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August 13, 2025
The DANA Board has today announced that our amazing CEO El Gibbs has tendered her resignation due to health reasons. We are immensely saddened to see El Gibbs go and want to pay tribute to her wonderful work for DANA over the past 2.5 years.
During this time, El has reinforced DANA’s position as a ever-reliable and trusted national voice for independent advocacy, and all while being a tireless advocate for people with disability.
El Gibbs, DANA CEO, said: “It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with all of you, and to represent the vital role of independent advocacy. I have been so lucky to hear about the work that DANA members do every day alongside people with disability, to uphold their rights and to make our country a more inclusive place. It is a time of immense change and immense opportunity, and I have every confidence that DANA’s staff and Board will continue their amazing work to support member organisations and advocates.”
Wendy Prowse, DANA Board Chair, said: “The DANA Board is forever grateful for the contribution that El has made to DANA and the sector and while we are incredibly sad that she is leaving, we are also pleased that she is prioritising her health and wellbeing, stated Wendy Prowse, Chair of DANA. The Board is pleased to have David Petherick step in as interim CEO which will provide continuity to DANA and the sector as we undertake a recruitment process.”
The DANA Board has appointed well-know disability advocacy leader David Petherick as its interim CEO as he steps down from his role of DANA Deputy Board Chair.
David will continue El’s work across a range of reforms, including the development of the new national advocacy program, the new ILC system, foundational supports, and Navigators.
El Gibb’s final day with DANA is 15 August 2025.
A recruitment process for the organisation’s next CEO will begin soon.
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