2 March 2024

Beloved Greenacres CEO announces retirement after more than a decade leading the organisation

| Keeli Royle
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Amie, Andrew Dillon with Chris Christodoulou at Greenacres.

Greenacres CEO Chris Christodoulou with workers Amie and Andrew Dillon. Photos: Keeli Royle.

Chris Christodoulou has revealed that he’ll be stepping down from his role as CEO of Greenacres later this year after more than a decade in the top job, leaving the major service provider in search of a suitable replacement.

Greenacres announced today (1 March) that Mr Christodoulou had informed the organisation’s board of his decision to depart, marking the end of an era for the disability organisation.

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead Greenacres through times of challenge and achievement,” Mr Christodoulou said.

READ ALSO Opportunity, inclusivity and a touch of romance: Greenacres celebrates 70 years of supporting people with disabilities

“My decision to step down is made with a heavy heart but a hopeful spirit for the future of the organisation.”

Mr Christodoulou has guided the disability service provider through difficult times in recent years, managing the complexities of the NDIS and impacts of COVID while also seeing Greenacres achieve incredible accolades and milestones.

Greenacres CEO Chris Christodoulou

Chris has led the organisation through challenges and achievements for more than a decade.

Late last year, Mr Christodoulou reflected on the achievements seen throughout the organisation’s 70th year, showing the drive and dedication to innovation he demonstrated while at the helm.

“This year has been a big year for us; there’s been lots and lots of things that we’ve done that have been really positive,” he told Region.

“Opening up two cafes, our new retail store, now packing hampers, but the most important accolade we could’ve got was to win the Most Outstanding Community Organisation in our 70th year.

“That’s a tribute to all of the staff and all the hard work they do but also all the supported employees and the contribution they make.”

Greenacres Chairperson Greg Parrish expressed “profound gratitude” to Mr Christodoulou for his “dedication and visionary leadership over the past decade”.

Supported employees at Greenacres celebrating with local politicians.

Greenacres are now in search of a new CEO who will continue to drive the organisation forward.

“His contributions have been instrumental in shaping Greenacres into the robust and respected organisation it is today, building on those other exceptional leaders who preceded him over the last 70 years,” Mr Parrish said.

Mr Parrish and the board now have the difficult role of finding someone to fill his shoes to continue to drive the organisation forward.

“As we embark on the search for a new CEO, we are mindful of the legacy Chris leaves behind and are committed to finding a successor who embodies the same passion for our mission,” Mr Parrish said. “We are confident in our future and look forward to the next chapter in Greenacres’ journey with anticipation and optimism.”

READ ALSO ‘More than a job’: Greenacres workers celebrate birthday milestone with local politicians as services continue to grow

Mr Christodoulou will continue in his role until the second half of this year, to ensure there is ample time to find a suitable successor.

He will engage with participants, carers, and the community in the coming months to express his gratitude for their support.

“My commitment to ensuring a smooth transition is unwavering,” Mr Christodoulou said. “And I am confident that the next CEO will continue to uphold our values of fairness, inclusion, respect, excellence, and safeguarding, bringing fresh perspectives to Greenacres.”

A spokesperson for Greenacres said more updates around the search for a new CEO would be provided in due course.

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