Case Studies

Windana

Worked with the Windana Board to place a new CEO

In 1984, a group of concerned community members led by Peter Bucci, raised community awareness and the need for St Kilda-based organisations to respond to the needs of people with alcohol and other drug-related problems. Having raised the necessary funds, the group bought a historic property in East St Kilda and established The Windana Society.

Windana today is a major non-government organisation with more than 150 staff catering directly to over 2000 clients annually, providing specialist drug and alcohol services. Windana has a committed and diverse staff group offering a range of skills, qualifications, and experience, including family, individual and group counselling, complementary therapies, social welfare, youth network, nutrition, art therapy, psychology, recreation and specialist health training. Some staff also bring a personal recovery experience from drug and alcohol dependence to their roles.

Windana

Galvin-Rowley Executive working in partnership with the Chair and selection panel.

Galvin-Rowley Executive recommended a targeted Australia-wide search, leveraging the existing networks, undertaking targeted research, and tapping into industry associations. This strategy was underpinned by online advertising, catching candidates coming onto the job market and potential candidates looking for the next career opportunity.

Whilst experience in NFP was not essential, some background in health or an affiliate within the sectors was considered necessary. Possible candidates were considered with backgrounds in mental health, community health, the corporate sector and aged care.

This comprehensive search resulted in a shortlist of five, derived from an impressive field of candidates.

Ultimately, Andrea McLeod was appointed in August 2021, having impressed the selection panel with her experience as General Manager of Disability, Early Years and Palliative Care at Melbourne.

Currently, the organisation receives funding from the Victorian Department of Health and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. Both Commonwealth and State drug and alcohol objectives are adopted, involving the utilisation of harm minimisation approaches and focus on minimal/benefit interventions and medium to long-term support.

Windana aims to offer a comprehensive range of quality services that assist people in taking the steps necessary to improve their quality of life.

In 2021, after years of growth, the Windana CEO resigned to take on her next career challenge. The Windana Board, led by Chair, Jenny Gillam, invited proposals to manage the search for the next CEO.

Galvin-Rowley Executive was selected to manage this search.

During her eight years with Windana, the outgoing CEO had grown the business from an annual $6m NFP to $23m with 150 staff. They are a highly respected, financially secure, affiliated service provider, offering integrated services across Victoria.

“In 2021, we worked with Jen to recruit the new CEO for Windana – a leading Victorian drug and alcohol recovery service.

She worked closely with us to ensure she had a good understanding of the brief, provided regular progress updates and delivered a strong shortlist from which we were able to select our new CEO. We found Jen’s approach and follow up to be really professional and engaging and we achieved a great outcome.”

Jenny Gillam, Windana Drug & Alcohol Recovery, Chair

What Our Clients Say

I have had the great fortune to partner with Galvin-Rowley Executive for over 15 years. Jen and the team are extremely professional and above all take the time to understand the role requirements to ensure the right candidate is matched. When labour markets are tight, and roles are in high demand Galvin-Rowley Executive always find the right candidate. I really appreciate how they keep me informed of their progress, challenge my thinking and create a collaborative environment. Finding the right candidate is never easy, Jen makes it easy!

Georgegina Poulos

T2, Global Director People

“In 2021, we worked with Jen to recruit the new CEO for Windana – a leading Victorian drug and alcohol recovery service.

Jenny Gillam

Chair Windana - a leading Drug and Alcohol Recovery service.

“Jen is as invested in getting amazing people into T2 as we are. Settling for average is not an option and this comes from her deep understanding of our business and culture and a strong appreciation for the emphasis we place on both capability and fit in equal measure. We are delighted with the great people we have at T2 thanks to Jen – they are most certainly our cup of tea!”

Nicole Sparshott

T2 Tea, Global Chief Executive Officer

I have had the absolute pleasure of partnering with Jen both as a client and candidate and the experience has been seamless & pleasurable on both fronts. Jen sets herself apart from the plethora of recruiters in that she fosters an intricate understanding of her clients vision and culture and weaves this delicately into the people she puts forth. Jen has been a formidable partner in building high functioning and performing teams. Needless to say we thoroughly relish working with her!

Sharon Elding

HR Director , Jungheinrich Australia

“Further to our discussions from time to time, I am writing to express my appreciation more formally to you for so well managing the process for recruitment of our new Executive Director. The process ran seamlessly, and the ultimate appointment of Lynn Haultain was correct as her performance has shown. Thank you. Kind regards.”