Dementia North (covering the Auckland, Waikato and Lakes areas) has welcomed new Chief Executive Marsha Marshall, who brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in health, disability, and government settings.

Marsha joined the team at the end of June and was welcomed with a shared morning tea at the Auckland office. Staff from across the region gathered to connect kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) and mark the beginning of this new chapter.

Most recently, Marsha served for over 13 years as Chief Executive of Manawanui, New Zealand’s first and only self-directed disability support organisation. She has also played a key role in advancing person-directed approaches to care, including the early development of Individualised Funding and her current work as Co-Chair of the International Self-Directed Support Network.

Board Chair Jocelyn Weatherall said Marsha’s appointment reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to person-directed support.

“Marsha brings a clear commitment to supporting people and whānau to make choices that reflect what matters most to them,” Jocelyn said. “That’s at the heart of our work, and we are pleased to welcome a leader whose values so strongly align with our own.”

Marsha said she is looking forward to connecting with teams and communities across the region.

“Dementia | mate wareware affects people in different ways, and that means support needs to be flexible, respectful and centred on each person’s life,” she said. “I feel privileged to join an organisation that understands this, and I’m looking forward to listening, learning and working alongside the team to support people to live well.”

Her appointment is part of a planned transition, with Cathy Cooney stepping back from the interim Chief Executive role. Cathy will continue in her national role as Chief Executive of Dementia New Zealand.