Lifeline Canberra is yet to announce a replacement for chief executive Carrie Leeson after her decision to step down after 12 "incredibly rewarding" years in the top job.
"It has truly been the honour of a lifetime, and I leave with absolute confidence in the future," she said.
Ms Leeson last week wrote to Lifeline volunteers telling them first of her decision, saying they were the heart of the organisation.
"Thank you for your dedication, your commitment and your kindness. Whether you have answered the phones, sorted donations, raised funds or supported our community in countless other ways, you have changed lives," she said.
Ms Leeson said on Tuesday she was due to leave the position this week, saying the organisation had been working in the background to plan for the next person to take over and continue to grow the influence and impact of Lifeline.
"The board will start with the recruitment process in the near future," she said.
Since her announcement, Ms Leeson said she had received many messages of warmth and congratulations - and people also wanted to know "what's next?" for her.
"My standard response is 'We're really just focusing on a smooth transition at this point' which is very boring but things will make sense more in time, respecting various processes," she said.
"My focus now is to ensure there is a smooth and calm transition for the team and the volunteers, which there absolutely will be."
Ms Leeson took on the role of CEO in 2014 but started with Lifeline as a grassroots volunteer answering calls on the telephone crisis line.
"Those early experiences, witnessing the courage of our community, shaped my leadership and remained at the heart of every decision I have made since. Being entrusted with the custodianship of this remarkable organisation has been one of the greatest honours of my life."
Ms Leeson said on Tuesday now was the right time to hand the top job on to someone else.
"Every year, and sometimes every day, I recommit to my role, what we're doing and ensure that I can add value at the same rate as I was a year ago," she said.
"You're always looking for those opportunities where, it's never going to be seamless, but you're looking for the most seamless opportunity for new leadership to come in, because every organisation deserves that renewal."
Ms Leeson said Lifeline was tracking well and she had also delivered personally on the Interedge Summit on mental health attended by Prince Harry in Melbourne in April.
"It just makes sense at this point to give someone else a go," she said.
Originally from South Africa, Ms Leeson told the volunteers they were Lifeline's greatest strength.
"Together, we have supported hundreds of thousands of people through crisis, strengthened our organisation, navigated COVID, expanded our services, established our sister centre in Narrm and, very soon, will celebrate answering our one millionth call - a milestone that belongs to every volunteer and every member of our team. None of this would have been possible without you.
"I leave immensely proud of what we have achieved together and deeply grateful for the friendships, memories and shared purpose that will stay with me always. It has truly been the honour of a lifetime, and I leave with absolute confidence in the future.
"The foundations are strong, our purpose is unwavering and I leave you in the hands of our incredible team."
