New leadership for unified LASA

Mr Sean Rooney, currently the executive director of Sustainability & Climate Change in the ACT Government, will be the inaugural chief executive officer of the unified body. He is expected to take office in June and will be based in Canberra.

Mr Rooney will replace outgoing CEO of the LASA national office, Mr Patrick Reid, who has been in the role for the past three years.

According to LASA Chairman, Dr Graeme L Blackman, OAM, Mr Rooney is a “talented and energetic leader for the future”.

“Sean is an excellent fit for this new role – he brings a wealth of relevant experience as well as enthusiasm for the challenges involved. His outstanding relationship skills set him out as a leader who will effectively develop the brand and membership of the unified LASA,” Dr Blackman says.

“The LASA Board is confident that Mr Rooney brings the right mix of capabilities and experience to effectively lead and unify the organisation, its staff and members in the interests of the aged care sector.”

Mr Rooney has held several senior executive roles in public, private, and not-for-profit sector organisations, including the Australian Medicare Local Alliance, Sinclair Knight Merz, the CSIRO and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Business School at Griffith University.

Mr Rooney says he is “honoured and excited at the potential for influencing aged care reform and ensuring that the voices of LASA members are heard and are influential in policy making”.

“I am stepping into the CEO role at an important time for both the organisation and the aged care sector it represents.

“I look forward to building on LASA’s existing track record and strong reputation, and to working with all members to lead our organisation forward in the interests of our members,” he says.

According to Dr Blackman LASA is integrating its state services into a national organisation to build capacity for stronger advocacy as the aged care sector goes through unprecedented change, while expanding its opportunities to share support and services equitably beyond state borders.

“In doing so, LASA will reinforce its place as a strong national organisation that represents the entire industry, from community care to retirement living and supported accommodation to the provision of residential care, including for profit and not for profit organisations alike,” Dr Blackman says.