Will Ward - Odyssey & Co-Chair, AOD Provider Collaborative

Will is currently General Manager Improvement and Development at Odyssey.  He has broad experience across operational, strategic and governance roles within the mental health, disability, special education, community development and conservation sectors both in New Zealand and the UK. 

Prior to joining Odyssey, Will held a senior management position within a large mental health community organisation in Auckland for many years, and also gained valuable experience working in a clinical capacity within acute mental health services in a DHB.  Before settling in New Zealand, Will worked in senior management within the youth special education and disability sectors in the UK.

Will is a passionate advocate of supporting positive outcomes for people through encouraging their active participation in a healthy community.  He is currently the Chairperson of a community development organisation in West Auckland and has recently served in another governance role in an environmental/restoration organisation.

Debby Sutton - Programme Manager

In her role as Programme Manager, Debby supports the Collaborative to implement projects aligned with the CMDHB vision for AOD services in the region.  By assisting providers to deliver improved services to those accessing AOD services, the aim is to maximise positive outcomes for Counties Manukau service users and their families.

Debby has worked in various roles in the addiction sector for over 20 years.  These have included being a researcher, and AOD clinician, trainer, and lecturer for Weltec's Bachelor of Alcohol & Drug Studies.  In recent years, she has focused on addiction workforce development and project management, with the aim of supporting organisations to maintain effective and innovative services.