CEO Patricia Sparrow resigns from ACSA

Ms Sparrow will be finishing up at ACSA on 10 September 2021 and will be bringing her knowledge of consumer health advocacy to Vision 2020.

The ACSA Board of Directors has thanked Ms Sparrow for her dedicated service and extraordinary commitment to its members and the older people they serve over the last five years.

Sara Blunt, Chair of the ACSA Board, says they are sad to see Ms Sparrow go, however, they have been aware that she was intending to move on after the Aged Care Royal Commission finished.

“Patricia successfully led ACSA through important structural changes, but more importantly she played a pivotal role in leading Australia’s not-for-profit aged care providers through the most challenging and turbulent time for our sector in history,” says Ms Blunt.

“Patricia’s knowledge, hard work and leadership have left us stronger than ever before, despite the tremendous difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, the intensity of the Royal Commission and the big structural and regulatory changes that have come as a result.

“We appreciate her commitment to a smooth transition and know that this is the right time for all involved.”

Ms Blunt added that Ms Sparrow had made many achievements while at the helm of ACSA, including powerful advocacy through the Royal Commission and pandemic, bringing together a complex federated body of representatives while maintaining national unity, developing several regulatory and public health reforms, and her role in achieving an increase in Government funding.

The non-profit peak body has appointed Paul Sadler, former President of ACSA and CEO of Presbyterian Aged Care NSW & ACT, as an interim CEO during this time.

The ACSA board are looking forward to having Mr Sadler come on board as interim CEO, as he has previous experience as President of ACSA and extensive aged care knowledge due to his work at Presbyterian Aged Care.

“Paul is one of the nation’s most experienced leaders in aged care. His experience and knowledge in leading ACSA is critical as we continue to work through structural reforms and navigate the pandemic,” says Ms Blunt.

“Paul and Patricia will work closely over the coming weeks to ensure we continue to go from strength to strength after her departure.”

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