AEIOU Foundation Chair Announcement

AEIOU Foundation, Australia’s leading provider of evidence-based early intervention for children with autism announces that Dr James Morton AM has resigned as Chair of the organisation, following 15 years in the position.

 Dr Morton, who with his wife Louise Morton founded AEIOU Foundation in 2005 will remain an active director of the organisation.

 Susan Rix AM, a chartered accountant and partner at BDO (Qld) Pty Ltd has been appointed as Chair, and will steer AEIOU Foundation through its next phase of growth. Ms Rix, who joined AEIOU Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2016 brings decades of experience serving on numerous boards across both not-for-profit and corporate sectors.

 “I made the decision to step back from my position as Chair with the full support of the directors, and because it’s good governance to do so. After serving AEIOU as Chair since its inception, it is time to invite new leadership,” Dr Morton said.

 Under Dr Morton’s guidance, AEIOU Foundation has grown from enrolling 12 children in one centre, to enrolling more than 250 children across nine centers, with a new centre of excellence due to open in Logan in July. Dr Morton has been instrumental in driving change in policy and funding, tireless in his pursuit to ensure best-practice therapy can be affordable for every family, regardless of their income.

 “I’ve seen AEIOU Foundation grow from a dream into a thriving organisation which supports hundreds of children every year. I am proud of what we have achieved during my time as Chair and look forward working with Susan, our Directors and the team across AEIOU during this next phase of growth,” Dr Morton said.

 Ms Rix, who boasts an impressive CV which spans over 30 years of practice specialising in business advisory services, said it is an honour to appointed as the new Chairperson at AEIOU Foundation.

 “The disability sector is undergoing major reform with the rollout of the NDIS and this presents significant challenges but also great opportunities. It will be a huge task to follow the extraordinary leadership we have enjoyed with Dr Morton, and I thank him for both his stewardship of AEIOU Foundation to date and his ongoing support.”

 “I am passionate about creating strong, inclusive opportunities for children with autism and their families, and am excited to accept this position,” Ms Rix said.

ENDS