Leadership transition at the Great Ocean Road Authority

Published on 17 April 2025

The Board of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has announced that Jodie Sizer, the inaugural CEO of the organisation since 2021, has made the decision to resign from her role. 

When Jodie set out nearly four years ago, the Authority was a new organisation with a big task ahead, bringing together decades of fragmented management along one of the most iconic coastlines in the country.

Under Jodie's leadership, the Authority has consolidated responsibilities formerly divided among 11 different entities, providing streamlined, unified management of the region's coast and parks.

Jodie has significantly scaled up the Authority’s operations and functions so that we are on track to manage 170,000 hectares of parks and coastal reserves along the Great Ocean Road by 1 November 2025.

Christine Ferguson has been appointed Interim CEO of the Authority from Monday April 28 while we commence the process to recruit a new CEO. 

The Authority remains focused on our core responsibility— caring for the iconic Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority Board Chair Libby Mears said:

"Jodie has played a significant part in establishing the organisation’s foundations, engaging with community groups and traditional owners, and shaping our strategic direction during our formative years.

It’s incredibly rewarding to look back and see what’s been achieved over the last four years: almost 60,000 hectares of land now under unified care, stronger protections in place, and a clear path forward for the next 110,000 hectares still to come.

We acknowledge her contribution and leadership through this important period of growth and transition. 

The Board thanks Jodie for her dedication and wishes her every success in her future endeavours."