Dr Hanna, long-standing senior pastor, former Compassion national director and former CEO of Willow Creek Australia, will take the chair on June 15.
Board Chairman John Bond said Dr Hanna, with his extensive experience, proven strategic capabilities and broad understanding of global poverty and the global Church, would aptly steer Compassion into its next season of ministry with passion, integrity and purpose.
"Tim celebrates our wonderful past and the solid foundation laid by those who have gone before him, but he also looks to the future as we aim to bring greater awareness of God's heart for the poor to all Australians, ensuring the issues of poverty and injustice are at the forefront of hearts and minds," Dr Bond said.
"Tim is highly regarded in churches and organisations across the nation and brings with him a depth of experience, strategic capability and sound credentials, not to mention his deep-found faith in Christ and overwhelming compassion for children and those in poverty."
Current Compassion Australia CEO Paul O'Rourke leaves the post after more than a decade of impressive leadership, to further his study and to pursue wider advocacy for children through speaking, writing and teaching. Mr O'Rourke first joined Compassion as a communications manager from a career in print media and has been in the position of CEO since July 2001.
Mr O'Rourke said Compassion was a strategic and influential ministry that had and would continue to impact generations and transform nations. "It has been a privilege and pleasure to lead Compassion through what has been a blessed season of growth and favour. Compassion is in a strong and healthy position because of the faithfulness and generosity of sponsors and donors and the commitment and support of the Australia Church, the dedication and skills of our staff and the wise governance of our board," he said.
Dr Tim Hanna:
Before joining Compassion, Dr Hanna served as the CEO of Willow Creek Australia, a ministry focused on linking together like-minded, mission-orientated churches for strategic vision, training and resources.
He had been a faithful and fruitful senior pastor in Australia churches for more than 30 years; in Kalamunda Church of Church in Western Australia, Berwick Church of Christ in Victoria and most recently and for more than a decade, at Gateway Baptist Church in Brisbane.
Dr Hanna has also been a senior lecturer at the Australian College of Ministries and before joining Willow Creek Australia, was National Director of Church and Mission with Compassion Australia.
Dr Hanna is married to Chris and has nine children and 12 grandchildren. He loves family times, travel, reading, visiting coffee shops and the gym, and is a self-confessed sports tragic.