Catherine Yeomans CEO - Statement from Mission Australia Chairman Ken Dean

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Mission Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Yeomans, has advised her intention to step down from her full-time CEO role at the end of this year.

Ms Yeomans, who joined Mission Australia in July 2011 and was appointed CEO in February 2014, has decided to step back from her full-time city based role, in order to spend more time with her family - particularly her husband, who retired several years ago.

Mission Australia Chairman Ken Dean paid tribute to Catherine’s significant achievements in transforming the organisation over the past few years to better achieve its objectives to reduce homelessness and strengthen communities, through providing extensive family and community support programs, including early learning, youth services, social and affordable housing and drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. With the 2,800-strong Mission Australia team, Catherine has strengthened MA’s highly-committed and engaged culture, developed a professional and motivated management team, and built a sound and sustainable financial foundation.

“Catherine has built a strong platform for future growth and delivery of our objective to assist Australians in need regain their independence,” said MA Chairman Ken Dean.

“Her ceaseless advocacy for the homeless and socially and economically disadvantaged Australians and her development of effective partnerships with our supporters, community and charitable organisations, public companies and state and federal governments, has contributed to real progress in Australia’s approach to homelessness and addressing disadvantage. In particular, the May 2017 Federal Budget initiatives for a more sustained and co-operative approach to homelessness are a major step forward, and reflect the advocacy Catherine has developed and supported.”

“I know that everyone at Mission Australia will be sad to see Catherine stepping down from her leadership role, but will join me in heartily wishing Catherine and her family many blessings in their future plans together.”

Ms Yeomans said she was delighted that Mission Australia was facing a successful future, with a strong and talented team of staff and volunteers; a clear and dynamic growth strategy and a sustainable financial foundation, from which to assist the 130,000 people who use our services each year.

“I would like to thank everyone at Mission Australia for their passionate dedication, hard work and perseverance, to ensure that each one of our service users is valued and supported to live independent and fulfilling lives, and participate as fully as they would wish in our society. It has been a great privilege to share in this work,” said Ms Yeomans.

“I would also like to thank our supporters and donors, who give so generously to enable us to continue our work”.

Mr Dean said the Mission Australia Board will be engaging in an executive search for a new CEO, including both internal and external candidates. An announcement will be made about a successor to Catherine once that process has concluded.

For more than 155 years, Mission Australia has supported Australians in need through the provision of innovative and integrated services, to help them move towards independence and positive, fulfilling lives. Mission Australia is a Christian organisation that helps families, individuals and communities across Australia to overcome homelessness, and provides family, youth and community services, disability support, drug and alcohol programs and early learning services. Ken Dean
Chairman, Mission Australia