After 24 years as the face and force of Wishlist, inaugural and long-serving CEO Lisa Rowe has resigned from her role with her-much loved local hospital charity.
Throughout that time Ms Rowe has been at the forefront of bringing community generosity to support the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, making the lives of patients, families, and staff immeasurably better.
From the early days of a team of two in the “donger” behind Nambour Hospital, Ms Rowe has led the growth of Wishlist to span 44 rooms of accommodation across three facilities, two Wishlist Coffee Houses and annual distributions of over $1 million for equipment, service support, education and research.
In announcing her resignation, Ms Rowe said: “this is a point that I’ve been working to for a long time and the time is now right for me to step into the next part of my life”.
“There is so much to be proud of, but I’m most proud of this team and of the generous communities of the Sunshine Coast and Gympie.”
As part of Wishlist’s strategic and succession planning, Ms Rowe will be handing over the CEO reins to current General Manager Brendan Hogan.
“It’s hard to leave this wonderful organisation, but I do so knowing it’s in great shape and in safe hands,” Ms Rowe added.
Wishlist Board Chairperson John Williams paid tribute to Ms Rowe.
“Words can’t express the regard and love we have for Lisa and all that she has achieved at Wishlist,” Mr Williams said.
“Whilst it’s a big decision for Lisa, we knew this day would come and we’re of course fully supportive of her.”
Ms Rowe confirmed that she is excited by new travel adventures, including looking at opportunities to make an ongoing contribution to Wishlist, albeit from a different base.
Ms Rowe will transfer the CEO role in late November.
2025 will also see a further change to the Wishlist team, with Fundraising and Partnership Manager Lisa Wilson advising that she will be leaving Wishlist in December this year to focus her efforts on her family business, ACQ Projects.
Over her 17 years with Wishlist, Ms Wilson has made significant contributions to partnerships, fundraising, and events, helping to achieve remarkable outcomes for the organisation.
“I’ve loved every minute of working with Wishlist and all our wonderful supporters, but it’s now time for me to prioritise my young family and our business,” Ms Wilson said.
