16.01.26: Challenge Community Services has today confirmed that Chief Executive Officer Stephen Doley will conclude his role with the organisation this week, following his decision to take up a new opportunity in the new year.
During his tenure, Stephen led Challenge through a significant period of growth and organisational transformation, with a strong focus on improving outcomes for people with disability, children and young people in care, supported employees, and the communities the organisation serves. He also played a key role in strengthening governance, service quality, workforce capability, and progressing Challenge’s social enterprise agenda, including the growth of Koora Industries.
Chair of the Board, John Glynn, said Stephen’s leadership had positioned the organisation strongly for the future.
“Stephen has guided Challenge through a period of meaningful change, strengthening our systems and long-term sustainability while keeping the people we support firmly at the centre of decision-making. We thank him for his leadership, commitment and service to Challenge Community Services and the communities we support,” Mr Glynn said.
Stephen said it had been a privilege to lead the organisation,
“It has been an honour to work alongside such a committed and values-driven team. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and confident Challenge is well positioned to continue making a positive impact for clients, families and communities,” he said.
From 16 January, Julie May will step into the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer while the Board undertakes a recruitment process for the permanent position. Ms May is a highly experienced leader with more than 25 years’ experience across education, leadership and human services, and most recently held the role of Executive Director, Community Services at Challenge.
The Board has appointed Orchard Talent to support the CEO recruitment process.
The Board has confirmed there will be no disruption to services, partnerships or strategic priorities during the transition, with Challenge continuing to deliver services and progress key initiatives as planned.
ENDS
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About Challenge Community Services:
Challenge Community Services provides innovative and people-focused services to the community for over 66 years. Across regional and metropolitan communities, Challenge provides Disability Services, Foster Care, Allied Health and supported employment for people with a disability.
Founded in Tamworth, NSW in 1958, Challenge Community Services is now one of the largest community support services operating in NSW. Challenge operates throughout regional and metropolitan New South Wales, and the greater Brisbane area in Queensland. Our organisation is built on a strong workforce of over 1000 people, including over 90 employees with disability.
Challenge Community Services now supports thousands of people in over 100 communities in NSW and QLD.
