Welcoming Elaine De Vos as GROW’s new National Chief Executive Officer

This month, GROW NCEO David Butt is retiring from his position. David came to GROW as CEO at a time when the organisation was facing many challenges. David’s vast experience in mental health and Health policy and his experience as a public sector manager gave new impetus to GROW and allowed us to meet those challenges and thrive. More recently David has confronted misguided government policies on behalf of GROWERS in WA and the NT which threatened the viability of the organisation in those localities.

David has been true to GROW’s mission while giving us a strategic focus and a nimbler and more capable organisation. His wisdom and advice to the board, his colleagues  and to GROWERS has been indispensable to the ongoing improvement of the organisation. David is leaving GROW in much better shape than when he came to it.

Of course, the other side of the coin to David’s retirement is the recruitment and orientation of his successor as CEO. The board is delighted to have made the decision to offer Elaine De Voss the role of CEO. Elaine took up her role this week and will be given a short handover by David Butt. Elaine has hit the ground running, having ‘virtual meetings around the States and with myself reviewing GROW’s current situation and making plans for the future.

Elaine comes to GROW with a solid public sector management background and a strong interest in and focus on social policy and mental health. Elaine is already engaging with key figures in government about GROW , gaining an understanding of the approach we take to funding and promoting our activities. Most of all, she is keen to engage with GROWERS.

John Della Bosca
GROW Board Chair