Communities at Work announces appointment of new CEO Michelle Colefax

ACT early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Communities at Work has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Colefax, who will take on the role from today, replacing former CEO Lee Maiden. 

Ms Maiden has held the CEO position since June 2018, and has been part of the broader Communities at Work organisation for over 30 years, making her departure a significant one for the team. 

The appointment was announced by Board Chair Alan Greenslade, who said Ms Colefax was chosen in a competitive selection process from a strong field of candidates. 

She has a background in the community services sector, having previously worked as Chief Executive Officer and Deputy CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn, and is keen to extend this expertise into the Communities at Work team. 

“There’s no better time to join,” she said. “I have long admired the commitment and drive of the Communities at Work teams in the delivery of invaluable services and supports to the many individuals they serve within our community.”

Ms Colefax is excited to build on the foundation established by Ms Maiden to further scale the Communities at Work services in driving even greater outcomes for families and individuals in the ACT community. 

“I look forward to working closely with the Board, all the Communities at Work teams, the community and partner providers to capitalise on the many opportunities ahead and usher in Communities at Work’s next chapter of growth and success,” she said.

The Board will be working with Ms Colefax to extend and develop services in response to changing community needs, both directly and in collaboration with other community organisations, government agencies and its supporters.

“The appointment of Michelle marks an exciting new chapter for Communities at Work. The Board are looking forward to working with Michelle to ensure that Communities at Work continues to deliver and develop services for the community and those most in need,” a spokesperson said.

Learn more about the work of Communities at Work here.