Vision Australia Board appoints David Williamson as new Vision Australia CEO

After careful consideration and a thorough 12-month recruitment process, the Vision Australia Board is pleased to welcome David Williamson as the new Vision Australia CEO.  

David brings extensive leadership experience across the disability, aged care, and health sectors, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Villa Maria Catholic Homes. 

Bill Jolley, Vision Australia Chair, said the Board is confident David’s experience and engaging leadership style will provide the guidance Vision Australia requires as it continues to respond to external challenges. 

“Like many organisations in the disability sector, Vision Australia is currently responding to a number of challenges, including economic conditions, increased competition and ongoing funding reform,” Bill said 

“The Vision Australia Board believes David’s experience in the sector and leading a large organisation will be pivotal in Vision Australia’s ongoing evolution to be a modern and sustainable organisation,” Bill said.  

David also started his career as an occupational therapist, which the Board believes will help him understand the practicalities of Vision Australia’s service delivery model, engage with frontline service providers, and ensure our clients continue to receive the high-quality services they deserve. 

David will commence the role on Monday, October 20 and lead the organisation from its Melbourne headquarters.  

The appointment comes after a highly competitive recruitment process, which received over 500 applications and extensively engaged with candidates who are blind or have low vision and the Board appreciates the involvement and interest in the process from our community.  

“Lived experience of blindness or low vision was included as a desirable attribute in the selection criteria, which David possesses. In balancing that with David’s professional skills and experience, the Board strongly believes David is the correct choice,” Bill said. 

In assuming the role, David said he is excited to join an organisation where the lived experience of blindness and low vision is embedded at every level and is committed to the career progression and growth of both current and future blind and low vision employees, as well as working alongside the broader Vision Australia workforce in carrying out the organisation’s mission. 

For more information on the appointment, please click the link here. 

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