Resthaven announces new CEO

Mr Hearn announced his retirement from the CEO role earlier this year, after 26 years in the position and more than 34 years at Resthaven.

On 21 April, the Board President, Mark Porter, announced the appointment of Mr Birbeck to the important leadership position.

Mr Birbeck is currently Resthaven’s Executive Manager Governance and Corporate Services. 

“‘I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of Richard Hearn, who has provided inspired leadership over the course of his outstanding career. He is a man I both admire and respect. It has been a privilege to work with Resthaven in both a Board and an executive capacity over the past four years. There is something special about Resthaven,” says Mr Birbeck.

“I also look forward to working with the Board to ensure that Resthaven continues to have such a positive influence on the lives of the people we serve.

“I would like to acknowledge Resthaven’s dedicated and hardworking staff and volunteers, who make such a valued contribution to people’s lives every day. I also feel extremely fortunate to work with such a talented and passionate executive and leadership team.

“The road ahead is a challenging one, but we have the opportunity to implement the positive reforms and innovative models of care and services needed to redefine the future of ageing in this country.

“Resthaven is well placed to take advantage of these opportunities due to its strong financial position and commitment to providing quality care and support for older people and their carers.

“With a proud history spanning 85 years, it is important to honour this legacy while adapting and evolving to ensure that we are in the best position to meet future challenges.”

Mr Birbeck has previously worked in local Government as General Manager of Corporate Services with the City of Charles Sturt, and prior to that was General Manager of Corporate Services with ECH in South Australia.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s in Business Administration, and is a Fellow of the Certified Practising Accountants Association of Australian and achieved an Order of Merit in the Company Directors Course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mr Porter had only good words to describe Mr Birbeck, saying, “He is humble yet quietly assertive, understands Resthaven’s culture and values, and is committed to the ongoing provision of high-quality aged care services wherever Resthaven’s reach and service extends.

“We welcome Darren to his new role and will support and encourage him in leading our wonderful community in these extraordinary times.”

Mr Hearn will be in the CEO position under 29 May, 2020, to provide a transition and hand over period to minimise the disruption to day to day operations.

From 1 June, 2020, Mr Birbeck will commence his role as the new CEO of Resthaven.

Mr Hearn says, “I wish to acknowledge my appreciation of the valued relationships and kindred spirit of the many individuals I have had the good fortune to work with over time and I wish Darren all the best and trust his experience will be as fulfilling as mine in this wonderful organisation, Resthaven.”

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