Quality, Vinnies, Caritas, school boards and Lifeline. I am currently the Executive Director of Community Employers WA (CEWA), a role I have held for the past 10 years. CEWA is a representative employer body for 170 NFPs across the WA Community Services sector and engages across various levels of government.

If I am not at work, and our schedules permit, I love to spend time with my family. I am married and have 2 adult children. I enjoy playing golf and travelling to see the world. One of the best places to be, for me personally is Rottnest. I enjoy the calmness of the island but also the beauty of the beaches and occasionally I can get a quokka to smile!

The two sayings I try to incorporate into my life and daily mental focus are “Choose your attitude” and “Carpe Diem”.