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The Salvation Army’s new Chief Secretary, Colonel Winsome Merrett commenced her new appointment as second-in-charge of the Australia Territory on 1 February. 

“It’s an incredible privilege to be appointed to this role that plays a significant part of how The Salvation Army will express its mission both now and into the future,” Winsome says. 

Operating in an equivalent capacity to a CEO, Winsome will lead The Salvation Army’s national executive leadership team, and will be accountable to The Salvation Army Board for implementing board-approved strategies that impact how the Australia Territory operates, develops and grows.

Winsome will also lead the Executive Mission Council, which assists and works with the chief secretary to make high-level operational decisions to ensure the mission and vision of The Salvation Army is being achieved. 

Winsome is also accountable to the Australia Territory Board, chaired by Commissioner Robert Donaldson, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army Australia. In addition to chairing the national board, Commissioner Robert and his wife Commissioner Janine Donaldson are  responsible for the spiritual health and development of the territory. 

Winsome has previously served in many roles, including as the Assistant Chief Secretary. As the former Secretary for Programme she was responsible for the national oversight of social programmes delivered by The Salvation Army Australia and as a Divisional Commander she was responsible for leading The Salvation Army’s mission in Eastern Victorian. 

“I feel incredibly honoured and pray that how I lead in this appointment actually empowers women and men and forms a solid foundation so that doors continue to open for other women to take on leadership roles and gender equity can become a reality,” says Winsome.

Winsome hopes that her appointment is significant to the gender equity focus, both in Australia and internationally.