With sincere thanks to our exiting CEO, Daniel Dwyer

A message from Fresh Hope Communities Board Chair, Raewyn Williams:

It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the news that Daniel Dwyer has come to the personal decision to resign from his role as CEO of Fresh Hope Communities.   

Dan has served as Fresh Hope Communities’ inaugural CEO for the past four and half years, and prior to that, five years as Director Group Operations. His servant-leadership, strategic thinking and passion have shaped Fresh Hope Communities and have led us to a place of flourishing.  

Dan established Fresh Hope Communities’ first set of cultural values – Kindness, Connection Integrity and Optimism – and has built a strong organisation and team that models these values in the work that we do. 

Dan leaves having led the delivery of three landmark property developments fundamental to serving the aged and vulnerable in our communities: 

• Our redeveloped 158-bed Green Hills Residential Care Service in East Maitland, which has greatly impacted the wellbeing of our residents through an innovative integrated community living experience. 
• Cedar on Collins our 56-apartment Retirement Community moments from the Kiama coast.  
• Our landmark step into Affordable Housing—Nightingale Marrickville.  

Each development has won awards and Nightingale Marrickville, in particular, has received an unprecedented amount of media attention for its unique model and visits from numerous State and Federal MPs and key decision makers.  

I can confidently say: Dan has successfully realised the vision of churches of Christ Conference Executive in creating Fresh Hope Communities and appointing Dan as its first CEO four and a half years ago. Our board, committees, executive leadership, senior management and wider staff agree that we are well-placed to continue our important works of service because of Dan’s courageous leadership, energy and exemplary character.  

We are extremely grateful for the way in which Dan has developed the Executive Leadership Team, giving the Fresh Hope Communities Board the confidence to navigate this season together. To that end, we have appointed: 

• Scott Griffiths (current Chief Operating Officer) as the Acting CEO  
• Ari Mason as the Acting Deputy CEO, in addition to her existing role as General Manager of People and Culture, and  
• Glen Hegner as the COO, stepping out of his Chief Information Officer role into Scott’s former role as Chief Operating Officer.  

In the months ahead, the Fresh Hope Communities Board will seek to support the Conference Executive of churches of Christ in NSW and ACT in Conference Executive’s process and timing for appointment of a permanent CEO for Fresh Hope Communities. 

We continue to be clear-eyed about our mission and the impact of our work and our vision to create spaces that cultivate belonging and places that feel like home. I remain privileged to serve as Board Chair of our wonderful organisation and know that with strength, wisdom and courage we will navigate this important transition together. We extend our deep gratitude to Dan and all he has given to Fresh Hope Communities. 

Kind regards, 

Raewyn Williams 

Board Chair, Fresh Hope Communities