UnitingCare appoints Interim CEO

Cathy Thomas appointed as UnitingCare interim CEO

UnitingCare Queensland’s Group Executive for Aged Care and Community Services, Cathy Thomas, has been announced as the organisation’s Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Thomas, who leads UnitingCare’s BlueCare service, takes on the interim role on 5 June following the departure of Craig Barke, who is stepping down after eight years leading UnitingCare.

“I’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to Craig Barke for his leadership and contribution to UnitingCare Queensland over the past 14 years, including as our CEO for the past eight years,” Ms Thomas said.

“Craig has led substantial transformation through a time of continual reform and change. His vision and dedication have helped shaped the organisation we are today, and I look forward to continuing the momentum he has built.”

Ms Thomas said she would be focused on ensuring a smooth transition while the UnitingCare Board recruits a new CEO.

“This includes working closely with leaders across UnitingCare to make sure we continue delivering excellent care and outcomes for the people we serve,” she said.

“We will also remain focused on our financial sustainability, especially as we go through reform in the aged care sector and in our other service delivery areas.

“Increasing employee and volunteer engagement and retention is another key priority for me. I am passionate about our workforce and believe that by supporting our people, we can deliver great outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

“In my role as Group Executive, I’ve been privileged to help build and to lead a talented and high-performing team that has delivered transformational service delivery and technology change across our BlueCare service.

“My time in BlueCare has also provided a strong grounding as I prepare to step in to the Interim CEO role across all UnitingCare Queensland Services.

Maria McLaughlin-Rolfe will step into the role of Acting Group Executive overseeing BlueCare, while Rebecca Bell will backfill Ms McLaughlin-Rolfe’s position as Group General Manager – Community.