Farewell and thanks to inaugural cohealth chair, kay rundle

Following almost five years of careful stewardship and experienced counsel, which included oversight of the successful merger of three community health organisations to form cohealth, the inaugural cohealth Chair, and Board Director, Kay Rundle is to step down on 3 May 2018.

Kay leaves cohealth in great shape and with a strong and committed Board of Directors which exemplifies best practice governance, to enjoy more time with her family.

During her time with cohealth, Kay’s experience enabled her to lead the Board through cohealth’s first formative years, embedding a culture of reflection, accountability and focus on strategic direction and impact. Over that time the organisation has undertaken the extensive work required to honour the legacy and work of the founding organisations while consolidating systems and processes, building a new brand, and continuing to deliver high quality services to, and advocacy on behalf of, some of Victoria’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged people.

The organisation’s focus on mission and related requirements for a positive and safe culture to drive quality has been outstanding.  Now, with cohealth having been recognised as the 2017 Premier’s Primary Health Service of the Year, and development of the organisation’s second Strategic Plan well underway, Kay considers this an opportune time in cohealth’s evolution to hand over the Chair.

cohealth Chief Executive Lyn Morgain thanked Kay for her committed service and contribution over the past five years, wishing her well as she looks to spend more time with her family.

“Kay’s insightful and generous leadership during the complex merger of our three founding community health organisations to form cohealth has been invaluable. Her significant contribution to Board development and strategic planning positions cohealth well in its work to improve health of vulnerable people and communities”.

“On behalf of our staff and the communities we serve, I sincerely thank Kay”.

Current Director and Deputy Chair, Kerry Thompson, will serve as interim Chair, continuing the organisation’s drive for contemporary models of care that address health inequalities.

Kerry joined the cohealth Board in July 2016 and has served as a Director on a number of boards, most recently Gordon Institute, Destination Melbourne and the Institute of Public Administration Australia. Currently acting CEO of VicRoads, Kerry is also an accomplished and experienced CEO, primarily in local government as CEO of Maribyrnong and Wyndham City Councils, and in the not-for-profit sector as CEO of the Lost Dogs Home.​

More information: Aram Hosie 0403 317 618 or aram.hosie@cohealth.org.au

About cohealth

cohealth is a not-for-profit community health organisation that provides vital local health and support services including medical, dental, allied health, mental health, aged care and counselling, along with many specialist programs across Melbourne’s CBD, northern and western suburbs.

cohealth responds to people’s needs by delivering a wide range of low cost, high-quality, accessible health care and support services. cohealth promotes health and wellbeing, works to prevent ill-health and better manage health conditions, and is a keen advocate for improved access to health care for all.