Gunn takes over Gateways’ reins
GEELONG disability service provider Gateways Support Services has attracted one of the National Disability Insurance Agency’s most senior executives to replace long-serving chief executive Rosemary Malone.
Stephanie Gunn, currently the general manager of critical service issues response, will take over the reins at Gateways at the end of this month.
The move heralds an end of an era at Gateways, which has undergone big changes under Ms Malone’s leadership who has been CEO since 2003.
She has overseen the community organisation grow from a grassroots organisation to a broadbased support service with more than 500 staff across multiple offices, including its head office in Geelong West.
Ms Malone was the organisation’s general manager for five years before her appointment to the top job. Her dedication to supporting people with disabilities saw her inducted into the Victorian Honour Role for Women in 2015.
Ms Gunn has been part of the NDIA executive management team. A founding member of the NDIA, Ms Gunn moved to Geelong from Canberra in 2014 and managed the Barwon trial site for 15 months, continuing to implement and drive improvements how to deliver the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
For the past seven years, she has held numerous NDIA leadership roles, including as acting deputy CEO.
Gateways chairman Bernie Jenner said Ms Gunn would be an outstanding leader for the organisation “to guide us with sensitivity through the exciting but challenging times ahead, as we transition from one exceptional leader to another”.
Dr Jenner said Ms Malone was a humble. team-oriented leader who would leave a big legacy in the organisation.
“She has taught us all so much about non-judgmental respect, about integrity, professionalism, human kindness and caring, always available to listen and support,” he said.
Gateways provides services to more than 2000 children, adults and their families.