The chief executive of Geelong-based disability, aged care and employment services provider genU has announced her resignation after a tumultuous tenure.
Clare Amies held the top job at genU for nearly five years, taking on the role just after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The decision comes after “careful strategic consideration”, with Ms Amies saying it had been “a privilege” to lead the organisation.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, and confident in genU’s future,” she said.
“I look forward to supporting a smooth and thoughtful transition over the months ahead.”
Ms Amies will continue in her role until her successor has been appointed.
Board chair Ingrid Williams thanked Ms Amies for her leadership and impact.
“Clare has brought clarity, compassion and determination to her role, guiding genU through a time of great transformation with a strong focus on our mission and the people we support. She leaves genU in a position of stability and strength,” she said.
Ms Amies’ period of leadership was marked by both controversy and transformation.
While the organisation expanded across the country through mergers with Li-Ve Tasmania and Western Australia’s Activ Foundation, the organisation has lost nearly $40 million in the last two years.
Ms Amies also faced a petition, organised by her own staff, calling for her dismissal due to claims of a toxic workplace environment and culture.
The organisation was also the target of criminal activity during Ms Amies’ watch, with a Newtown man arrested last year for allegedly defrauding genU for several million dollars.
The organisation said it has no plans to change its services, with a formal celebration of Ms Amie’s contributions planned for later in the year.
