JDRF Australia welcomes new CEO, Sydney Yovic

JDRF Australia has welcomed Sydney Yovic to the organisation as the new Chief Executive Officer.  

Sydney joins with extensive experience in the type 1 diabetes (T1D) space following 12 years with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF International), where she spent 8 years in the research department, and mostly recently was the Head of Strategy and Chief of Staff.   

Speaking about her time with Breakthrough T1D and her new chapter with JDRF Australia, Sydney says: 

I’ve had the incredible experience of working on so many high impact projects over the years at Breakthrough T1D, with inspiring colleagues and leaders. From offering the T1D community tools to find clinical trials to participate in, to formalising partnerships with other diabetes organisations, launching the T1D Index and working closely with the T1D Fund and key philanthropic partners, my experience has been rewarding and always with our community front and centre.  

I’ve been a long-time admirer of JDRF Australia and the outgoing CEO, Mike Wilson, for all they have achieved for the T1D community. I am so excited to commence the next chapter of my career here and am committed to continuing the path of progress set by those before me.

The mission of JDRF is also personally important to Sydney, as her uncle Jimmy was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 30 and passed away from T1D complications just five years later.

Talking about how his legacy became the driving inspiration for her career, Sydney says: 

Losing Jimmy was devastating for my whole family, and I always knew that I wanted to make a positive difference for type 1 diabetes in his honour. In the last 12 years, my passion has only grown as I have met hundreds of amazing families who are also impacted by the condition. I remain dedicated for them, and for Jimmy.

We are incredibly excited to be welcoming Sydney to the organisation and look forward to the next phase of JDRF Australia under her leadership.  

Sydney with JDRF advocate Maya, welcoming her to her role

Learn more about Sydney’s career with Breakthrough T1D here.