Ms Kearney this week notified of her intention to leave at the end of the year to “pursue personal interests”.

The outgoing CEO said there was not one specific reason she was leaving, but said she prided herself in her ability to know when things were right for her.

“That time has now arrived, or it will in December,” she said. “I will leave a job I have embraced and truly loved for 18 years, with no regrets.”

Ms Kearney joined the company in 1997 as coordinator of Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions.

After a year she became manager of community programs. In 2000, the CEO resigned and Ms Kearney put her hand up for the job.

She said the job had been a juggling act, but one that had produced “so many” great memories.

“Most importantly is the long and varied list of amazing achievement that people with a disability demonstrate every day,” she said.

Other highlights include increasing the client group to assist young job-seekers, a new project space for job training and the creation of residential homes for Mai-Wel’s 38 residents.

But with those achievements have been challenges.

She said it had been a struggle to obtain funding to match the organisation’s vision.

“The biggest challenges to me in my role are those related to the funding and practices when dealing with the NDIS,” she said.

“In the climate of NDIS I have concerns for the impact that threatens to burn out highly capable and experienced people.”

Despite leaving, Ms Kearney said she remained passionate about access and inclusion and was confident she left Mai-Wel in the hands of committed people.

“I will be forever proud of the role, the part I have played, the relationships I have made and the wonderful organisation that is The Mai-Wel Group,” she said.

Mai-Wel chairman Graham Burns thanked Ms Kearney for all of her hard work.

“Pennie has made a very significant contribution and impact as Mai-Wel’s CEO over the past 18 years,” he said. “She has provided outstanding leadership and vision.”