Sanderson first woman to be WA Governor
Former public servant Kerry Sanderson has become the first woman to be appointed West Australian Governor.
She succeeds 31st Governor Malcolm McCusker, who concluded his term on June 30.
Ms Sanderson says it is humbling and daunting to be asked to take on the role, but wants to seize the opportunity.
The 63-year-old says she has big shoes to fill after Mr McCusker and other governors, but she does not put much weight on being the first woman to take on the role.
"I don't actually distinguish between men and women," she told reporters in Perth on Monday.
"I think both do very good jobs in different ways."
Ms Sanderson admitted she might be a role model, but would continue to work as usual.
Premier Colin Barnett said Ms Sanderson was widely respected for her business success, passion for science and learning, and work with several charities.
Ms Sanderson is currently the independent chairman of the State Emergency Management Committee and holds several non-executive director positions in the commercial sector, as well as roles in the community and not-for-profit sector.
She will resign from all board positions to take on this new role.
For 17 years, Ms Sanderson was chief executive of the Fremantle Port Authority.
She also represented WA in London as Agent General between 2008 and 2011, creating strong links in Europe for WA exports and investment.
In 2004, Ms Sanderson was named an Officer of the Order of Australia and in 2005 was the inaugural inductee to the Lloyds List Shipping and Transport Hall of Fame.
In 1996, she was the Telstra Businesswoman of the Year for WA.
Ms Sanderson has two sons. Her husband, Lance, died in 2007.
Chief Justice Wayne Martin has been the administrator of the state since Mr McCusker's departure and will continue in the role until Ms Sanderson formally takes up her appointment on October 20 for a period of three years.
