For nearly twenty years in his role at MSWA, Marcus Stafford has been a recognised industry leader, successful businessman and highly regarded CEO. Recently, Mr Stafford made the decision to semi-retire, and in doing so, to step away from the organisation he has helped build over the past 19 years.
When Mr Stafford took the helm in 2002, MSWA was known as the MS Society of WA, posting a revenue of $5 million and employing 170 staff. Today, it’s revenues exceed $100 million, and it employs 1,000 staff. In addition to service provision and accommodation, it is also Australia’s highest funder of research into MS and Western Australia’s leading contributor to neurological research.
Mr Stafford’s leadership within Western Australia, as CEO of MSWA and Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has seen him recognised by his industry peers across the country. In 2015, he became Australian Institute of Management’s National Not-for-Profit Manager of the Year after previously taking out the State title. In 2017 Mr Stafford was the recipient of one of the nation’s highest honours, the Order of Australia. Just last year he was honoured with a Doctorate from Edith Cowan University.
Mr Stafford credits his achievements at MSWA to the team that surrounds him. The Board is led by Ros Harman, who was recently named President and has worked closely with Mr Stafford for 16 years in her previous seat as a Director. The MSWA leadership team boasts Managers who have worked with Mr Stafford for the duration of his tenure. The foundations laid place MSWA in a strong position for future growth and success in supporting people living with a neurological condition in Western Australia.
MSWA is proud to have had Mr Stafford at the helm and wish him all the best when he steps down in October to undertake Board appointments, management consulting and to enjoy some well-deserved leisure time.