Lisa Woolley is the Tumu Whakarae/CEO of Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest community services providers, serving over 50,000 people each year through more than 1,800 employees and volunteers throughout Aotearoa.
The organization is well known for its innovative and holistic approach, encompassing a wide range of services to the community. Lisa has a master’s degree in social practice and has written a groundbreaking thesis on Supportive Housing in Aotearoa New Zealand. With more than twenty years of experience as an advocate, policy advisor, commentator, leader, and CEO, she is passionate about community development and addressing social issues such as poverty, marginalization, unemployment, and homelessness. She has been recognized for her leadership in this space with awards locally and internationally. Lisa is part of and adviser to a number of other New Zealand organizations.
In June 2020, Lisa was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her services to the community and governance.