Summer Housing today announced that founding CEO Dan McLennan will be stepping down after 4 years in the role at the end of this month.
The Chairman of Summer Housing, Mr Simon McKeon AO said: “The Board and I sincerely thank Dan for his outstanding contribution and leadership over the last 4 years. He has taken Summer Housing from concept to reality as a leading provider of Specialist Disability Accommodation generating positive impact at scale across Australia.”
Summer Housing was established in 2017 with an ambitious vision to increase the scale and range of housing options for people with disability and complex care requirements with at least 300 dwellings to be commissioned in its first 5 years. In doing so, Summer Housing would act as pioneer for the roll out of Specialist Disability Accommodation under the NDIS and meaningfully contribute to ensuring that younger people with disability are not forced to live in residential aged care.
Mr McKeon said: “Under Dan’s leadership, Summer Housing has surpassed these initial targets ahead of time with over 430 dwellings commissioned across Australia, successfully stewarding more than $350M of institutional investment into the emerging sector. More importantly, he has navigated numerous obstacles and leaves us with a highly passionate and skilled national team which has grown to 24 people, and is delivering life changing housing outcomes for people with disability.
All of this has been achieved in a part-time capacity which is a testament to his commitment, passion and work ethic.”
Mr McLennan said: “Having now successfully scaled our housing model, there are exciting opportunities ahead of Summer Housing to continue to diversify its offering whilst successfully managing its substantial portfolio. With this in mind, now is the right time for a new CEO to take the organisation to the next level.”
“It has been an absolute privilege to lead Summer Housing and collaborate with so many passionate and talented people. In this regard, I would like to thank Simon and the Board of Directors who have given me unwavering support and invaluable counsel over the past four years. I would also like thank the outstanding team at Summer Housing together with our financiers, developer partners, property managers, government and industry stakeholders who have collectively contributed to what has been an incredibly successful and personally rewarding experience.”
“Most importantly, I would like to thank our tenants. You’re the reason Summer Housing exists. The kindness, friendship and inspiration you’ve consistently extended to me and our team is hugely appreciated and I’m enormously proud to have had the opportunity to lead a team committed every day to creating better lives to people with disability.”
Summer Housing has commenced the process to appoint the company’s new CEO with a further announcement to follow in due course. Importantly, whilst Dan will finish his tenure at the end of this month, he has kindly agreed to continue to provide ongoing support for a smooth handover and continuity of operations and performance. Summer Housing Chief Operating Officer Queenie Tran will serve as Acting CEO from 1 September 2021.
