Chief Executive Officer

The organisation

Early in 2019, Rod Harris OAM announced his intention to retire as the CEO of Motor Neurone Disease Victoria after a quarter of a century of exemplary service. During that tenure, he had increased the profile of the condition throughout Victoria and nationally, and had also become an influential participant in the global arena with regard to MND.

Brooker Consulting was charged with the responsibility of identifying a worthy successor, and an extensive advertising and executive search campaign was embarked upon. After presentation of the preferred candidates, a shortlist was interviewed and Kate Johnson ultimately emerged as the new Chief Executive. She took up her position in late April 2019 and has admirably honoured the legacy of her predecessor, while also stamping her mark on the organisation.

The brief

At the end of 2019, David Lamperd, the Chair of MND Victoria took on the role of Chairperson for the national MND entity, based in Canberra. When the CEO of MND Australia announced her decision to retire, Brooker Consulting was invited to submit a proposal to the national board for the identification of the next Chief Executive.

The process

The process commenced in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic, and the Board took the view that the new paradigm of remote working could facilitate a situation where the national CEO might not necessarily be based in Canberra. An appointed candidate domiciled in Sydney or Melbourne could remain in that city, and run the national body from the present state offices in either Victoria or New South Wales.

 Brooker Consulting undertook a comprehensive executive search campaign, combined with print media,  to identify and present the very best available candidates for consideration.

The outcome

After a rigorous assessment  process, MND opted to interview six candidates via Zoom. Three of these candidates were chosen to proceed to the second round of interviews and in October 2020, MND placed a new CEO, David Ali.