Ray Carroll is stepping up to the role of Kurrajong's new CEO following the retirement of long-serving CEO Steve Jaques.
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Kurrajong Board Chairman Dr Max Graffen said the appointment was made after an exhaustive recruitment process, with Mr Carroll officially commencing in the role at the end of February.
"Ray has 27 years' experience with the organisation, starting with Kurrajong in 1992 as the accountant," he said.
"He has been Deputy CEO for 23 years and acted as CEO many times during his service.
"The Board has great confidence Ray will continue our vision of having people with disability lead a life of their choosing."
Mr Carroll said he felt both honoured and privileged to take on the role of CEO.
"Kurrajong is a dynamic, well regarded organisation with 500 staff currently providing services to 900 people with disability and their families across the Riverina and Murray regions of NSW, so to be able to lead that service delivery is an honour," he said.
Mr Carroll said the change in business model from block funding to individualised funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) remained Kurrajong's biggest challenge and opportunity.
"We've prepared for the NDIS for the past few years and have successfully transitioned," Mr Carroll said.
"The NDIS is a fantastic social initiative for people with disability and their families who now have a better say in how they lead their lives.
"One of my roles as CEO is to make sure we continue to provide the services that people with disability and their families expect from us - there are many opportunities with the NDIS, because people with disability now have much more choice and control over their lives."
One example of more choice is the provision of new services such as therapy to adults including speech, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, according to Mr Carroll.
While Steve Jaques left big shoes to fill, Mr Carroll said he shared the same regard for clients and their families.
"Steve and I worked together for 27 years and I certainly have the same outlook and empathy for people with disability," he said.
"He's taught me a lot over the years, and I'll continue to implement the strategies and beliefs that we share for the organisation."
Dr Graffen said Steve did an 'excellent' job, and his contributions will be missed.
"He has a very big heart and a passion for serving people with disability," he said.
"The loss of his enthusiasm and corporate knowledge is great, but we know we have a very safe pair of hands in Ray."
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