Caroline Walsh has resigned from the helm of the Institute of Public Administration Australia ACT after three years as the chief executive officer.
Ms Walsh announced her resignation saying she was stepping down to take up a new opportunity as the CEO of OzHelp Foundation, of which she is currently a board member.
She said she had greatly enjoyed her IPAA role and being at the forefront of promoting excellence and professionalism in public administration.
“Through IPAA ACT, I’ve been so privileged to help public servants and others in the public sector create meaningful careers and help provide them with the tools and information they need to do what they do best – serve Australia’s communities,” Ms Walsh said.
“Everything we do wouldn’t be possible without our small, dedicated team.
“We’ve started the recruitment process for a new CEO and are sure to find an excellent fit very soon.”
In her time at IPAA ACT, Ms Walsh steered a suite of high-calibre events and programs, including the Spirit of Service Awards, Future Leaders Program and the Senior Executive Leadership Conversations course.
She also ensured the organisation remained sustainable throughout the pandemic and its ongoing aftermath.
IPAA ACT president Katherine Jones, secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department, said Ms Walsh was leaving a legacy of empathic leadership and flexibility.
She also praised the outgoing CEO’s focus on diversity and inclusion, saying IPAA ACT aimed to see that focus continued in its future leadership.
“Caroline has created an environment for IPAA ACT members to debate, collaborate and contribute,” Ms Jones said.
“We thank her for her dedicated service to IPAA and the public sector more broadly. She’s made an invaluable contribution to the institution that IPAA ACT is today.”
OzHelp is a national provider of health and wellbeing programs for workers in high-risk and hard-to-reach industries.
For more than 20 years it has focused on reaching and supporting these priority groups, taking support to workplaces and communities across Australia, with a specific focus on the building and construction, transport, and farming and agriculture industries.
OzHelp is accredited under the Australian Government National Standards for Mental Health Services.
Ms Walsh begins as its CEO on Monday, 6 November.
In a statement, the foundation expressed its delight in the appointment.
“Caroline will bring national influence and experience in safety, policy and reform and industrial relations, with qualifications in law and government,” the statement said.
“She is deeply immersed within the mental health sector, including advisory and committee roles, alongside being a valued board member of OzHelp for the past three years.
“Caroline expressed her excitement at the opportunity to continue to grow and strengthen the foundation’s reputation throughout the industry.”
Ms Walsh she was “excited and honoured” to be appointed CEO of OzHelp and was passionate about working to achieve an Australia without suicide and supporting people to thrive at work.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always been passionate about serving the Australian community,” she said.
“I’m genuinely excited to help provide health and wellbeing programs for workers in high-risk, hard-to-reach industries, and working towards an Australia without suicide.”