First female chief executive appointed by Jewish Military Association

The first female chief executive of the Jewish Military Association has vowed to “hand the baton of remembrance on to future generations.”

Fiona Palmer will take the reins from Major Danny Yank, who leaves his post after just under a year-and-a-half in charge.

Chairman Mike Bluestone said he is confident Palmer, who comes from a background of communications and public affairs, “will prove to be a dynamic and innovative ‘Chief of Staff’ and will make her mark in taking AJEX JMA (Jewish Military Association) forward as we strive to implement our strategic goals and operational objectives.”

Fiona Palmer said she is “delighted” to be appointed, adding: “The three pillars of our work, remembrance, welfare and education are essential” to remember those who served.

She continued, AJEX, which was founded in 1929, “is well known and respected throughout the Jewish community. However, what I’ve found is that we are doing such a wide range of incredible work that many people aren’t aware of.

“I’m very keen for people to hear all about this, especially as we hand the baton of remembrance on to future generations.”