Aruma appoints Dr Martin Laverty as new CEO

We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr Martin Laverty as our new Chief Executive Officer.

Dr Laverty will succeed Andrew Richardson, who is retiring from the organisation after sixteen years at the helm.

Under Andrew Richardson’s leadership, Aruma extended its reach and has been a strong advocate for the human rights of people with a disability, said Candice Charles, Chair of Aruma’s Board.

Dr Laverty’s appointment comes after the Aruma Board conducted an extensive executive search for a leader to continue our transformation.

Dr Laverty helped design and implement the NDIS and has previously led three different disability organisations. He has lived experience of disability, and an advocate’s voice for social justice.

He will continue to ensure Aruma’s customers are at the heart of every decision, and that staff are supported to give their best to our customers.

Dr Laverty is currently the Chief Executive of the Australian Medical Association. He is the former Chief Executive of the Royal Flying Doctors of Australia, Catholic Health Australia and the NSW Muscular Dystrophy Association.

A highly regarded, for-purpose leader, Dr Laverty is Deputy Chair of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC), having been a member of the ACNC Board since 2016. He is also an Adjunct Professor in not-for-profit governance at the University of Western Australia.

Dr Laverty has previously served as the Board Chair of disability support organisations Challenge Southern Highlands and Unisson Disability. An early advocate for the NDIS, he was an inaugural Director of the scheme, serving on the NDIA Board from 2013 to 2021.

I’ve been involved in disability support for thirty years. I’m humbled to become one of Aruma’s 5000-strong staff team, who I know work tirelessly for people with a disability, said Dr Laverty.

Aruma has an opportunity to benefit from its growth of the last few years, and address some of its growing pains. The NDIS is also at a fragile point. Every person dependent on it needs governments to get the scheme operating optimally. Disability support providers like Aruma have a key role in fixing the NDIS.

Dr Laverty will commence with us in August by spending time visiting some of our customers and staff across Victoria, NSW, the ACT and Queensland.