The Board of Uniting Victoria & Tasmania (Uniting Vic.Tas) has announced the appointment of The Honourable Bronwyn Pike as Chief Executive Officer.

Allan Thompson, interim Board Chair, said Pike’s deep and broad experience across the public, private and community services sectors mean she is uniquely placed to take Uniting Vic.Tas forward.

“With growing inequity in our society and growing marginalisation of some members of our community, it has never been more important to have strong leadership advocating for change,” said Thompson.“We are fortunate to have someone of Bronwyn’s standing and experience leading Uniting Vic.Tas into the future, advocating for real change for vulnerable people and communities.”

Pike brings perspectives from growing up in rural Australia to working as a community worker and service manager, her time as Victorian Government Minister responsible for housing, aged care, community services, health and education, and as the inaugural Board Chair of Uniting Vic.Tas.

“She has a proven track record of championing the rights of vulnerable people. In particular, Ms Pike’s senior leadership role at Telstra Health over three years has also given her valuable insight into how technology will continue to play a greater role in the sector,” he said.

From her childhood in rural South Australia, to her time as Health Minister in Victoria and beyond, Pike has been an advocate for our rural and regional communities.

The Board will enter into a formal search process to find a successor to Bronwyn as Chair of the organisation. Pike stepped down as Chair when she informed the organisation of her desire to pursue the CEO role. Pike will start in her new role in late October, working closely with the outgoing CEO Paul Linossier.

Thompson reiterated the deep gratitude the Board has to Linossier, who is the inaugural CEO of Uniting Vic.Tas, for his exemplary leadership of the organisation over the past three years.

Uniting works in partnership with consumers to build their capability and confidence, so they can journey towards a brighter, healthier and happier future. Uniting operates across Victoria and Tasmania, providing services in a range of areas including aged and carer services, alcohol and other drugs, child youth and families, disability, early learning, employment services, mental health, emergency relief, homelessness and housing services.