After more than 14 years, CEO Caroline Cuddihy has resigned from Sunnyfield to take the next step in her career, moving to a leadership role in a government community services agency.
Caroline will be leaving us at the start of July before taking a well-earned break and starting her new role in August.
The Chair of Sunnyfield’s Board, Karen Ingram, will step in to lead the organisation while a recruitment process for a new CEO is undertaken.
Since Caroline joined Sunnyfield in 2008, the organisation has grown and developed substantially, now supporting more than 1700 clients receiving over 2300 services, including shared independent living, short-term accommodation, community hubs, and access, supported employment, school leavers employment supports, and support co-ordination, with more than 1500 employees.
Caroline has been crucial to the growth, leading the successful navigation and implementation of the NDIS, and effectively guiding our amalgamations with Pioneers in 2015 and Endeavour in 2018, growing Sunnyfield’s footprint across NSW and ACT. Among others, one of Caroline’s key milestones was helping secure the transfer to our ownership, of our properties based on Crown lands.
The Board wishes Caroline all the best and sincerely thanks her for 14 years of dedicated service to the Sunnyfield community.
Several events have been planned throughout June to farewell Caroline. Invitations will be shared soon.
Managing the leadership transition
The Board has a clear plan in place to guide the transition process, led by Sunnyfield’s Chair of six years, Karen Ingram. A senior partner with the law firm Clayton Utz, Karen has been involved with Sunnyfield since 2008 and has served as Chair since 2016. She brings strong capability in leadership and governance, as well as dedication towards supporting vulnerable members of the community.
Caroline has expressed her deep gratitude for the Sunnyfield staff and community and looks forward to joining Karen over the coming weeks as they visit a number of sites to speak with staff, clients, and families.
Moving forward Sunnyfield will continue working on our current strategic plan, which puts clients and their outcomes at our heart. Our day-to-day operations will remain unchanged.
Karen will be working closely with our high-calibre leadership team, supported by the Board, to continue enriching the lives of people with intellectual disability by creating choice, opportunities, and skills for life.
We understand some people may have questions. Please do not hesitate to contact Karen on 02 8977 8845 if you are concerned, have questions or would like to discuss.
Karen Ingram and the Sunnyfield Board
