Australian not-for-profit, Afford appoints new CEO

The Afford (Australian Foundation for Disability) Board has today announced the appointment of Joanne Toohey as the new Chief Executive Officer to head the Australian not-for-profit disability provider. Joanne will step into the role from 11th October 2021.

Joanne brings more than 30 years of experience in human services across aged care, child, youth and family, and disability services to Afford. 

She also holds significant experience in cultural, financial and organisational transformation, particularly during periods of significant internal and external change.

In her previous roles, Joanne was instrumental in driving service delivery outcomes, organisational growth, client advocacy and cultivating high levels of staff engagement.

Joanne currently holds memberships with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Chief Executive Women. As Afford's new CEO, Joanne brings strong industry networks across the not-for-profit sector.

"We are very pleased to announce Joanne's appointment as Afford CEO. Joanne's clear vision and unrivalled passion for the care industry will help progress the organisation into the future," said Ross Fowler, Afford Chairman.

"Joanne's leadership and experience will be invaluable in paving the way forward for Afford as we celebrate the organisation's 70th year of supporting people of all abilities achieve their goals for life," said Mr Fowler.

"I am excited to begin this new chapter with Afford. I look forward to leading the organisation and continuing its legacy of providing genuine care and service delivery excellence for people with disability and their families," said Joanne Toohey.

"I believe in championing choice and opportunity for people of all ages and abilities. I look forward to working with the Board, our dedicated staff, and our clients and their carers and families into a new transformative era for the organisation," said Ms Toohey.

The Afford Board would like to thank Robin Cowdery for her steadfast leadership as interim CEO for the past four months and her continued stewardship until Joanne's official commencement on 11th October 2021.

Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in Australia for 70 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people every day nationally. 

As one of Australia's longest-serving not-for-profit disability organisations, Afford supports individuals to achieve their work, home, and life goals under the NDIS.

For more information, visit www.afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Robin Cowdery, Interim CEO, robin.cowdery@afford.com.au

About Afford - www.afford.com.au

Afford is a registered charity providing disability services to over 4000 people and families across Australia. Afford supports people of all abilities achieve their goals for home, work, and life under the NDIS. The not-for-profit has championed choice, respect and opportunity for people of all abilities for 70 years. The supports provided by Afford include Supported Accommodation, Short-Term Accommodation, Social and Community Programs; SLES (School Leaver Employment Support) service, Carer Support, Disability Employment Services (DES), Supported Employment in Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE); Allied Health Support, Support Coordination, supported holidays (Afford Getaways) and healthy lifestyle activities and outings (Club Afford).