We are proud to announce that VERTO CEO, Ron Maxwell, has been named a finalist in the 2025 National Employment Services Association (NESA) Awards, one of the most prestigious honours in Australia’s employment services sector.
This recognition celebrates Ron’s career-long commitment to building inclusive employment opportunities, particularly across regional and remote communities where barriers to work can often feel insurmountable.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
For more than two decades, Ron has been dedicated to tackling entrenched disadvantage and improving employment inclusion for those most at risk of being left behind. Since stepping into the role of CEO at VERTO in 2014, Ron has led the organisation through significant growth while ensuring it remained firmly focused on its mission to empower people and communities.
Under his leadership, VERTO now supports more than 17,000 individuals annually across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. Our team of over 300 staff delivers a diverse suite of programs including Workforce Australia, Disability Employment Services, Skills for Education and Employment, Transition to Work, Self-Employment Assistance, and Parent Pathways.
Ron has been instrumental in embedding VERTO’s wrap-around service model, integrating employment support with training, mental health, tenancy advocacy, and financial counselling. This approach recognises that meaningful work is about more than securing a job, it is about helping people achieve stability, independence, and confidence in their future.
Championing Inclusion
Ron’s commitment to equity is evident in VERTO’s impact focusing on supporting those navigating the most complex barriers to employment. Ron has fostered strong partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, local employers, and community groups to co-design programs that are culturally responsive, locally driven, and tailored to real workforce needs. He has also championed initiatives such as Women in Trades and the New Energy Apprenticeships Mentoring Program, opening doors to non-traditional sectors and ensuring the clean energy transition is underpinned by inclusive workforce development.
A Well-Deserved Honour
Ron’s finalist recognition in the 2025 NESA Awards reflects his unwavering commitment to making employment services more inclusive, more effective, and more community focused. It is also a recognition of the work of our entire VERTO team, whose dedication ensures people across regional and remote Australia can access the support they need to succeed. We extend our warm congratulations to Ron on this well-deserved honour, and we thank NESA for recognising the importance of leadership that bridges the gap between policy and practice, and delivers lasting impact for individuals, families, and communities. Congratulations Ron, and best of luck to all finalists who are making a difference.
