Pat Turner has announced she will step down after nearly a decade as chief executive of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

The Arrernte and Gurdanji woman has led NACCHO since 2016 and said it has been a "privilege" to serve First Peoples in the role.

"Everything we have achieved has been driven by communities and by a sector that has always known its own strength," she said. "Community control works because it puts our people at the centre of decisions about our health."

After steering NACCHO through the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation said Ms Turner strengthened its national influence and authority.

During her tenure, NACCHO drew attention to systemic under-funding, including research that identified a $4.4 billion health funding gap, and advocated for sustained investment in community-led primary care.

Ms Turner also secured targeted funding to combat Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease and prioritised expanding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.

"She championed workforce pathways that support Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners and reinforce community-led care as the foundation of a sustainable, culturally safe health system for the long term," NACCHO said in a statement.

NACCHO Chair Donnella Mills praised Ms Turner's legacy of "lasting reform".

"She strengthened this organisation, elevated the national standing of community-controlled health, and helped secure a new relationship with governments based on shared decision-making and accountability," Ms Mills said.

"Pat has led with strength, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to self-determination, and that legacy will continue to shape our work."

Ms Turner will be succeeded by Dawn Casey PSM FAHA, who has served as deputy CEO since 2016. A Tagalaka Traditional Owner from North Queensland, Dr Casey has led major national institutions and held senior roles at the highest levels of government before joining NACCHO.

"It is a privilege to step into this role. Pat leaves big shoes to fill, and I want to acknowledge the strength of her leadership and what she has built," she said.

"I take on this role with a strong sense of responsibility for the work ahead, focused on continuity, strong advocacy, and working closely with our members to ensure Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations are supported to keep delivering for their communities.

"Community control is our strength, and that will remain at the centre of everything we do."