Director thriving on new challenges

By Wendy Shaw

The Archdiocese of Hobart’s new Director of Finance and Treasury is thriving on the challenges of his new role.

Dylan Chivers, 45, took up the position two months ago, after more than 13 years as chief financial and operations officer at Glenorchy-based Dominic College, run by the Salesians of Don Bosco.

He replaces Cody Burdon, who was appointed CEO of the Archdiocese’s Loreto Community Housing in September.

Mr Chivers said being able to continue working for the Catholic Church while still living in his home town of Hobart attracted him to the position.

The Director of Finance and Treasury is a key leadership role within the Archdiocese. It involves Catholic Development Fund management and financial governance as well as driving strategic growth and ensuring budgetary stability within a faith-based non-profit organisation.

“It’s great – exactly what I was hoping for,” Mr Chivers said of his position.

“I still have a lot to learn in a new role. But being able to draw on core skills is helping me to transition in.”

Mr Chivers is a Chartered Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in accounting and finance from the University of Tasmania and also worked for five years at London’s Southwark Council in social housing, as well as State Government and local Chartered Accounting firms.

Asked about his hopes for the new position, Mr Chivers said: “Just helping lead the Archdiocese and its related agencies into a sustainable future.

“The work we do here is so important and making sure that we can do this indefinitely is big on my agenda.

“The breadth of the Catholic services that we provide is phenomenal, from housing to youth support and well-being as well as training opportunities through St Joseph [Affordable Homes]; and then supporting the parishes as well, as they are a vital part of the Church and that is important for me too.”

Outside of work, Mr Chivers enjoys camping and surfing with his family, and supporting the basketball interests of his children Jake, 13, Daniel, 11, and Isabelle, 8.