The Board of Hobart City Mission is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer for the organisation, Mr Harvey Lennon.

Mr. Lennon joins Hobart City Mission with a wealth of leadership experience, after 20 years in executive roles at the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT), including nine years as the Group Chief Executive. In 2019 Mr. Lennon was appointed as Senior Advisor to the Minister for Finance, the Honourable Michael Ferguson MP, where his role has included supporting the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Lennon has experience in the not-for-profit sector, having been on the Board of Colony 47 (2004-2016 including 3 years as Chair) and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (2017-present).

“Hobart City Mission has a long and proud history of supporting our community and I am excited to be joining their team”, says Mr. Lennon. “I am looking forward to continuing the amazing work they do working with those in our community who need support”.

The appointment of Mr. Lennon comes after the current CEO of Hobart City Mission, John Stubley announced that he would be stepping down from the role earlier this year. John commenced in the role of CEO at Hobart City Mission in December 2013 following six years at Optia Disability Services, and before that, 22 years as an accountant in public practice.

Under his leadership Hobart City Mission has seen significant growth, particularly in the areas of diversity of service provision and supporter numbers. Hobart City Mission now operates nine broad program areas and nine City Mission uOp Shops across Southern Tasmania. The organisation employs 175 staff and is critically supported by over 550 active volunteers. In line with this growth has been the development of a solid Strategic Plan and succession plans for the CEO and Senior Management Team.

President of Hobart City Mission’s Board, John Minchin, says that it was important to the organisation that the new CEO continued the Strategic Direction of the organisation.

“The Board undertook an extensive recruitment process, in order to find the right candidate to continue the Vision and Mission of Hobart City Mission”, says Mr. Minchin.  

“We believe that Mr. Lennon has the right skills and experience to lead Hobart City Mission into the future and continue the important work of supporting those most vulnerable in the community.

Mr. Lennon is expected to begin the role in mid-October, with Mr. Stubley supporting the handover and finishing in his role at the end of October. 

Hobart City Mission has supported people experiencing hardship and homelessness in Southern Tasmania since 1852. The organisation will celebrate its 170^th anniversary next year.