Welcoming Karen Walsh: Chief of Good Growth and Sustainability 🌱🏡

We are thrilled to announce that Karen Walsh is returning to Head Start Homes as our new Chief of Good Growth and Sustainability. In this part-time role, Karen will help drive our strategic initiatives to build  sustainable growth so that we can continue to empower our clients to achieve their housing dreams. 

Karen will be responsible for identifying and cultivating opportunities for good growth, building strategic partnerships, and leading efforts to diversify revenue streams. She will also play a pivotal role in helping Head Start Homes deliver its Vision, Mission, and Theory of Change, as well as our ongoing development and delivery of our 3-year Good Growth Targets. 

Karen's career spans more than 30 years across the UK and Australia, holding executive positions in government, the corporate sector, and the non-profit arena. She is passionate about driving social and economic impact through effective leadership, collaboration, and innovative thinking. She has a proven record of this in housing across all levels of government, the community, and private sectors. 

Karen has been the Chief Executive Officer at Venture Housing Company since 2021, and is transitioning to hand over the baton to the incoming CEO in a few weeks. Under Karen’s leadership , Venture diversified its tenant base and grew its portfolio by over 300%, including the delivery of Award-winning homes and more in the pipeline for delivery in 2025. Karen has been instrumental in Venture’s elevation to a Tier 1 community housing provider and its recognition as a leading Territory provider. During her time in the Territory, Karen provided sectoral leadership through establishing  Community Housing Industry (CHIA) NT and as ongoing Chair, and a Director on the CHIA Board and UDIA NT Committee, and an NT Housing Alliance member. In 2024 Karen won the UDIA NT Excellence Award  “Women in Leadership”  

In addition to her role at Head Start Homes, Karen will also serve as Interim CEO at National Shelter, ensuring the continued momentum of National Shelter’s important work. This role will be complementary to her position at Head Start Homes, allowing her to leverage her expertise and drive sustainable growth across the entire housing sector.  

Karen is finishing up this month as CEO at Venture Housing in the Northern Territory and will return to Sydney in December to begin her new roles.  

Stephen Woodlands shared his excitement: "We are delighted to welcome Karen back to our team. Having worked closely with Karen over the years, I know that her expertise and knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to grow and work towards our vision of a safe and stable home for everyone with fair and practical pathways to home ownership”.  

Karen Walsh also expressed her enthusiasm: "I am honoured to join Head Start Homes and contribute to such a meaningful cause, as part of a passionate and committed team. I look forward to working with the team to drive sustainable growth and create positive change for our clients and communities." 

Please join us in welcoming Karen Walsh back to the Head Start Homes team! 

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