Media Release 15 November 2007

MELISSA AFENTOULIS RESIGNS AFTER DECADE AS CEO OF WOMEN'S HEALTH WEST

Women's Health West Chair Naomi Ngo congratulates the outgoing CEO for ten years of outstanding leadership.

The Chairperson of Women's Health West, Naomi Ngo today announced the resignation of Melissa Afentoulis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Women's Health West (WHW).

Ms Afentoulis was appointed CEO of the WHW in January 1998.

"It is with regret that we accept Ms Afentoulis' resignation," Ms Ngo said.

"During her time in this position, Melissa has shown strong, stable leadership, dedication and commitment to the improving the health, safety and wellbeing of women in the western region of Melbourne. We wish her well in her future endeavours."

"Over the years Melissa has guided WHW through significant change management, growth and development and built a confident organisation that is highly regarded, reliable and well known, with a reputation of strong advocacy, quality service provision and a health promotion research and development agenda that is embedded in a feminist, community development and human rights framework," she said.

Ms Afentoulis is looking forward to taking a year off work, to take stock and re-evaluate the many facets of her life to take on new interests.

"I would like to extend my thanks to the very dedicated, skilled and passionate women on staff and Board levels at WHW. The combined effort of all these women has contributed to the success of the organisation. My part has been in the stewardship and the ability to work together with everyone towards shared goals," said Ms Afentoulis.

"I have enjoyed the opportunity to lead this organisation and to do my best in the juggling act of balancing individual interests and the challenges of acting in the interest of the whole organisation."

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information contact Nicola Harte, Communications Co-ordinator at Women's Health West on 9689 9588 or email nicolah@whwest.org.au or contact on the day on 0432 637 933. For all other general media enquiries contact us viaemail.