23 exceptional CEW members have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List for their contribution to our nation. Current CEW President Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, CEW Founder and Past President Wendy McCarthy, CEW Past President Kathryn Fagg, and CEW Founder Anne Gorman are among the outstanding women leaders honoured.
The CEW Members on the Honours List were recognised for their contributions to a wide range of industries and services to the community, including the law, public service, finance, education, health, the arts, business, sport, the social sector, and gender equality. Their achievements speak to the incredible reach, talent, and commitment of our members.
CEW Chief Executive Lisa Annese said she was proud to see the achievements of CEW members acknowledged on a national stage.
Ms Annese said, “I warmly congratulate each of our members honoured in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. While their achievements are diverse, their leadership helps shape a more inclusive and equitable Australia”.
She acknowledged the recognition of CEW Founder and Past President Wendy McCarthy, CEW Past President Kathryn Fagg, and CEW member Jennifer Westacott with Australia’s highest honour.
Ms Annese said, “Our current CEW President, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, is a champion for gender equality. As a non-executive director at Macquarie Group and Rio Tinto, a member of the Sydney Opera House Trust, and an advocate for education through her involvement with the University of Sydney, Susan’s contributions reflect a high standard of service and leadership".
She welcomed the recognition of CEW Founder Anne Gorman as CEW celebrates our 40th anniversary year.
“We’re delighted to see all those recognised by the Governor-General this year, and the enduring impact of women’s leadership across Australian society”.
CEW members honoured for their service include:
Appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
• Ms Kathryn FAGG AO
For eminent service to business governance, to the banking, finance, and investment industry, to public administration, to the not-for-profit sector, and to women.
• Ms Wendy MCCARTHY AO
For eminent service to children and youth, to health, to the arts, to business, to the community, and to women's leadership.
• Professor Jennifer WESTACOTT AO
NSW For eminent service to business, to tertiary education administration, to the mental health sector, and to the community.
Appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
• Ms Georgina HARMAN
For distinguished service to the mental health sector, to the LBGTQIA+ community, and to not-for-profit organisations.
• Mrs Rachel HUNTER PSM
For distinguished service to public administration, to tertiary education governance, and to the community of Queensland.
• Ms Nicole LIVINGSTONE OAM
For distinguished service to sports development and administration, to the promotion of women in sport, and to community health.
Appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
• Ms Marnie BAKER
For significant service to the financial and banking sectors.
• Mrs Elaine HENRY OAM
For significant service to youth and children, to breast cancer research and screening, and to board governance roles.
• Ms Susan LLOYD-HURWITZ
For significant service to the property sector through executive roles.
• Ms Sally LOANE
For significant service to business in board and governance roles, to charitable organisations, and to broadcasting.
• Ms Rebecca MCGRATH
For significant service to business through leadership roles in compliance, audit and finance.
• Ms Anna SKARBEK
For significant service to conservation and the environment in leadership and board roles.
• Ms Merryn YORK
For significant service to the energy sector in various leadership roles.
• Ms Karen WOOD
For significant service to the mining sector, and to the community.
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
• Ms Anne GORMAN
For service to business through executive roles, and to the community.
• Ms Lyn LEWIS-SMITH
For service to the tourism industry in New South Wales.
• Ms Karen MOSES
For service to the energy industry.
• Ms Megan NG (MOTTO)
For service to business administration and governance
• Mrs Arlene TANSEY
For service to business through a range of board roles.
• Ms Alison TARDITI
For service to the finance industry.
• Ms Susan THOMAS
For service to business through governance roles.
• Ms Wendy THORPE
For service to the financial sector.
• Ms Michelle TREDENICK
For service to business through a range of board roles
