Ocean Mind welcomes new CEO

SURF Coast organisation Ocean Mind has welcomed a new chief executive officer as founder Rachael Parker begins maternity leave.

Ben Wilkinson will step into the top role for the next 12 months, leading the team in their surf therapy programs.

Mr Wilkinson said he was feeling really positive about the position, and his goal was to keep the momentum going.

“We really want to focus on the building the Ocean Mind community and the opportunities for connection during the next 12 months with our programs and different events that are happening,” he said.

“Rach’s done an amazing job being the founder and sort of a one person show for a while there and all the work she’s put in to getting the organisation to where it is today is a real credit to her.”

The interim CEO has been with Ocean Mind for 18 months, previously working as a program manager, working with school groups and NDIS families as his primary role.

Mr Wilkinson said there are some pieces of knowledge from his previous role that are great to have as he steps into CEO and has been able to get an understanding about the people involved in the organisation.

“I think the best thing about it is just the opportunity to connect with the families and the young people and chat with them, it’s probably the nicest part of It.

“It’s an amazing team that we’ve got to work with at Ocean Mind staff wise, but also the greater Ocean Mind community, all the mentors and families and young people.”