The ACON Board has today announced the appointment of Michael Woodhouse as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Woodhouse brings with him over two decades’ experience in health and human services in the government and NGO sectors and has held a range of executive leadership roles in hospitals, ageing and disability support services and social policy. His appointment follows a transparent and merit-based selection process.
ACON President Dr Justin Koonin said: “As an organisation with a 39-year history in HIV and sexuality and gender diverse health in New South Wales, it was important to the Board we appoint a candidate with a strong record in community health, and with the broad range of skills necessary to steer the organisation, as we mark a new chapter in serving our communities.
“With more than 20 years’ experience in public health and human services, along with his deep community heritage and strong commitment to ACON’s values of inclusion, equity and excellence, Michael is extremely well positioned to meet the challenges and build on the successes and opportunities of the organisation.
“We look forward to welcoming Michael to the team when he commences in September,” Dr Koonin said.
Mr Woodhouse joins ACON from the Benevolent Society, where has held the role of Executive Director, Disability, Ageing & Carers, leading a team of over 500 staff providing ageing, carer support and disability services across multiple states.
Throughout his career, Mr Woodhouse served as the General Manager of Fairfield Hospital, led ageing and disability services for the Northern Territory Government and held a number of senior policy and reform roles in the New South Wales government. He has also served as chief of staff to a federal minister.
Mr Woodhouse’s appointment marks a return to the organisation – he worked at ACON from 1998 to 2001 in a number of roles including as Director, Community Health.
Mr Woodhouse has also been involved with many key LGBTQ community organisations over the past 20 years including serving as co-chair of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and chair of the nomination committee at Sydney WorldPride. He is currently a member of the audit and risk committee of Health Equity Matters.
Mr Woodhouse is excited to take on the CEO role and said he is looking forward to working with ACON staff, clients, stakeholders and community members in improving the health and wellbeing of sexuality and gender diverse people and their families.
“Many years ago, ACON taught me about the powerful ways people’s health can be improved when organisations are truly led by the needs and experience of their communities. I am excited to have the chance to lead an organisation that has achieved so much into its next stage,” Mr Woodhouse says.
“What I enjoy most in my career is working with clients, communities and staff to find ways to improve health and wellbeing. ACON has led this kind of work for decades. I am grateful to the ACON Board for the opportunity to rejoin the organisation and continue that legacy.”
Outgoing CEO Nicolas Parkhill, who is stepping down after 18 years at ACON – 15 years as CEO – said ACON was in good hands with Mr Woodhouse at the helm.
“I congratulate Michael on his appointment and I acknowledge his strong health and human services experience that he brings to ACON,” Mr Parkhill said. “I wish him and everyone at ACON all the very best in the future.”
Dr Koonin thanked Mr Parkhill for his service to ACON and our communities.
“On behalf of ACON, we thank Nicolas for his unwavering passion and commitment to improving health outcomes for people living with HIV and LGBTQ+ people. The communities ACON serves are stronger and more resilient thanks to his tireless efforts,” Dr Koonin said.
ENDS
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Matt Akersten
ACON Media and Communications
makersten@acon.org.au
0414 823 930