Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria advises that Chris Potaris (above, left) has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 May 2024. In his place, the Board of Directors has appointed Ben Rogers (above, right) as Acting CEO while a permanent replacement is found.
“I’ve decided to leave COTA Victoria after a successful period of revitalisation, unparalleled organisational change, and focus,” said Chris Potaris. “I’ve handpicked a talented senior management team who work with dedicated social workers, advocates, and lawyers to produce outcomes benefitting older Victorians throughout this state.
“I’m proud to have achieved a financial surplus during my tenure, alongside four years of confirmed funding from government and philanthropic bodies,” Mr Potaris continued. “This is all underpinned by a comprehensive strategic plan that will steer the organisation for years to come. I leave COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria in the hands of Ben knowing the future is bright.”
“In just two years, Chris has created profound change within our organisation,” said Robert Caulfield, President of COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria. “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Chris for his focus, dedication, and leadership. He leaves COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria in a strong and stable position as the peak body representing the interests and rights of older Victorians.”
Mr Caulfield continued, “As Acting CEO, Ben has a deep understanding of COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria. Ben has our utmost confidence, and we know he will hit the ground running.”
About Ben Rogers
Having honed his policy and advocacy skills in the health and wellbeing sector in both the UK and Australia, Ben brings extensive experience in one of the major policy areas that impacts older people.
Beginning his career with a pharmaceutical company in the UK during a period of legislative upheaval, Ben later joined Victoria’s public health peak body. These roles gave him key experiences across a range of policy issues, including delivering a state election campaign to support community health, developing a range of submissions and reports and supporting the organisation’s responses to the aged care and mental health Royal Commissions.
Ben has been a strong advocate on the need for reform to ensure that people receive the care and support they deserve – and is keen to bring this focus and energy to advance the interests of COTA Victoria, its members, and all older Victorians.
Download headshot of Ben Rogers
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Further information
Steve Wright
Marketing and Communications Manager
Telephone: +61 3 9655 2159
Email: swright@cotavic.org.au
About us
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. For over 70 years, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing in the state.
Today, our focus is on promoting opportunities for and protecting the legal rights of people 50+. We value ageing and embrace its opportunities for personal growth, contribution, and self-expression. This belief drives benefits to the nation and its states alongside communities, families, and individuals.
Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) is the key state-wide service dedicated to advancing the rights of older people and the early intervention into, or prevention of, elder abuse in our community.
SRV has a team of experienced advocates, lawyers, and social workers who provide free information, advice, referral, legal advice, legal casework, and support to older people who are either at risk of or are experiencing elder abuse. SRV supports and empowers older people through the provision of legal advice directly to the older person.