22 June 2026
The Australian Counselling Association is delighted to welcome Ms Peta Pitcher, who today commences as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Ms Pitcher is an accomplished senior executive and governance professional with a strong background in organisational leadership, with deep experience across member-based organisations, advocacy-led not-for-profits and highly regulated service sectors. Her combination of executive leadership, strategic vision and governance expertise positions her strongly to lead ACA through its next phase of growth, innovation and professional leadership.
Announcing the appointment, ACA Chair Dee Hardy said the Board was delighted to welcome Ms Pitcher to ACA.
"Peta brings the skills and experience the Association needs at this important stage in our growth and modernisation. Her track record in governance and in leading member-based organisations is outstanding, and the Board is confident she will be a superb leader for our members and for the counselling profession."
For the past eight years, Ms Pitcher was Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary of the Australian Post-Tel Institute Queensland Ltd. She also serves as Board Director of the Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland, bringing additional governance, member-focused leadership and advocacy experience.
Ms Pitcher holds an Master of Business Administration from Griffith University, Master of Project Management from the University of Southern Queensland and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Pitcher said:
"I'm thrilled to be joining the Australian Counselling Association at such a pivotal time. Counsellors and psychotherapists do work that matters enormously to the wellbeing of Australians, and I'm looking forward to continuing the wonderful legacy left by Jodie, and working with the Board, the team and our members to support the profession and build on the strong foundations already in place.”
In welcoming Ms Pitcher, the Board also acknowledges the outstanding contribution and achievements of outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Ms Jodie McKenzie. During her tenure, Ms McKenzie led ACA through a period of significant growth and strengthened ACA’s position as a leading voice for the profession. The Board thanks Jodie sincerely for her dedication, leadership and service to ACA, and wishes her every success in the future.
The Board, ACA team and members across Australia warmly welcome Ms Pitcher as she commences in the role today, 22 June.
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