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SACOSS CEO Ross Womersley resigning after more than 15 years of leadership

SACOSS CEO Ross Womersley resigning after more than 15 years of leadership

Tuesday, 18 March 2025

After 15 plus years of dedicated leadership, SACOSS’ current CEO, Ross Womersley has decided to resign from his position, effective 30 June 2025.

This decision reflects his desire to step back from full-time leadership and embrace a different pace of life while also seeking to ensure a smooth leadership transition for SACOSS.

The SACOSS Board notes that under Ross’s leadership, SACOSS has grown, and given the resources at the organisation’s disposal, has repeatedly demonstrated impact beyond scale in the fight for fairness and equity. The Board is deeply grateful for his vision, dedication, and impact over the years.

SACOSS is well placed to manage the transition to its next CEO. Ross’ leadership and generous advance notice have set the organisation up well, and its talented and committed team will continue delivering a very high quality of work as this transition proceeds.

The Board has already begun planning for the recruitment of a new CEO who can lead SACOSS into its next chapter. The successful candidate will fill one of the most important public-facing social justice advocacy roles in South Australia. 

Quotes attributable to NIcole Chaplin, SACOSS Chair

The Board of SACOSS is deeply grateful for Ross’s vision, dedication, and impact over the years.

Over the next few months Ross will continue working with the Board and the SACOSS team to move our community towards the ambitions we have set for ourselves this year. This includes laying the foundations for our 2026 state election campaign, engaging with and prosecuting our continuing advocacy agenda, and being SACOSS’ voice on issues as they arise.

We thank Ross for his committed leadership and outstanding contributions and look forward to his continued support during this transition.


Quotes attributable to Ross Womersley, SACOSS CEO

It’s been a huge privilege to serve in this role and to have had the support of a series of Boards and Board Chairs, the people who have formed the small, fabulous and talented SACOSS team, and of course our member organisations and the broader sector.

I’m extremely proud of what SACOSS has been able to achieve, and the of the impact we’ve brought to bear in favour of people who are vulnerable, mistreated and often ignored, not just in my term as CEO but over more than 78 years now.

At this time, I’m in no doubt that any of us interested in social justice cannot turn our eyes away from what is happening in the world. We absolutely must maintain the rage and continue with our relentless leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, to mobilise to eliminate poverty, inequality and injustice while also celebrating the enormous contribution of the NFP social and community services sectors to both community wellbeing and the economy

Applications for the position of CEO at SACOSS are now open and close 5pm on Friday 2 May and can only be made via the job listing at Underwood Executive.

 

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08 8305 4222

sacoss@sacoss.org.au

Marjorie Black House
47 King William Road Unley SA 5061

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.