Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) ACT CEO Caroline Walsh today announced she’s stepping down from the role to take up a new opportunity at the OzHelp Foundation.

In her three 3 years as CEO, Ms Walsh led IPAA ACT to deliver a suite of high-calibre events and programs, including the Spirit of Service Awards, Future Leaders Program and the Senior Executive Leadership Conversations course, whilst ensuring the organisation was sustainable throughout and after the pandemic.

Ms Walsh said she greatly enjoyed being at the forefront of promoting excellence and professionalism in public administration.

“Through IPAA ACT, I’ve been so privileged to help public servants and others in the public sector create meaningful careers, and help provide them with the tools and information they need to do what they do best – serve Australia’s communities,” she said.

IPAA ACT President Katherine Jones, Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department, said that Ms Walsh was leaving a legacy of empathic leadership and flexibility as well as a focus on diversity and inclusion, which IPAA ACT wants to see continued in its future leadership.

“Caroline has created an environment for IPAA ACT members to debate, collaborate and contribute,” Secretary Jones said.

“We thank her for her dedicated service to IPAA and the public sector more broadly. She’s made an invaluable contribution to the institution that IPAA ACT is today.”

Ms Walsh said she was grateful to the IPAA ACT team for their continued support and dedication to public purpose.

“Everything we do wouldn’t be possible without our small, dedicated team.”

Ms Walsh is looking forward to passing the baton to a new CEO and moving into her role at the OzHelp Foundation.

“We’ve started the recruitment process for a new CEO and are sure to find an excellent fit very soon.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always been passionate about serving the Australian community.  I’m genuinely excited to help provide health and wellbeing programs for workers in high-risk, hard-to-reach industries, and working towards an Australia without suicide.”