Alzheimer’s WA appoints new CEO
Former Western Australia Minister for Seniors, Rhonda Parker, has been appointed the new chief executive of Alzheimer’s Australia WA (AAWA). Ms Parker will take the reins at the leading not-for-profit organisation – which supports people with dementia, their families and carers – from retiring chief executive, Frank Schaper, on 1 October.
Former Western Australia Minister for Seniors, Rhonda Parker, has been appointed the new chief executive of Alzheimer’s Australia WA (AAWA).
Ms Parker (pictured) will take the reins at the leading not-for-profit organisation – which supports people with dementia, their families and carers – from retiring chief executive, Frank Schaper, on 1 October.
“Mr Schaper has made a tremendous contribution in his time as CEO,” Ms Parker said. “And with the federal government announcing recently that dementia will become a National Health Priority Area, I look forward to working with AAWA’s team and partners to ensure we can provide the services, professionalism, respect and empathy our elders deserve.”
Ms Parker has a long interest and passion for providing opportunity, quality care and respect to seniors.
“Older Western Australians have built our nation and our families; they deserve the very best as they age,” she said.
“With 25,000 Western Australians and their families already living with dementia, AAWA’s mandate to improve the lives of those living with dementia has never been more relevant or important. This disease will touch the lives of almost every Western Australian.”
Ms Parker led the establishment of Australia’s first Healthy Ageing Strategy, served on the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency board and was appointed the nation’s first Aged Care Commissioner.
AAWA board chair, Craig Masarei, said Ms Parker’s appointment was made after an extensive national recruitment process.
“We are excited to have someone of Ms Parker’s experience and talent to take the leadership of the Alzheimer’s cause in Western Australia,” he said.
“She has been at the leading edge as a contributor to policy, program and community development in Western Australia and nationally for almost 20 years.”
Read the announcement of Frank Schaper’s retirement as Alzheimer’s Australia WA chief executive here.
