Last month we announced that Chris Cottier will be stepping up as CEO of Creating Communities. Chris officially starts the role on 1 July 2026, taking over from Donna Shepherd, who has led us for 25 years.
Under Donna’s leadership, Creating Communities has grown into one of Australia’s most respected community development and social value organisations, supporting communities across the country.
“I feel very privileged to have been given this opportunity by Donna and Allan,” Chris said.
“I think this is an incredible organisation with a huge reputation.”
Chris has spent months working closely with Donna and the team ahead of the official transition. He already has a strong understanding of how the organisation works, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him onboard.
“Chris is hugely respected and has achieved a great deal across his career,” Donna said.
“His experience means that the organisation will have the opportunity to build upon the foundations that Allan and I set and lift it further to where it’s going next.”
A career built on building up communities
Chris has forged a career supporting communities across Australia, including long‑term roles with BHP across corporate and Indigenous affairs, as well as leadership positions in the WA public sector.
But we’re not here to recite his LinkedIn profile.
“Chris brings discipline and years of experience,” Allan said.
“Both in running the business and in how we work with clients.”
Chris says his approach to leadership centres on supporting people to do their best work.
“If we have a winning culture, where people enjoy coming to work, that translates directly into the quality of work we deliver for clients,” he said.
To Chris, this means creating a space where people feel safe to collaborate and challenge the status quo.
“I don’t want to be the person with all the answers, because this is a collective,” he said.
“I want diverse views and I want people to challenge me.”
Donna agrees.
“There’s a strong values alignment, creating space for our team to thrive, and for communities to thrive through our work,” she said.
Looking ahead
Next year, Creating Communities celebrates 35 years supporting communities across Australia. Building strong relationships with the people we work alongside has, and continues to be, at the heart of how we work.
As we look ahead to our next chapter, Chris sees opportunities for sustainable growth, while staying true to this approach.
“We do want to grow the business,” Chris said.
“But at a measured and controlled pace.”
This growth includes working more with organisations committed to improving the lives of older people, as well as Aboriginal-led organisations.
“I think we have a lot to offer in these spaces,” Chris said.
As Creating Communities continues to evolve, Donna and Allan will remain actively involved in the business.
“I know Chris wants the best for people and I know he thinks community is really important,” Allan said.
“That’s what he’s been doing for a huge part of his life.”
Donna says that supporting leaders to make life genuinely better for the communities they serve has and always will be central to what we do.
“It’s a privilege to have Chris taking us into this next phase,” she said.
