After more than a decade of dedicated service to Vision Australia and the wider blind and low vision community, Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton has announced his decision to step down from the role
Ron joined Vision Australia in 2013 from his native New Zealand, where he held numerous leadership roles in IT, defence and health.
Ron’s appointment as Vision Australia CEO aligned with the beginning of the NDIS rollout across Australia, the largest change to the disability support sector ever seen in Australia.
Ron’s leadership through the introduction of individualised funding proved invaluable, ensuring the organisation adapted to the change, but kept focus on our mission of supporting people who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose through that change.
Ron’s time as CEO has also been characterised by a drive to modernise the operations of the organisation to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the blind and low vision community into the future.
Ron has been key to significant investment into our digital systems and workplace technologies, ensuring that our workforce has the necessary tools and equipment to deliver our services, but also ensuring our cyber security is of an industry-leading standard.
Ron has also stewarded a significant change in the workplace culture across the organisation, encouraging flexibility, positivity and collaboration across our nationally dispersed workforce.
In announcing his departure, Ron said the decision had left him with a heavy heart, but he believes Vision Australia is in more than capable hands.
“For me, it has been a remarkable 11½ years that have provided me with many career highlights, and enduring friendships for which I am very grateful. I know though, that it is now time for me to take a break, 'recharge my batteries' and seek a new opportunity,” Ron said.
“The Board has advised that our CFO, Justine Heath, will assume the role of Acting CEO from the 2nd of August. She has the full support of our very capable Leadership Team, and I have complete confidence in their abilities. As I depart, I am assured that the business is in good hands. I wish them well in leading Vision Australia forward,” he said.
Bill Jolley, Vision Australia Chair, paid tribute to the immense contribution Ron has made to the Vision Australia, and by extension the entire blind and low vision community, during his time as CEO
“Ron’s key achievements are numerous – including the expansion of our services and advocacy for the blind and low vision community, in particular, the development of our Life Ready Program and the establishment of Know Your Vision clinics for older Australians. His leadership and unwavering advocacy enabled the creation and delivery of our Reconciliation Action Plan and the extension of our services into Alice Springs and Broome,” Bill said.
“Ron’s leadership, deep empathy and resolve were crucial in leading the organisation through COVID with a focus on keeping clients and staff safe, supported and connected, and in rebuilding the sense of optimism in the post-COVID period. His technical insights have ensured that Vision Australia has developed a modern, agile and secure IT infrastructure,” he said.
Under his leadership, the organisation's culture has significantly strengthened. By systematically cultivating our culture through investments in leadership development and workforce wellbeing initiatives like LifeStreet and R U OK 365, we have created a positive culture, which is a vital foundation for our success.”
The Vision Australia Board will now follow established policies regarding the recruitment and appointment of a permanent replacement over the coming months.