Anglicare Southern Queensland Executive Director Karen Crouch has been appointed CEO of Not For Profit aged care and disability support services provider Feros Care.

Ms Crouch replaces Jennene Buckley, who served in the role for 20 years, building up Feros Care from 100 to 48,000 clients and employing 1,000 staff, with an annual turnover of nearly $100 million.

Ms Crouch has served as Executive Director of Anglicare Southern Queensland since September 2013, which has more than 3,000 staff and over 60 sites.

For the past three years Anglicare Southern Queensland has been Australia’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care and Retirement Villages in Reader’s Digest’s surveys. It also was named Asia-Pacific’s Best Home Care Operator in the 8th Annual Eldercare Innovation Awards.  

“Having been attracted to Feros Care by our strong vision and purpose, focus on innovation and unique values, Karen brings a strong reputation as a highly capable and authentic leader with a passion for supporting all people to live their best life,” Feros Care said in a statement.

Prior to her current role at Anglicare Southern Queensland, Ms Crouch worked for Queensland Health in various roles including as Policy and Practice Lead, Office of the Chief Nurse. Karen has a background in clinical nursing and was one of the first nurse practitioners in Queensland.

At a broader level, Karen is a member of the Queensland Divisional Council for ACSA.

Ms Crouch will formally commence in the CEO role in early September 2021. The Feros Care board has appointed Melissa Simpson (Chief Customer Officer) as acting CEO until Karen commences at Feros Care.