Statement from Switchboard's Chair - CEO Resignation
Pictured: Joe Ball, outgoing CEO of Switchboard Victoria and the Hon. Minister Harriet Shing.
(QNews: Dean Arcuri).
The Board of Directors at Switchboard Victoria are proud to share in celebrating the Hon. Minister Harriet Shing’s announcement that Joe Ball will be stepping into the role of Victoria’s next Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, concluding his 7 years of dedicated and passionate service as Switchboard’s inaugural CEO.
Under Joe’s leadership, Switchboard has grown as a respected and trusted community-controlled organisation with innovative sector leading services and programs. Joe has been integral in the vision-setting, growth and maturity of Switchboard, including his oversight of the establishment of landmark program Rainbow Door, Switchboard’s dedicated LGBTIQA+ family violence and mental health helpline, alongside Switchboard’s leadership in Suicide Prevention and the expansion of Switchboard’s work supporting older LGBTI Victorians through Pride in Ageing.
Joe's legacy at Switchboard is immense, and the profound impact of his leadership will be felt for years to come. The Board could not be more proud of Joe, his leadership through Switchboard, and his tireless work supporting and advocating for LGBTIQA+ communities through our organisation. Joe embodies Switchboard's ethos of service with heart, and his unique leadership and advocacy will provide a strong voice for LGBTIQA+ communities across Victoria.
“It is an immense honour and responsibility to be the next Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities. My responsibilities are first and foremost to our communities. My promise to the community is that I will listen, and I’ll be a strong advocate to the government about the issues that most impact them.” Joe Ball, outgoing CEO Switchboard Victoria and next Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities.
Joe will conclude his service as Switchboard’s CEO on 18 September 2024.
The Board is proud to continue to work alongside Blake Leschen, who will step into the role of Acting CEO whilst the Board of Directors undertake the rigorous search for Switchboard’s next CEO. The Board are grateful to Joe and Blake for their dedication to ensuring exemplary leadership continuity at Switchboard, to support our organisation and communities during this period of change.
As Chair, I am thrilled to continue supporting Switchboard alongside our Board of Directors, as we seek to find Switchboard’s next visionary leader eager to embrace this exciting opportunity. The Board of Directors look forward to appointing a skilled CEO ready to lead Switchboard through the implementation of our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.
We wish Joe every success as he prepares for his next chapter as Commissioner Ball from 23 September 2024, continuing his tireless service to LGBTIQA+ Victorians as the Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities.
Amelia Arnold
Chair, Board of Directors
Switchboard Victoria
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-commissioner-lgbtiqa-communities-appointed