What’s happening?
Hear and Say has officially appointed Sharon Stokell as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 2025. Stokell, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) since 2023, had been acting in the CEO role for the past five months, following the departure of Greg Elphinston.
Why it matters?
The appointment marks a new chapter for Hear and Say, a Queensland-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals with hearing loss. With over 35 years of experience across healthcare, not-for-profits, and allied health, Stokell brings a wealth of expertise in operations, business development, and leadership. Her focus on expanding speech pathology services and improving access in regional, rural, and remote areas will be crucial in ensuring more families receive life-changing support.
“We are thrilled to appoint Sharon as the CEO of Hear and Say. She brings exceptional leadership, passion, and dedication to our mission, ensuring that more individuals across Queensland have access to life-changing support,” said Hear and Say Board Chair, Matthew Ames.
Local Impact
Stokell’s leadership is expected to enhance access to hearing and speech therapy across Queensland, particularly for regional and remote communities. She aims to eliminate barriers such as travel distance and complex systems that families often face when seeking support.
“I am incredibly honoured to take on the role of CEO at Hear and Say. This organisation has a remarkable legacy of transforming lives through hearing technology and therapy, and I am deeply committed to continuing and expanding that impact,” Stokell said.
By the Numbers
- Since 1992, Hear and Say has provided world-class audiology, speech therapy, and early intervention services to thousands of children and families.
- The organisation plays a leading role in cochlear implant services, hearing tests, and specialist support for people with hearing loss.
- Expanding speech pathology services will allow Hear and Say to support not just individuals with hearing loss, but also those in need of broader communication and development services.
Zoom In
Stokell’s strategic vision includes broadening the organisation’s scope to support more individuals, both with and without hearing loss. She emphasises that speech therapy is essential for overall communication and development and sees an opportunity to extend Hear and Say’s services to a wider audience.
“My focus will be on strategic growth, particularly in strengthening and expanding our speech pathology services. I want to ensure we remain at the forefront of hearing and speech development while increasing access to our services across regional, rural, and remote communities in Queensland,” she said.
Zoom Out
Queensland’s healthcare and not-for-profit sectors continue to evolve, with increasing emphasis on early intervention, accessibility, and community outreach. Hear and Say’s commitment to expanding its services aligns with broader state and national efforts to improve hearing and speech health outcomes, particularly for children.
What to Look for Next?
Under Stokell’s leadership, Hear and Say is expected to roll out new initiatives to improve accessibility to hearing and speech services across Queensland. This includes enhanced support for families navigating hearing loss, an expansion of speech pathology programs, and potential new partnerships within the community and healthcare sectors.
“This is an exciting time for Hear and Say, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team, valued supporters, and the broader community to bring our vision to life,” Stokell said.
