Mind Australia is delighted to announce that Denise Cumming will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer, following a competitive national search managed by the Board of Trustees.
Denise will commence in the role from Monday 28 September, taking over from Gill Callister, who announced in May that she would not seek a new contract.
Denise is well known within Mind and the mental health sector, having worked with Mind for nine years, most recently in the Executive Director, Operations role overseeing service delivery in Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales (through One Door Mental Health) and housing services. Her time with Mind forms part of a 30-year career spanning clinical mental health, leadership and policy roles across the UK and Australia, particularly with NHS Scotland and Queensland Health.
Mind Board Chair, Professor Allan Fels AO, said Denise was appointed from a highly competitive field.
“The Board was impressed with Denise’s deep knowledge and experience with Mind, her vision for our next chapter and her unwavering commitment to lived experience and the people and communities Mind works alongside,” Professor Fels said.
“The Board is confident Denise will lead Mind, One Door Mental Health and The Haven Foundation with continuity and ambition. With Mind’s refreshed brand launched last week and our five-year strategic plan already underway, Denise will be stepping into the CEO role at a time when Mind’s strategic direction and growth is well established.”
Commenting on her appointment to the CEO role, Denise said: “I have been incredibly proud to part of the Mind Executive team and it will be a privilege to lead Mind through its next chapter. Nine years at Mind has taught me that this organisation’s strength is its people - our amazing staff, our lived experience leaders and above all the people and communities we walk alongside every day.
“Mind’s commitment to lived experience and reputation in the sector is something I am immensely proud of and I look forward to working to ensure the mental health system in Australia understands the importance of a person-led approach to mental health support.”
Mind is grateful to Gill Callister for supporting a smooth handover of CEO responsibilities since announcing her departure in May.
Having worked with Denise for many years, Gill said, “I’m so pleased to see someone with Denise’s commitment, expertise and passion for what Mind does, become the next CEO. Leaving Mind has been a difficult decision for me and I’m pleased to be able to hand over to someone who knows the organisation deeply and is unreservedly committed to our values and mission.”