Central Arrernte woman Ebony Abbott-McCormack has been appointed chief executive of Central Australian Aboriginal Congress.

The organisation's Aboriginal board appointed Ms Abbott-McCormack to lead Congress into the next chapter of its more than 50-year history.

Ms Abbott-McCormack brings more than 15 years of experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, governance and community control.

She described the appointment as an honour and said she had grown up with Congress in Mparntwe.

"It is an honour and privilege to be appointed CEO of Congress, one of Australia's oldest and largest Aboriginal community controlled health services," Ms Abbott-McCormack said.

"As an Arrernte woman born and raised in Mparntwe, I have grown up with Congress.

"I have always admired the organisation for its exceptional record in delivering community controlled primary health care, and its commitment to speaking out on the health and rights of Aboriginal people."

Ms Abbott-McCormack has served on the Congress board for several years, including as chairperson from 2023 to 2026 and deputy chair from 2021 to 2023.

She said she felt a responsibility to the communities supported by the organisation.

"I have a deep sense of responsibility to our communities," Ms Abbott-McCormack said.

"I look forward to working together with our staff, Board, members, communities, and partners to build upon Congress' proud legacy as we begin the next chapter of our story."

Congress chair Paul Ah Chee, who took on the position last month, welcomed the appointment.

Mr Ah Chee said Ms Abbott-McCormack was a proven leader who was widely respected.

"On behalf of the Board, I congratulate Ebony on her appointment as CEO of Congress," Mr Ah Chee said.

"She is a proven leader with excellent communication skills, and is well known and widely respected across many circles.

"We look forward to working with Ebony, and we're confident that she will further strengthen collaboration and partnerships with the primary health care sector and beyond as we all work together to further improve Aboriginal health."

Ms Abbott-McCormack also has experience in the Northern Territory public health sector and holds board positions in areas affecting the social determinants of health.

She will continue as deputy chair of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory and as a director on the Outback Stores board.

Ms Abbott-McCormack succeeds Donna Ah Chee, who led Congress for 13 years.

She will begin the role on August 24.