United Way Ballarat and The Ballarat Foundation’s chief executive officer Geoff Sharp has resigned.
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Mr Sharp has been CEO since 2008 and has overseen the integration of Lead On, Volunteering Ballarat, Ballarat Cares and The Ballarat Foundation into the organisation.
“While it is far to say the many things we have done as an organisation are immensely satisfying, the thing I will take with me is how often I am humbled and left speechless at the generosity and care the people of Ballarat show to their fellow citizens,” Mr Sharp said.
“Whether if is people making donations every pay day through Workplace Giving, companies matching staff donations, volunteers teaching a young person to drive or even caring through hospice for someone who is dying.”
Mr Sharp said he now plans to take a break, spend time with his family and work on his small farm.
“Now is the perfect time for United Way and The Ballarat Foundation to bring a new pair of eyes and hands on the wheel.”
United Way Ballarat was founded in 1983 as the Ballarat District Community Fund to distribute resources back to the community, particularly in areas of education, income and health.
Since then, it has given more than $3 million to local community groups and agencies.
The Ballarat Foundation is also a philanthropic fund which supports the community financially.
United Way Ballarat and The Ballarat Foundation chairman Alex Campbell said Mr Sharp’s contribution over the past nine years had been “enormous”.
“United Way and The Ballarat Foundation is in a far better place because of Geoff and, with a committed board and a targeted strategy, the organisation is set to launch into a new and exciting period, which will bring great benefit to the community.”
Mr Campbell said a strategic plan until 2020 would see the organisation focus on four key goals including early childhood success, through focusing its Ballarat Reads Program more on children in need, youth success through a better transition from education into the workforce, housing security in collaboration with other Ballarat agencies, and food security via a planned food hub.
Mr Campbell said a recruitment process to appoint a new CEO will begin this month.