Media Release

The State Library of Victoria Foundation Appoints New Executive Director

The President of the Library Board of Victoria, Sam Lipski, today announced the appointment of Morton Browne to the position of Foundation Executive Director.

Currently the Chief Executive of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Morton Browne will take up his new role at the State Library in mid-December.

‘With a distinguished and varied career that has encompassed the law, the public sector and the sporting arena, Morton will bring to the Foundation wide-ranging skills and experience that will make him a remarkably effective and powerful advocate for the Library,’ said Sam Lipski.

Following many years practising commercial law in Melbourne and a brief period in senior roles in local government, in 1996 Morton Browne became Chief Executive of the Hawthorn Football Club where he had excelled as a Premiership player in his youth. At Hawthorn and since 1998 at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Morton was instrumental in increasing sponsorship and support for those organisations.

‘This year the Library celebrated its 150th anniversary and the Foundation was pivotal in securing substantial sponsorship for the 150th Anniversary Program. Victorians from around the state have engaged with the Library through its extensive services, programs and exhibitions,’ said Sam Lipski.

‘With his energy, creativity and fresh perspectives, I know Morton will successfully build on that engagement and goodwill to further increase active support for the Library and its work. As Executive Director of the Foundation he will be an inspiring champion for the Library in the corporate and philanthropic sectors and across the broader community.’