Ms Rowe, most recently the chief executive of Mornington Health Centre, has spent a week so far at the helm of the organisation, which has hundreds of staff and volunteers providing community services such as community development, a foodbank, parenting support, youth development, aged care and independent living for older people.
"There are aspects of the job I have knowledge of, but it is a very steep learning curve and it is a very large and significant organisation," she said.
"I have been getting out and about meeting people and it has really struck me how extensive its reach is ... it is a very strong organisation that is strongly supported by the community it cares for."
Ms Rowe, a registered nurse, has been involved with Alzheimers New Zealand locally and nationally, and has not-for-profit experience with Servants Health Centre.
"This role was a chance to take all my experiences and combine them in a leadership role with a really amazing organisation; this is a very good opportunity," Ms Rowe said.
PSO's long-serving former chief executive, Gillian Bremner, had left a remarkable template to build on as she took on her new role, Ms Rowe said.
"Gillian is a formidable woman and a great advocate, and I would hope that I could follow in her footsteps, but I have no doubt that I will bring my own style and character to it."
PSO chairman Tim Mepham said the organisation was pleased to have Ms Rowe on board.
"The board were impressed with the experience, energy and strategic thinking that Jo demonstrated, along with her desire to pursue personal development in herself and others."
