Craig Chadwick announced as new COTA Tasmania CEO
Craig Chadwick has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of COTA Tasmania, the peak organisation advocating for the rights of Older Tasmanians.
Mr Chadwick comes to COTA Tasmania from St Lukes Health, where he was Health Strategy Lead. He has extensive primary-health senior executive experience in both the public and not-for-profit sectors.
Mr Chadwick’s experience in leading strategy and operational teams will be vital to his new role, where his advocacy and engagement skills will drive the organisation’s agenda to influence policy development and engage stakeholders.
COTA Tasmania President, David Strong, congratulated Craig on his appointment.
“Craig’s commitment and passion for the values and objectives of COTA Tasmania were clearly evident during the recruitment process,” Mr Strong said.
“He is forward thinking and will prioritise continuous learning and development to build on the strong foundations he inherits.”
Mr Strong said the Board of COTA Tasmania was impressed by Mr Chadwick’s intention to listen, observe and learn from those inside and outside the organisation when formulating an action plan to champion the value of ageing.
“Craig’s commitment to education, positive disruptive change and evidence-based advocacy and policy development also resonated with the Board,” said Mr Strong.
“The Board and I look forward to the direction COTA Tasmania will take under Craig’s lead as we transition to a new leadership team.”
Mr Chadwick said he was excited to be appointed to the role.
“I feel excited and energised by my appointment to such a prestigious organisation as COTA Tasmania.
“It is truly a once-in-a-career opportunity to join such a highly regarded and passionate team, during a period of significant transformational change at a state, national and global level.
“I look forward to working closely with the COTA team, the Board and the broader community to challenge current perceptions and misconceptions surrounding the privilege that is ageing.”
Mr Chadwick said he looked forward to continuing the work of advocating strongly for community-led change to influence the future of positive ageing and improving the options for appropriate care and support of those in our communities that need it most.
Mr Chadwick takes over from long-standing COTA Tasmania CEO Sue Leitch, who is leaving to complete her fine arts studies, advance her creative arts business, and progress older persons’ rights in her continuing role as a Board director of Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA).
Mr Chadwick’s appointment follows a comprehensive executive search by the Board of COTA Tasmania. He will take up his new role at the start of October.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the COTA Board Chair, panel members and the board for offering me this opportunity and also to pay my respects to the outgoing CEO for the legacy that is reflective of all of the tremendous work and effort that she had dedicated to not only the position of CEO, but also the organisation and the community over the past 10 years,” Mr Chadwick said.
