Pam Macrossan has been appointed to the role of chief executive officer (CEO) of Autism Queensland, effective 1 February 2019, following the retirement of Rod Cameron who has led the organisation since 2015.
Macrossan has held senior roles at Autism Queensland since January 2015, when she joined as general manager of children’s services. She became general manager operations in January 2017 and most recently was Autism Queensland’s chief operating officer, a role held since February 2018.
Chairman Ian Langdon said the Board was delighted Macrossan had accepted the role.
“Pam’s detailed knowledge of the organisation’s diverse range of services, as well as of the early childhood disability sector and funding programs, will help us to navigate through the many changes related to the NDIS and the associated new funding structures,” he said.
Langdon said Cameron was leaving Autism Queensland in a sound financial position and poised for growth.
“Under Rod’s leadership the organisation has commenced a program of capital expenditure to expand and improve facilities to cater for a growth in enrolments.
“Pam will continue the growth strategy, especially in our role in providing education services to pre-school children requiring assistance in their development,” he said.
Macrossan said the opportunity to lead this next chapter in Autism Queensland’s history was exciting.
“Over the past four years we’ve worked hard to build our capacity, establishing diagnostics clinics and developing programs for adolescents and adults, expanding full time and part time classes at the Sunnybank and Brighton school campuses and launching a new one in Cairns.
“We are also in the throes of a major refurbishment and construction phase at Sunnybank Hills as part of our recently completed 10-year master plan.
“I am focused on accelerating the great work already carried out by Rod and the Board in preparation for the NDIS and the challenges ahead for our sector, once the NDIS rollout is completed from July,” she said.
“Autism Queensland will continue to work closely with the new NDIS agencies and partners to ensure the fair treatment of people with autism and the supports they will receive from the NDIS. Many people with autism have amazing skills and can fully participate in the workplace and community if they receive the support they need,” she said.
Autism Queensland has more than 300 staff located across the state delivering services for individuals across the lifespan from centres in Brisbane, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Cairns. Under the Autism Australia banner it co-ordinates national training and indigenous programs, as well as a service in Inverell, NSW.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch with Freedom2live’s managing online editor Kymberly Martin at kymberly@intermedia.com.au
Sign up to Freedom2Live’s newsletter.