VAC executive director steps down

Victorian AIDS Council/ Gay Men’s Health Centre (VAC/GMHC) executive director Mike Kennedy has announced he will step down from the job after 11 years.

Kennedy notified the board he would not seek an extension of his contract which expires in July this year.

VAC/GMHC president Michael Williams paid tribute to Kennedy’s time at the organisation.

“In all of its 27 years, VAC/GMHC has never been in a stronger position,” Williams said in a statement.

“This owes to the exceptional work undertaken by Mike Kennedy in his role as executive director over a long period of time.

“Mike has placed the organisation on a firm financial footing; won the respect and loyalty of his staff; created excellent relations with the community and stakeholders; and proved himself to be a state and national leader in HIV-related advocacy and policy.”

Williams said Kennedy was able to successfully guide the organisation through difficult times, especially the early 2000s when HIV infections in Victoria spiked dramatically.

“He secured greater funding to undertake our health promotion work at a time when HIV infections were rising and ensured the issue of HIV and ageing is given the prominence it deserves,” Williams said.

“He leaves VAC/GMHC on a confident and capable footing to face new challenges.”

Kennedy — who is one of the longest serving executive directors of an AIDS Council in Australia — told the Star Observer he will have a break before looking for a new position.

“The decision on my part was that this was the right thing for the organisation in terms of its future development and the right time for it to happen in terms of the stability in the board and management team, good relations with the [Health] Department, [and] funding secure.”

Kennedy said he was proud of what the organisation had achieved over 11 years.

The VAC/GMHC board will start the search for a replacement in March.

“We aim to have the new executive director in place just prior to Mike departing so a smooth transition can take place,” Williams said.