ERA deputy CEO becomes interim CEO
Elder Rights Advocacy has appointed long-time team member Debra Nicholl as its interim chief executive officer.
Victorian non-profit organisation Elder Rights Advocacy has appointed Debra Nicholl as its interim chief executive officer.
Formerly deputy CEO, Ms Nicholl will lead the aged care advocacy organisation for the next six months as ERA embarks on a recruitment drive for a full-time chief executive.
The appointment follows a decision by Philippa Campbell to step down as CEO due to health reasons.
Ms Nicholl’s association with ERA began in 2006 when the organisation was known as Residential Care Rights. ERA is one of the nine members of the national Older Persons Advocacy Network, which formed in 2017 to deliver the commonwealth funded National Aged Care Advocacy Program.
Ms Nicholl has held various roles in the state-wide organisation over the years including program manager and advocacy manager before becoming deputy CEO earlier this year.
“I thank Deb for stepping up and providing continuity at this time,” said ERA board president Mary Anne Hunt in a statement. “And I thank and pay tribute to the truly exceptional Philippa.”
She added: “We owe so much of our success to her strong, ethical leadership and to her passion, vision and absolute commitment to advancing the human rights of older people.”
Ms Campbell said it had been a privilege to lead such a devoted workforce.
“Our dedicated staff, along with our volunteer board, have supported me to grow the organisation and expand our reach to older people across Victoria. I have no doubt that Elder Rights Advocacy will continue to be an important and effective organisation for older people receiving aged care services.”
Ms Campbell will finish at ERA on 4 November, with the board expected to finalise recruitment plans over the next three months.
Main image: ERA interim CEO Debra Nicholl
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