Uniting NSW.ACT announces Patrick Reid as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) 

Tracey Burton, Chief Executive of Uniting NSW/ACT said: “I am really pleased to announce that following a rigorous recruitment process, we have appointed Patrick Reid as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Patrick will join Uniting this week and is replacing Iain Keddie who left Uniting to pursue other opportunities in April. 

“Patrick has been Chief Executive Officer of IRT Group (previously Illawarra Retirement Trust) for eight years and shares a deep commitment to people, communities, service and quality,” Tracey said. 

“All values we treasure here at Uniting. 

“Patrick’s experience at IRT in managing their multi-billion dollar capital pipeline, guiding strategic asset plans for 29 retirement villages and 20 aged-care centres alongside a strong digital innovation agenda, will place him well at Uniting as we enter the second horizon of our ten-year strategic plan. 

“Patrick has been drawn to Uniting as an opportunity to work in a larger organisation with a broader range of community services, and to help drive our ambitious strategy to disrupt entrenched disadvantage. 

‘We are absolutely delighted that he has chosen to join our team,” Tracey said.

Patrick Reid, Uniting NSW.ACT’s new COO said:

“I’m excited to step into the COO role at Uniting NSW.ACT and help drive our next phase of social impact and growth.

“Uniting’s bold mission to disrupt entrenched disadvantage and lift communities aligns perfectly with my own values and experience.

“I look forward to working with our dedicated people, using data, digital innovation and disciplined financial stewardship to deliver high-quality services that change lives today and for the long haul,” he said. 

Patrick originally trained and worked as a pharmacist and will bring his clinical background to the work of the Uniting Leadership Team.  He has a strong track record of commercial acumen and financial capabilities. He worked with Stewart Brown (Chartered Accountants) as Director of Aged Care, Community and Disability from 2016-2018, and he understands the importance of balancing financial rigour with mission. 

His previous roles include Chief Executive Officer at LASA (Leading Age Services Australia) and General Manager, Pharmacy Guild of Australia.  

Through all these roles and his time at IRT, Patrick has built an impressive track record of balancing mission with commercial sustainability and growth; government relations and advocacy; governance; and, building team culture to drive service excellence.  

Patrick is a GAICD graduate and has served on several Boards including Afford, a large disability service provider, and he is currently undertaking a Masters of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Wollongong.