7 May 2019

Board Chair and Chief Executive changes at Presbyterian Support Otago

Tim Mepham (pictured) has been elected as Board Chair at Presbyterian Support Otago, following the recent resignation by outgoing chair David Richardson. Tim begins in this role immediately, and his appointment as Chair is for a three year term.

Tim has been a member the Presbyterian Support Otago Board since 2008, and has been the Deputy Chair for the last six years.

“It has been a privilege to serve PSO as a board member for the last 10 years. PSO has served, and will continue to serve, the Dunedin and Otago community as a faith-based organisation, with the aim of providing and enabling quality of life for young people, families and the elderly,” said Tim.

Unfortunately, Michael Parker will not be returning to his role as Chief Executive at Presbyterian Support Otago. Michael was diagnosed with acute leukaemia just prior to Christmas 2018 and has been on leave since his diagnosis. He is continuing to undergo experimental treatment for acute leukaemia.

Outgoing Board Chair David Richardson said, “While Michael was only with Presbyterian Support Otago for a short time, his passion and enthusiasm for the work we do was very evident. We continue to pray for his return to good health.”

“My term as Board Chair was due to expire in October. I decided to step down from my role as Board Chair, and from the Board, to allow an incoming Board Chair to provide continuity through the appointment process and transition to a new Chief Executive.”  

Amongst his note to the staff Michael wrote, “I immensely enjoyed my short time at PSO and will continue to support the work of the organisation going forward. I would like to thank all staff and management for their support over the past few months, it has meant a lot - you are all in my prayers.”

The Board, led by Tim Mepham, will now begin recruitment for a Chief Executive. Gillian Bremner has returned to the organisation as Interim Chief Executive, and will continue in this role while the search for the next Chief Executive is underway.

Read Tim Mepham's profile