Statement - Appointment of Roy Reekie as Executive Director

Pathways Response Victoria Appoints Roy Reekie as Executive Director

Pathways Response Victoria (Pathways) is pleased to announce the appointment of Roy Reekie as its new Executive Director, effective 22 April 2025. Roy succeeds David Fox, who has served as Acting CEO with dedication and care during a period of transition.

Roy brings to the role more than 30 years of experience in community-based service organisations, both in Australia and internationally. A qualified lawyer with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and a Certificate in Mediation Skills, Roy has held leadership roles across the legal, social justice, and community sectors. His previous positions include managing the Grampians Disability Advocacy Association, Borderline Personality Disorder Community Victoria Ltd, and Lambeth Law Centre in London. He also led Victoria Legal Aid’s Community Legal Services Program and contributed to community-based responses to anti-social behaviour and drug misuse in Scotland.

Roy is no stranger to Pathways. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he served as a valued member of the Pathways Board for over three years. His deep understanding of the organisation’s mission and operations, combined with his strategic insight and commitment to trauma-informed, person-centred service delivery, make him uniquely positioned to lead Pathways into its next chapter.

Chair of the Pathways Board, Rosemary Sheehan, welcomed Roy’s appointment, stating: “Roy’s longstanding commitment to social justice and his extensive leadership experience will be instrumental in guiding Pathways as we continue to support individuals and communities with compassion, respect, accountability and fairness.”

Roy’s vision for Pathways is to consolidate its success from its first three years and to now extend Pathways’ service offerings to more service users, within and outside the Catholic Church. “As a lawyer, I really value how unique and impactful the Pathways’ restorative justice model is. There is nothing like it anywhere in the field of redress for sexual abuse. Through offering tailored support and a pathway towards restoring faith and personal integrity, it delivers much more than financial compensation. It is truly restorative.”

Roy gives credit to Pathways’ Members, Board and staff for this. “The Pathways model has been carefully designed to be trauma-informed, inclusive and fair. Our staff practice this every day. I’m in awe over what the Members, Board and staff have achieved in creating this model.”

Roy has already commenced in the role and has been actively engaging with staff, members, and key stakeholders.

We thank David Fox for his steady leadership as Acting CEO and warmly welcome Roy into this new role.