Mary Kay Walker has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Parkinson’s NSW.  She succeeds Jo-Anne Reeves who has left the organisation.

Mary Kay was previously Chief Operating Officer of the charity, responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling all of its operational and financial-related activities.

She held this role for five years before being promoted to Acting CEO for one year, and now being confirmed as permanent CEO.

“My priorities in this new role are to win increased funding for Parkinson’s NSW from Government, build and leverage relationships with other Parkinson’s organisations and thought leaders to avoid duplication of effort, and advocacy to raise awareness of the impact and challenges of Parkinson’s among key decision-makers,” said Mary Kay.

“I will be building on the foundations laid by Jo-Anne Reeves, who leaves the organisation with our thanks and best wishes for the future.”

Mary Kay joined Parkinson’s NSW following a 32-year career in key finance and administration roles in Australia and the United States. Her sector experience spans superannuation, credit management, retail, commercial aviation, and accounting.

She holds a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Mathematics and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology from the University of Sydney. In addition, she has a Diploma in Securities and Financial Markets from the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.