Queensland’s Council Of the Ageing (COTA) has announced the appointment of Darren Young as CEO following the resignation of Mark-Tucker Evans at the end of June.
“Darren brings to COTA Queensland a wealth of experience in both the not-for-profit sector and the ageing sector and we look forward to a bright future, with Darren opening a new chapter in COTA Queensland’s long history,” said COTA Queensland Chair, Jean McRuvie.
“Our goals are to combat ageism; create an age-friendly Queensland; and shape a person-centered integrated health system that meets the needs of all Queenslanders throughout our entire life.”
Mr Young was most recently the Executive Advisor at Australian Red Cross, supporting many areas of the organisation’s humanitarian work across Queensland.
Prior to that, he held the position of State Director of Mission Australia responsible for both Queensland and the Northern Territory in what was a diverse portfolio of services in the areas of children and families, disability and indigenous employment, homeless and youth services.
In addition to his experiences in the national charity, Mr Young was also the General Manager of Helping Hand Aged Care in South Australia. As an aged care executive, he had a broad responsibility and included operational and strategic oversight of residential aged care, home based care and retirement village living.
“It’s a tremendous privilege to be given the opportunity to serve as COTA Queensland’s new CEO,” said Mr Young.
“With our well-established history of advocating for the rights, needs and interests of older people in Queensland, I am very much looking forward to building on our capability, strengthening our many partnerships and most importantly, ensuring the voice of older people features strongly in the development of policy and services.”
The COTA Queensland board conducted an external recruitment process through the Windsor Group, and say they were delighted with the quality and quantity of applications received.
“Darren has the background and depth of experience COTA Queensland requires to move the organisation forward into the future and the board and staff are looking forward to working with him,” it said in a statement.
