20 January 2026
The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is sharing an important update regarding future changes to our leadership team.
Late last week, ACA CEO Jodie McKenzie advised the Board that she will not be renewing her contract for another term and intends to conclude her role on 10 July 2026, to focus on her tech start-up, Pracability, a simulated role play platform using generative AI.
Jodie has served as ACA’s CEO since October 2023, and prior to that spent almost a year as Deputy CEO.
Celebrating Jodie’s contribution and impact
Jodie will leave her role having strengthened the association significantly, with a solid foundation in place and the team well positioned for future success.
On behalf of the Board, I want to pay tribute to and thank Jodie for everything she has done for ACA. Since Jodie joined, membership has doubled to over 22,000 individuals, and ACA is now a key and respected stakeholder with the Federal Government, evidenced through our advocacy for counsellors and the development of the new National Standards, a significant milestone for our profession.
Jodie has also led a major digital transformation of the ACA, developing a sustainable and scalable business model that has improved the member experience through self-service digital technologies, and strengthened our responsiveness to the member community. We now have new systems, processes, infrastructure and improved data that supports stronger reporting, monitoring and evaluation across the profession.
Jodie has led the organisation with integrity, inclusivity and respect – all within a very short time.
Jodie will remain fully committed to the CEO role until 10 July 2026, providing ample time to recruit the next leader who will shape ACA’s future.
The Board has also asked Jodie to continue advising on the development and implementation of the National Standards, and we are delighted she has agreed to stay on in this capacity.
Operations will remain business as usual, ensuring continuity on key projects including the National Standards.
What’s ahead for ACA in 2026
ACA has an exciting program planned for 2026, including:
- The commencement of the ACA professional standards review and uplift
- Class of 2026 Legacy Project
- Launch of new Communities
- Identity Symposium in May, with another to follow in October
- ACA 2026 Counselling Excellence Awards in May
- Commencement of the new Private Practice Enterprise Coaching program in February
- Counselling Australia Magazine and Australian Counselling Research Journal digital publications
- Workforce Census Survey scheduled later in 2026
A message from Jodie
“I have absolutely loved my time at the ACA but now is the right time for me to move on and focus on my start-up, and for a new leader to take ACA into its next phase. I leave with a feeling of accomplishment and confidence that ACA is set up for continued growth and success to support our growing counselling profession.”
“With Dee and the Board, and our dedicated staff, I have no doubt that the future of the organisation is strong and bright.”
We thank Jodie for her significant contribution to ACA and the counselling profession, and wish her every success in the future.
Dee Hardy, ACA Chair
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