Tamworth-founded community services provider Challenge Community Services has confirmed chief executive officer Stephen Doley will conclude his role with the organisation this week, following his decision to take up a new opportunity.
Founded in Tamworth in 1958, Challenge has grown into one of the largest community support organisations operating in New South Wales, delivering disability services, foster care, allied health and supported employment across regional and metropolitan NSW, as well as the greater Brisbane area in Queensland.
Mr Doley’s departure marks the end of a period of significant growth and organisational transformation for the Tamworth-based organisation.
During his tenure, Mr Doley led Challenge through a phase of change focused on improving outcomes for people with disability, children and young people in care, supported employees and the communities the organisation serves. His leadership also centred on strengthening governance, service quality and workforce capability, while progressing Challenge’s social enterprise agenda, including the growth of Koora Industries.
Chair of the board John Glynn said Mr Doley’s leadership had positioned the organisation strongly for the future.
“Stephen has guided Challenge through a period of meaningful change, strengthening our systems and long-term sustainability while keeping the people we support firmly at the centre of decision-making,” Mr Glynn said.
“We thank him for his leadership, commitment and service to Challenge Community Services and the communities we support.”
Mr Doley said it had been a privilege to lead the organisation and to work alongside its workforce.
“It has been an honour to work alongside such a committed and values-driven team,” he said.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and confident Challenge is well positioned to continue making a positive impact for clients, families and communities.”
From 16 January, Julie May will step into the role of acting chief executive officer while the board undertakes a recruitment process for the permanent position.
Ms May is a highly experienced leader with more than 25 years’ experience across education, leadership and human services, and most recently held the role of executive director, community services at Challenge.
The board has appointed Orchard Talent to support the recruitment process for the permanent chief executive role.
Challenge Community Services has confirmed there will be no disruption to services, partnerships or strategic priorities during the transition, with the organisation continuing to deliver services and progress key initiatives as planned.
From its beginnings in Tamworth more than 66 years ago, Challenge has expanded to support thousands of people in more than 100 communities across NSW and Queensland. The organisation employs more than 1000 people, including more than 90 employees with disability.
The board said the transition process had been carefully planned to ensure continuity for clients, staff and community partners during the leadership change.
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