Leadership Update: CEO Transition

Leadership Update: Fare-welling Iudita & Welcoming Francesca

After nineteen inspiring years, our much-loved CEO Iudita Trifa-Schmidt completes her tenure today, Monday 30 June 2025. Under her guidance Out Doors grew from a small community organisation into Victoria’s pre-eminent provider of outdoor mental-health programs. From strategic expansion and community impact to financial stability and award-winning initiatives, Iudita’s legacy is woven through every adventure we run. We’ll be celebrating her contribution over the coming days and invite you to share your own message of thanks by leaving a comment below.

Tomorrow, we begin an exciting new chapter. As announced in April, the Council has appointed Francesca Manglaviti as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2025. Francesca brings three decades of senior leadership across the not-for-profit, government and corporate sectors, with a proven track record of pairing social purpose with sustainable growth. Her passion for mental-health equity and deep respect for nature make her the ideal guide for Out Doors’ next stage.

A structured hand-over has happened behind-the-scenes to ensure our programs, partnerships and day-to-day operations continue seamlessly. What won’t change is our mission: to provide challenging approaches to better mental health by empowering people to get out the door and to participate in the life of their community.

Learn more:
• Full media release & Francesca’s bio → Out Doors Inc. Appoints Francesca Manglaviti as Chief Executive Officer
• Iudita’s Departure Announcement → CEO Announces Departure

Thank you for being part of the Out Doors family. Your support makes every step of this journey possible, and we look forward to achieving even more together.

Media Contact: Lisa Johnson, Chief Operating Officer | lisa@outdoorsinc.org.au or 03 9417 2111

About Out Doors
Out Doors Inc. is Victoria’s leading provider of outdoor programs for better mental health. For more than 35 years, our innovative, nature-based approach has enhanced the mental wellbeing of Victorians through meaningful and engaging experiences. Our experienced staff guide participants toward wellness through outdoor group experiences that foster social connection, nurture skill development and promote mental wellbeing

Comments(5)

Bradley Virgona says
June 30, 2025 at 2:26 pm

Hello Ludita
I wish you the best of luck for your future and thank you for making Outdoors Inc what it is today. Your hard work and commitment is what’s kept Outdoors Inc being successful and providing a much needed service to the Outdoors Inc community
Regards Bradley Virgona
Bea says
June 30, 2025 at 2:48 pm

Hi dear
This is bittersweet!
You’ve made a huge contribution, blessings for the future.
Bea
Allan Davey says
June 30, 2025 at 3:23 pm

As the current Chair of Out Doors Inc, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Iudita for many years and I commend her inspirational leadership and the enduring legacy she leaves as our respected CEO after 19 years of dedicated service to the organisation, our community and to the mental health sector broadly.
Iudita, on behalf of the board, you take with you our sincere gratitude for your professionalism, insight, empathy and impressive record of achievement, for which we applaud you warmly and thank you deeply. Our very best wishes as you embark on many new and exciting opportunities ahead.
Allan Davey, Chair
Leanne T says
June 30, 2025 at 5:06 pm

Ludita
Will miss seeing you around at the conventions and pickup/dropoff at ODI. Remembering participants names
and being so cheerful nd positive. Seems you have worked hard and given so much to ODI. Certain all the staff will miss you to.
Palika Polly Woodward says
July 1, 2025 at 8:39 am

Best Organisation Ever.

Saved Me.

Thank you Forever.

Luckiest Person Alive.

Been with Outdoors Inc for 20 years.

Joined at 21.

Mental Illness is Real.

It doesn’t just disappear.

It found me.

Victoria Australia Changes Everything.

Thank you for being the best Mental health care in the world.

I’m still using everything ODI taught me.

The 2 month leadership program. The 2 month spiritual program.

Forever.

Every Single Person I met changed me for the better.

Grateful you all cared.

Turned me in to the leader I am today.

Polly Palika Hamby Woodward.

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