Publications

Change in Leadership at HCCA

22 September 2025

After 18 years as Executive Director of the Health Care Consumers’ Association (HCCA), Darlene Cox has advised the Executive Committee (EC) that she will be stepping down from the role at the end of January 2026.

This allows Darlene to honour growing family commitments and to take on other community roles. For example, Darlene has recently been appointed inaugural chair of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Oversight Board.

Darlene has been in the ED role since 2008 and a member of the organisation even longer.  During this time Darlene has been a passionate voice for consumer engagement in driving safety and quality health care service delivery in the ACT. She has overseen the establishment of new networks and relationships and strengthened old ones. She has worked to encourage recognition of the importance of involving consumers in all aspects of health care policies, planning and service delivery.

HCCA has been privileged to have Darlene at the helm of the organisation for such a long period and her daily management of HCCA will be greatly missed.

This will mean a significant change for HCCA. That said, the EC is grateful that through her ongoing work with successive executive committees and members, Darlene leaves HCCA in a very healthy position. She has ensured that we have robust governance policies and procedures in place, a reputation as a proactive and ethical community organisation and a responsible partner.

All of this, together with the dedication of our highly skilled, quality staff and the support of our members, mean that the organisation is well placed to continue to progress our work as a peak body for health care consumers in the ACT with a new leader.

The EC is working with Darlene to facilitate recruitment of a new ED and ensure a smooth handover and transition period.  We have engaged Lyla Rogan, an experienced governance consultant, to support us in this process.

We plan to advertise for the role in October 2025. We are currently working with staff to identify the key capabilities they believe are needed in the new ED. This, along with the input from Darlene and the EC, will frame the Job description.

And as for Darlene, her personal commitment to the work of HCCA and the consumer movement more broadly remains strong. While she is stepping back from the ED role, she will not be leaving the organisation. She will continue to contribute to the work of the organisation as a member and consumer representative.

Darlene has also agreed to continue to support some key HCCA strategic projects, such as the Quality Use of Medicines project, as an advisor throughout 2026.

As President, it has been a great privilege for me to be able to work so closely with Darlene. On behalf of the EC and members of the organisation, I would like to sincerely thank Darlene for her commitment and leadership during her time as Executive Director. I am sure you will all join me in wishing her the very best for her future, both professionally and personally.

Linda Trompf –  President, Health Care Consumers Association