In a “very difficult decision”, Mrs Frost has made the choice to step away from the role at the disability provider to dedicate more time to her family.
“I have truly loved immersing myself in every part of the services and businesses that ConnectGV offers within our local community,’’ she said.
“I’m so lucky to have had the support that I’ve had in my role, there’s been so much robust change within the industry in the sector, with the introduction of NDIS, and the new accreditation, and then COVID-19.
“But when you’ve got good people around you, you love coming to work.”
As chief executive, she has seen the organisation grow and adapt, from building a whole new facility to constant upskilling to maintain the best care possible, she said the team had taken on all challenges with gumption.
“It’s been a real juggle over the last few years through COVID to make sure we maintain our staff, they’re the people we value because they are who provide that quality support,” she said.
“My biggest achievement is probably just having such an amazing team and working alongside a wonderful board.”
She said a highlight of her time was building awareness on ConnectGV’s role in the community, showing the hard work in the social enterprises and supported employee programs.
Mrs Frost joined ConnectGV in January 2014 as manager of future directions and in December 2015 acquired the role of chief executive and company secretary, starting in January 2016.
With a clinical background and holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing and specialising in intellectual disabilities, Mrs Frost said her passion for working in the sector had not faded — and wouldn’t anytime soon.
“I have been driven by the participants that attend here every day, I love looking at ways we can meet their needs, that is absolutely what drives me without question,” she said.
ConnectGV board chair Jenny Cook said it was difficult to articulate the effect Mrs Frost had had on the organisation.
“Carolynne has led us through the pandemic, the new build, she’s just been an incredible CEO but also a really strong advocate for all people with disabilities,” she said.
“She is very much the face of ConnectGV, anyone that knows her just smiles when they say her name, she radiates a warmth around her that we’ve all embraced.
“Everyone from the board to the staff, to the clients and their families will miss her incredibly, we wish her all the very best in the future because we’re certainly supportive of her decision.”
In stepping away from her role, Mrs Frost said she was looking forward to slowing down, devoting more time to her family and their businesses.
“It’s time to catch my breath and be a little bit more present with the ones I love, to get stuck into our businesses and some new projects,” she said.
“This is not goodbye for me in the disability sector, I’m hoping down the track that I’ll be back in some way, shape or form because I just love it and have really loved immersing myself and understanding what’s happening in each of our portfolios.
“The next CEO might have a completely different style and perspective on what needs to be done, but that’s always good.
“I think the timing for me to go is important ‒ it might be time for fresh eyes.”
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