Friday 25 July marked Margaret Rodger’s final day as CEO at CRU, after 16 years in this role. The CRU community celebrated her immense contribution through many messages, gifts and a gathering in Brisbane for those who could make it to farewell her in person.
The evening celebration included tribute speeches by Queensland disability leaders, Anne Cross, Margaret Ward, and Luke Cowan. Matt Stone read a tribute from CRU's Chairperson, Josey McMahon, speaking on behalf of the Board on Marg’s life, work and impact, particularly for people with disability and their families. These tributes highlighted the many gifts and strengths which were hallmarks of her leadership. Over her time at CRU, Marg has demonstrated an impressive capacity for leading from the heart, staying true to her values while also being visionary and strategic.
Over Marg's entire career, she has been exceptionally skilled at building strong relationships, and it is clear to anyone who knows her that she has a deep and genuine interest in people. She has an incredible ability to see an individual’s strengths, gifts and potential, and to encourage and enable people to grow and develop. As she departs CRU, she leaves in her wake inspired, committed and skilled people, grassroots leaders and changemakers. Her legacy is both deep and wide reaching. She has been an internationally respected disability leader as well as earning the deep respect of the people with disability and families whose lives were enriched by her warm and loyal support and thinking.
The CRU Board was pleased with the calibre of applicants throughout the recruitment process, and we are confident that Lisa’s leadership will carry CRU strongly into the future. Marg may be stepping away from daily operations, but her contribution to inclusive communities will continue. We thank her for everything and wish her well in the next chapter - rest assured, it’s not retirement!
