Community
8 November, 2024
New CEO for Southern Stay
SOUTHERN Stay Disability Services’ new CEO Jason Fleming says he is primed for a new challenge in a changing environment.
Mr Fleming has extensive experience in leadership roles and working in the NDIS sector and is currently Director of Residential Services at genU.
He has worked in the disability field for seven years and says his new role is an exciting opportunity.
“I’m excited to get started in December and embed myself into Southern Stay and learn more about the organisation, participants that Southern Stay supports, the team and start to build relationships,” he said.
“I have watched from afar and admired the reputation Southern Stay has developed over a long period of time and it is a privilege to lead the next part of that journey.”
Mr Fleming predicts that the upcoming journey will be marked by constant change.
“One of our priorities will be developing a strategy to navigate through the changes in the sector and ensure that Southern Stay continues to be a provider of choice in the south-west region for people living with a disability.”
Mr Fleming has strong connections to the region and the disability sector. “In my last two roles I’ve led teams to deliver Supported Independent Living supports which is a significant component of Southern Stay’s purpose,” he said.
“I have worked across the south-west in various roles across different sectors over the past 10-15 years, and know the region really well. I have strong family connections across the south-west and I’m very passionate about the region and excited about this opportunity.”
Prior to joining GenU, Mr Fleming worked for another large national provider, Scope Australia, and prior to that had 23 years of experience in the retail sector.
“I was attracted to the disability sector for the opportunity to make a difference for people,” he said.
“That core purpose of supporting people to live independently in their community and knowing the work you do contributes to positive outcomes for people is a strong driver for me.”
Outgoing Board of Directors president Kathryn Emeny said there was strong interest in the CEO role.
“The Board was in the fortunate position of receiving a high calibre of applications,” Ms Emeny said.
“Jason has the skills, experience and commitment to lead us into the future and we look forward to working with him to cement Southern Stay as a NDIS provider of choice in the south-west region.”
Mr Fleming replaces Paul Lougheed who resigned in August after nearly 10 years in the role to take on a new position as village manager at Gillin Park Retirement Village.
At the AGM, Jo Beard was elected as Board of Directors president and Billy Edis vice-president.
