The Board of Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS) has recognised the significant contribution of Chief Executive Officer, Dr Leanne Geppert, following her personal decision to conclude almost five years leading the establishment of Victoria’s first standalone public youth mental health service.

Dr Geppert has been in discussion with the Board for some time about when the right time would be, both personally and for the organisation, to conclude her tenure. During that time, she remained committed to providing stability through important milestones for PYMHWS, including the transition to a new Board Chair and the successful completion of its recent accreditation.

Board Chair, Cath Bowtell, said the Board was deeply disappointed to see Dr Geppert leave and remained strongly supportive of her leadership and contribution.

“Leanne took on one of the most complex leadership challenges in Victoria’s mental health reform agenda and has led PYMHWS from an ambitious reform into an established public health service with strong foundations and a clear direction,” Ms Bowtell said.

“Under her leadership, PYMHWS has established its independent governance and systems, grown its workforce and services, expanded and relocated major clinical services, and successfully achieved accreditation against the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.

“Leanne and the Board have been discussing the timing of this transition for some time. She has continued to lead PYMHWS with enormous commitment throughout that period and has been focused on ensuring the organisation was well positioned for what comes next.

“The Board remains supportive of Leanne and would have welcomed her continuing as Chief Executive. We respect that this is her decision and are enormously grateful for the commitment, capability and determination she has brought to PYMHWS.”

Dr Geppert said the decision followed considerable personal reflection about the next chapter of her life and career.

“Reform has been the work of my career and helping to establish PYMHWS has been one of its most significant chapters. I leave with enormous belief in what we have built, in our people, and in what this organisation can continue to achieve for young people and their families, carers, supporters and kin,” Dr Geppert said.

“This is a decision I have made for myself and my family after a great deal of reflection. With our first grandchild on the way, there is also an exciting new chapter ahead for my family and I know this is the right decision for me.”

Dr Geppert’s decision follows an existing discussion with the Board about the timing of her transition and was made before the publication of recent media reporting concerning PYMHWS. Her resignation was not sought or requested by the Board.

The Board is progressing interim leadership arrangements to provide continuity while it undertakes a process to appoint a longer-term Chief Executive Officer.

Dr Geppert will continue to work with the Board and Executive to support a considered transition. PYMHWS services and its program of continuous improvement remain unchanged, with the organisation focused on providing the best possible care for young people.