After 25 years Philip Armstrong steps down as CEO of ACA, Jodie McKenzie steps in as new CEO 

On 3 October 2023, Philip Armstrong informed the Board of ACA of his intention to leave his position of CEO to pursue personal interests as ACA transitions into its next chapter under a new Board. “I know I am stepping away at the right time for ACA. I’m excited to see ACA grow during its next phase as an ongoing member,” said Philip. Incoming ACA President Dee Hardy thanked Philip for his leadership and contribution to ACA over many years. “Philip’s contribution to ACA is peerless. We wish him all the best as he moves forward into his next phase,” said Ms Hardy.

We are pleased to announce that the ACA Board has appointed Deputy CEO Jodie McKenzie as the new CEO of ACA, effective Monday 9 October 2023. 

Jodie brings experience in planning, stakeholder engagement, change management, and risk and issues management to her role as CEO, in addition to being an experienced counsellor. 
 
Jodie joined ACA in January 2023 as Deputy CEO following an extensive executive search. 

“This is an organic transition – Jodie has done an outstanding job shadowing Philip over the best part of this year as Deputy CEO, co-leading ACA’s advocacy efforts with various stakeholders, government, and importantly with our community of 16,000+ Members,” said Ms Hardy. 

 

A Message From Jodie McKenzie

After 25 years of leadership, Philip Armstrong has graciously passed the torch as CEO of the ACA. It is both an honour and a privilege to step into this role and carry forward the legacy that Philip has so brilliantly crafted. We express our heartfelt gratitude for his remarkable leadership and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of being a part of the ACA family, from working in the profession as a Registered Counsellor in the niche area of pregnancy loss, and more recently joining ACA in a leadership role as Deputy CEO in January 2023.

The opportunity to lead this extraordinary organisation, with its dedication to advancing the counselling and psychotherapy profession in Australia, is a true privilege. I am committed to building on the solid foundation that Philip has established, fostering growth, promoting innovation, and advocating for the vital role of counselling and psychotherapy. I am excited and humbled to lead ACA into a new chapter.

 

About Jodie

Jodie holds a Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling) and was a Registered Member of the Australian Counselling Association approximately 15 years ago. During her time as a Counsellor, she was a Board-Approved Counselling Practitioner at a private hospital in Brisbane and worked in area of grief and loss.

She also volunteered her time with multiple support foundations, facilitated monthly support groups and worked with the foundation leadership on building awareness and driving initiatives within the community and State bodies.

After the birth of her fourth child, Jodie took a pause from counselling to raise her then small children. Upon returning to the workforce in a non-counselling role, Jodie’s career fast tracked to Program/Project Management and People Leadership positions within large corporate environments. It is through these opportunities that she has gained experience in Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Change Management, and Risk and Issues Management that will bring benefits to her role as CEO.