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Via their branch councils, meet our dedicated health service management leaders driving excellence in healthcare leadership and management across Australasia.
President
Christopher Horn FCHSM CHE
Vice-President
Andrew Newton FCHSM CHE
Treasurer
Paul White FCHSM CHE
Immediate Past President and Board Director
Dr Karen Patterson FCHSM CHE
Branch Councillors
Eva Ballai FCHSM CHE
Yve Connett AFCHSM CHM
Dominic Dawson LMFCHSM CHE
David Lim FCHSM CHE
Nicholas Rayner AFCHSM
Peter Turner AFCHSM CHM
Laura Zhang LLB BSc MCHSM
HMIP Intern Representative
Curtis Dickson MCHSM
Executive Officer
Alison Fellows
Leticia Whelan
Christopher leads the delivery of the bowel cancer screening program for NSW at the Cancer Institute NSW. He is an Australian trained and internationally experienced clinician, a certified health executive and a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management. Christopher has held care redesign roles in Victoria and NSW, and he has experience in public health, paediatric and general radiation therapy, molecular imaging, and medical device development. He was elected to the NSW Branch Council in 2018.
Andrew was elected to the NSW Branch Council in 2019. A registered nurse who practiced predominantly in operating theatres, Andrew has worked extensively in the NSW Health System in both rural and metropolitan services, holding a range of leadership positions.
Andrew is currently the CEO of The Northern Beaches Hospital.
Paul is an experienced executive and consultant with a deep understanding of the challenges currently facing Government and healthcare and brings experience from the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. His style is to work collaboratively with senior leaders by guiding strategic decision that is backed up by a detailed understanding of data and evidence. Paul is Sydney based and is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management and a Chartered Health Executive.
Karen completed the ACHSM Fellowship in 2015, was elected to the NSW Branch Council in 2017. She was then elected NSW Branch President 2019- 2021, and appointed ACHSM Branch Councillor Board Director in 2021, which is ongoing.
With a health career spanning over 40 years, Karen has worked in metro, regional and rural health settings, and held a range of clinical, management, policy, executive, academic & research roles. In 2019, Karen joined the Clinical Excellence Commission executive leadership team as the Director, Capability & Culture. One of the pillar agencies of the NSW Health system, the CEC has two broad areas of responsibility, including setting standards for safety, and monitoring clinical safety and quality processes, and improving performance of individuals, teams, and systems in prioritising safety.
Karen is an APHRA Registered Nurse and Midwife, she completed her Doctorate in 2024 with UTS Health: Centre for Health Services Management, School of Public Health. Karen also holds Master Midwifery (Research) and Graduate Diploma in Adult Education. Karen is an International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) Fellow, an ISQua Expert Panel member and recently appointed on the WHO, Patient Safety Consultant register. In 2021 she was appointed to the Mudgee Health Service, Health Council, as a community member. Karen is also a Board Director for a social enterprise cooperative in rural NSW.
Eva was elected to the NSW Branch Council in 2019. She is a Fellow and Certified Health Executive of the ACHSM. Eva has over 25 years’ extensive experience in the health care industry; 13 years in acute care settings, 15 years in Aged Care Senior / Executive Management (CEO, Director of Nursing, Facility Manager and Operations Manager) and 6 years as a Board Director in the Aged and Disability sectors. Eva has an extensive clinical, operational, and strategic understanding of health care industry settings, particularly aged care, community care and disability. Eva has been serving in the Australian Defence Force for the last 13 years as Captain Specialist Nursing Officer.
Joining the NSW Branch Council in 2024. Yve is a Certified Health Manager and has been an Associate Fellow since 2009.
Yve currently works as a Health Service Manager within Hunter New England Local Health District. She brings many years of experience in rural and regional health care having worked across nursing, academic, project and health management roles. Yve enjoys operational leadership, facility management, managing multi-disciplinary care teams, and fostering collaborative relationships within communities. Community based care and mental health care are areas of particular interest.
Yve is keen to contribute another rural perspective to the NSW Branch Council, to share experience, connect, and assist others strengthen their leadership in healthcare.
Dominic has extensive experience in the health sector as a clinician, educator and a health leader. Over the last 16 years he has held various senior management positions and has been instrumental in leading health reform implementation and clinical services improvement.
Elected to the NSW Branch Council in 2008, Dominic is a Fellow of the College and has previously held the position of NSW Branch President.
Dominic is currently on secondment as the Director Transition for the EDWARD Business Implementation Program at NSW Health. In this role Dominic is responsible for the transition from the current data warehouse to a new data warehouse for NSW Health that is being established. His substantiative position is the Associate Director, Business Intelligence and Efficiency at South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, leading a highly skilled team in the development and dissemination of intelligent information for organisational transformation. He also provides leadership in the implementation of Activity Based Funding at the Local Health District.
David Lim is the Associate Professor of Implementation Science (the study of methods and strategies that increase the uptake and integration of evidence-based practice and research into regular use by practitioners and policymakers) with the University of Technology, Sydney. Since joining the NSW Branch Council in 2021, David currently leads the NSW education sub-committee.
Prior to academia, David held leadership roles in rural and regional health networks and over two decades of experience in planning for responsive, equitable and sustainable health services for underserved communities.
Nicholas began his career in the public health sector in 2003. He has 20 years of experience in health management, policy development and major capital infrastructure delivery. Since joining Health Infrastructure in 2018, Nicholas has been involved in the delivery of over $2.3billion in capital infrastructure projects across New South Wales.
Nicholas was appointed as an Associate Fellow with the Australasian College of Health Service Management in 2022, is a regular guest lecturer at the University of Newcastle and recently joined the board of Newcastle Meals on Wheels as a Non-Executive Director.
Peter Turner is the District Manager, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Medical Imaging Service, delivering high quality patient focused diagnostic, interventional and therapeutic services for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions of New South Wales. Peter has been leading clinical services in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine since 2010, and prior to that managed Forensic Medicine and Clinical Genetics in the Hunter region for two years. Prior to this, Peter has had 14 years of experience working in public health organisations in a range of senior operational and strategic Industrial Relations and Human Resource management roles.
Joining the NSW branch council in 2022, Peter is keen to offer his broad professional skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of NSW health professionals.
Laura joined the NSW Branch Council in 2023 after graduating from the ACHSM Health Management Internship Program. She is currently a Project Manager at eHealth NSW and works as part of cross-functional teams to deliver statewide digital transformation. She has a particular interest in leveraging digital solutions to improve health outcomes and consumer experience. Prior to joining the health sector, Laura worked as a consultant in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, advising companies across various industries on maximising funding for innovation.
Curtis is a second-year intern at the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) and is expanding on his first-year involvement in state-wide clinical implementation projects and the development and implementation of organisational change and reporting processes. In the initial phase of his second year, Curtis is engaged in the translation of innovative research into sustainable clinical programs.
Curtis possesses a Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine and brings his experience as a registered paramedic in Western Australia, primarily involved in emergency response within the community. His personal journey as a type one diabetic has also led him to provide diabetes education and training sessions, particularly aimed at enhancing the capacity and resilience of families with newly diagnosed children.
Curtis’s professional journey has exposed him to a wide array of disadvantaged populations within the community. He aspires to merge the insights gained from the HMIP with his clinical expertise and personal experience as a type one diabetic. His overarching mission is to champion health innovations and foster sustainable change, leveraging his unique perspective to make a positive impact on healthcare.
Dr Tony Gill AFCHSM CHM
Angela Magarry FCHSM CHE
Alison Fellows
Colonel Elisabeth Barnett FCHSM CHE
Ian Bull AFCHSM CHM
Antonio Di Dio AFCHSM
Dr George Georgiadis AFCHSM CHM
Suzanne Greenwood MCHSM
Rosemary Kennedy LMFCHSM CHE
Rachel Yates AFCHSM CHM
Tony is a Principal Medical Adviser at the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) in the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. He has worked at TGA since 2010 in various roles across medicines, medical devices.
Dr Tony Gill is a public health physician working as a Principal Medical Adviser in the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. He heads up the Advanced Biological and Therapies Section in the Prescription Medicines Authorisation Branch. In this role he heads up a section involved in the clinical evaluation and market authorisation decision making for gene therapies and cell therapies as well as being involved in developing policy on emerging advanced therapies.
He commenced work at the TGA in February 2010 following 25 years in the Australian Army and has filled various roles at the TGA including acting Chief Medical Adviser of the TGA and Principal Medical Adviser roles until before moving to his current position in February 2022. In the TGA he has been involved in the regulation of unapproved therapeutic goods, the clinical evaluation of medicines, biologicals and medical devices, and the scheduling of medicines. As well Dr Gill was the lead for the introduction of TGA’s medicine shortages and medicinal cannabis areas.
In the Australian Army, Dr Gill worked across all levels of health care from primary health care to command and health advisor in various roles. He finished as a Brigadier and Branch Head in Joint Health Command and was involved in garrison health support and future health care delivery.
Angela is a public policy specialist in the Australian health care system. A director on the National Board, Chair Nominations Committee, Fellow, Fellowship examiner, and is a mentor.
Angela began her career in nursing specialising in acute care before transitioning into health administration via the ACHSE Management Training Program. Angela is a director of HandnHand Peer Support.
Colonel Barnett is an Australian Army Officer with over 25 years’ experience across a range of leadership, operations and planning, project management and personnel appointments in Australia and overseas. Colonel Barnett commenced her current appointment as Director Future Health Capability at Joint Health Command (JHC) in January 2022. She is a graduate of the University of New South Wales and the Australian Defence Force Academy (1999), Royal Military College Duntroon (2000), Australian National University (2012), University of New England (2017), Deakin University (2021), and the Australian Defence Force War College (2021).
Colonel Barnett has held a range of regimental, command and service appointments. She has worked across tactical, operational and strategic levels in personnel, planning, capability and staff appointments. Colonel Barnett has served on multiple overseas deployments to East Timor (Timor-Leste Operation SPIRE, Op CITADEL, Operation ASTUTE), as Health Operations/Plans embed in the UK led Multinational Division South East Basra, Iraq (Operation SLIPPER) and as an Officer Commanding Force Support Unit 5-Kandahar to Afghanistan (Operation SLIPPER). During her overseas appointments she commanded health and logistic personnel in support of Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations.
Colonel Barnett was a recipient of a Conspicuous Service Medal in the 2015 Australia Day Honours for her work at the Directorate of Officer Career Management – Army. Colonel Barnett is accredited as a Fellow and Chief Health Executive of the Australasian College of Health Service Managers (ACHSM) and is a member of the ACT Chapter of ACHSM. She is a Chief Executive Women’s (CEW) alumni, a member of the Australian Company Directors Course and a member of the Australian Tactical Medical Association (ATMA).
Colonel Barnett has a young daughter and enjoys spending time with the family and friends, travel, photography and the outdoors.
Antonio grew up in rural parts of Italy and NSW and attended Sydney University. He has been a GP for 30 years and has been a long-term practice principal in Canberra. He has devoted almost 30 years volunteering for doctor health and well-being, and still has daily contact with doctors needing support as well as for many years heading a state Drs Health Service and currently serving as Deputy Chair of the Drs4Drs National Board and serves on the NSW/ACT Medical benevolent Associate Board, and the is Chair of the Executive of the National Alliance for Dr Health and Wellbeing. He is also chair of the National Health Regulator Network and within this groups strives to focus on supporting doctors and their patients. He has helped run many APS presentations on self-care, workplace culture and burnout prevention, as he has done for doctor wellbeing for many years. He was AMA ACT President 2018-2021, served on many boards and committees, and was Chair of the International Assessment Panel under Medevac Legislation for refugees in 2019. He was awarded the AMA national presidential Medal in 2020 for services to doctors health, and to refugees. Antonio has been involved in teaching roles and currently lectures at ANU, and regulation, including AHPRA, Medical Council of NSW, Medicare, AMC, and PSR for over 20 years. In 2022 he was appointed Acting Director of PSR as well as clinician, teacher, and advocate for community health. He travels extensively supporting doctors’ wellbeing.
Suzanne has been an active member since 2017, and joined the ACT Branch Council in 2022. Suzanne is a fierce advocate for improved health and wellness outcomes for all Australians having been National Executive Director for the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and previously National CEO of Catholic Health Australia.
A lawyer by profession, Suzanne draws on her past experience as Corporate Counsel with St Vincent’s Health Australia in Queensland and for Queensland Health, particularly on hospital accreditation and compliance, contract management and program development. She was named the Healthcare, Pharmaceutical and Biotech Lawyer of the Year in 2017 and has a special interest in research and innovation having been a member of several Human Research Ethics Committees and government clinical trials working groups.
Appointed to the ACHSM Board in 2019, Rosemary stepped down from the board in 2023 and continues to be involved with the College as both a life member and branch council member of the ACT Branch.
Rosemary has spent most of her career in the health care sector and has 35yrs experience in clinical health care and government leadership roles. Rosemary has been a Fellow of the College for the past 20yrs. Her experience ranges from clinical Directors of Nursing to Executive Director, planning infrastructure, new hospital builds and business support services for ACT Health. And Territory & Municipal Services. Rosemary is currently working as an executive management consultant, with Galent management Consulting, focused on governance, change management, major procurement, and contract management.
Rachel Yates is Policy Director Health and Workforce at Universities Australia. She has qualifications in health and management and has extensive experience in national health and education policy/advocacy. Rachel has also worked locally and nationally in health research and service delivery. Previous roles include Director of Primary Health Care at the Mt. Isa Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, National Policy Manager for the Australian Medicare Local Alliance and Executive Director, Policy Strategy and Business Development for the Australian General Practice Network. Rachel is a past Chair of the National Rural Health Alliance’s Friends Advisory Committee and is an Associate Member and ACT Branch Councillor of the Australian College of Health Services Management. She is especially interested in policy approaches to effectively connect education with workforce development and distribution.
President
Prof Leonard Notaras AO FCHSM, CHE
Vice President
Vacant
Treasurer
Ms Lisa Vermuelen MCHSM
Secretariat
Justine Glover FCHSM, CHE
Branch Councillors
Allison Grierson FCHSM, CHE
Pieter Walker FCHSM, CHE
Linda Lukitsch MCHSM
Bernadette Cummins AFCHSM
Maja Van Bruggen FCHSM, CHE
Theresa Clasquin FCHSM, CHE
Professor Len Notaras AO is the Executive Director and founder of the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC). For more than 16 years he also held the positions of Medical Superintendent at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH), General Manager and Principal Medical Consultant, and served as Chief Executive of the Northern Territory Department of Health from 2014-2016. Professor Notaras has a long history in disaster response having coordinated the RDH response to the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings, the evacuation and retrieval following the assassination attempt on then President of Timor-Leste Dr Jose Ramos-Horta and events at Ashmore Reef in 2009, as well as Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) deployments for more than a decade.
In 2019, Professor Notaras was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to medical administration in the Northern Territory and significant contribution to Australia’s COVID-19 pandemic response. Professor Notaras holds degrees in Medicine, Law and Arts (Hons) and Commerce and has Masters in History and Hospital Management.
Professor Notaras was appointed as a government representative on the ACHS Board in 2002 and was Vice President from 2015 to 2017. He was elected ACHS President in May 2017. He has also been on the Board of Directors for ACHS International since 2009. He was also conferred Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA) in October 2022. He is currently President of the ACHSM NT branch.
Lisa Vermeulen is the Director of Nursing & Midwifery Population Primary Health Care. Lisa is an experienced director and registered nurse with over 30 years of service within the public health system. She has extensive experience in strategic and operational management, leading health responses in emergency care and infection prevention and control.
Lisa has a skill set in emergency and primary health care, disaster response, psychiatry and infection prevention & control. She is a subject matter expert in Disaster response, Outbreak response and Humanitarian intervention. Lisa is appointed to a Clinical Associate Professor position at Charles Darwin University and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Melbourne University for their Disaster coursework.
She is known for building high performing team in resource poor environments and passionate in building and establishing workforce across remote health area services to improve social determinates of health and improving health outcomes.
Justine Glover is a Registered Nurse with over 28 years’ experience working across Top End Health in nursing, administrative and management positions, with 17 years in Senior Executive Officer positions.
Justine held the position of Alderman City of Darwin for 8 years. She is currently the Palmerston Regional Hospital Operations Manager, Non Clinical. She has been a member of the ACHSM NT Branch since 2021.
Allison is currently Director, Strategic Partnerships and Growth, Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University.
Originally from a nursing background, Allison has extensive Executive experience including Regional Executive Director, Top End of NT Health, Executive Director, Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospitals and portfolio experience in health policy, strategy and planning, funding and performance. Allison has been a NT Branch Council member since 2019.
Pieter Walker has had over 30 years of healthcare and consulting experience in strategy and governance, quality improvement/redesign, change management and leadership training, across the public and private health sectors in Australia and Internationally.
He has led and facilitated hundreds of performance improvement workshops and projects with healthcare executives and teams using data to drive improvements in organisational culture, quality, safety and performance, whilst trying to make change engaging, sustainable, and enjoyable.
He was the Victorian Study Coordinator in 2020 before moving to the Northern Territory where he has served as one of the NT Study Coordinators and Branch Councillors since 2021.
Linda Lukitsch is a born and bred Territorian. Linda has been working alongside clinicians in NT Health since 2002 supporting alignment of digital technologies with business requirements. Early roles in Linda’s career include training, system design, project management and support of NT Health’s core clinical systems.
Linda is driven by a passion to enable healthcare systems and in particular frontline staff in the NT to perform efficiently through the integration of user centred digital technologies, which facilities delivery of safe, responsive and kind patient centred care to all Territorians.
President
Mark Avery FCHSM CHE BHA MBus(Res) FAIM FAICD
Vice President
Kate Copeland AM FCHSM CHE BPhty BBus(HealthAdmin) GradCertHealthEconc
Treasurer
Dr Jennifer Kosiol FCHSM CHE
Secretariat
Sheree Lloyd FCHSM CHE SFHEA CHIM PhD MTM B Bus Grad Dip
Branch Councillors
Dr Dennis Campbell LMFCHSM CHE PhD MBA DipHealthAdmin DipLegStudies FAIM GAICD
Alice Evans FCHSM CHE MBA GAICD GCEL Bphyt
Aidan Hobbs FCHSM CHE MBA (Hlth Mgt) BHSc (Podiatry) CHIA
Moira McInerney FCHSM CHE GAICD MBA BA
Jeff Parker FCHSM CHE FAIDH GAICD
Jessica Toleman FCHSM CHE BPharm MHA
Dr Marius Goosen FCHSM CHE MBChB FRACMA MHM MPH&TM CHIA
Dr Nick Cusack AFCHSM CHM BDSc Grad Dip Dent Stud (Oral Surgery) Grad Dip Clin Dent (Conscious Sedation and Pain Control) MHA
Co-opted Member
Anneke Fitzgerald, PhD, MaClinPrac, Grad Dip Adult Ed(VET), LMFCHSM, CHE, FANZAM
Executive Officer
Tracey Silvester FCHSM CHE BSc MHM
(Information to be supplied soon)
Kate is a health infrastructure professional with executive leadership experience in health service planning, infrastructure planning, hospital design, project and program management, procurement and project delivery in the public sector.
She is currently employed as Executive Director, Strategy Planning Assets Infrastructure and Strategic Developments for Metro North Hospital and Health Service, since 2016.
Dr Sheree Lloyd is a senior lecturer at the Australian Institute of Health Service Management. She is passionate about digital health, innovation in health care organisations and systems for safe, high-quality care.
Sheree Lloyd is a health information manager, educator and project manager with experience in academic and health service and information management roles.
Sheree is a Certified Health Information Manager, Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Managers and Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Digital Health. She is passionate about the use of data to drive decision making and improvement. Her PhD investigated innovation and high performance in rural health settings and was awarded an Executive Dean’s commendation.
Sheree is a passionate educator, teaching units in health informatics, digital health, health information systems, quality and safety and translating health innovation into practice. Reflecting this passion, Sheree is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Experience includes leading and managing large multi-site hospital projects in information systems and technology and activity-based funding, and complex health information management services in tertiary referral hospitals and regional health authorities in Queensland.
Moira McInerney is an experienced senior executive manager in private healthcare and an academic.
As an Associate Professor, Moira teaches at Monash University Australia, in the Master of Health Management programme, whilst consulting (Medical Matters Australia. & NZ) with clinicians in private and public practice in both Australia and New Zealand.
Moira also holds a leadership role with a specialist member body in New Zealand and has been a member of the ACHSM Qld Branch Council since January 2020.
Joining ACHSM over 20 years ago and now a Fellow and CHE, Moira is passionate about the role of lifelong learning for health managers.
Jeff is an experienced management consultant who is driven to improve systems and outcomes. He advises Boards, CEOs and executive teams on strategic investment in IT and Digital enabled change in healthcare and is often called upon to create and lead programs for clients to deliver changes they seek.
Jeff is the Managing Director of JP Consulting (Aust) Pty Ltd and leads its team of highly experienced consultants who also all specialise in digital healthcare strategy and program design and management.
Jeff is a Fellow and Certified Healthcare Executive of ACHSM, Fellow of AIDH, Graduate of AICD and a Member of AICG.
Jessica graduated as a pharmacist from the University of Queensland in 2001 and has completed a Master of Health Administration at Latrobe University in 2017. She is a Fellow and Certified Health Executive (Australasian College of Health Service Management) and completed the Metro North Health Executive Leadership Program in 2021.
Jessica has more than her 20 years experience in healthcare in community, hospital and corporate settings. She has a passion for safe, e]ective, e]icient use of resources and is a strong advocate for consumer engagement and co-design. She has worked in executive and senior director and director and management roles held portfolios in performance improvement, strategic planning, continuous quality improvement, health systems management, stakeholder engagement, digital health, and medication safety.
Jessica currently the Service Line Director for Surgery and Critical Care at Logan and Beaudesert Health Service and is passionate about developing inter-departmental partnerships and recognising the contribution made by all sta] and has overarching personal values of compassion and collaboration.
I am a passionate medical administrator who loves sailing the tropical waters of North Queensland, motivated to improve joy in work, patient-focused care, safety and quality, and clinical governance processes for the diverse populations we live and work in.
I believe in transparency and that leadership is nothing without respectful relationships, small wins, and getting to know the people you work with along the journey, as this helps build a great culture.
My unconventional medical career has allowed me to travel, work with, and treat people from many different origins and has shaped how I work, lead and teach others.
Dr Nick Cusack is a practising general dentist committed to patient-centred care and is a partner in a CBD practice in Brisbane, Australia.
He was awarded his undergraduate degree in 1996 from the University of Queensland. He has completed further clinical training in minor oral surgery from the University of Western Australia in 2001 and conscious sedation from the University of Sydney in 2015.
In 2023, he completed a Master of Health Administration and is an Associate Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management and a Certified Health Manager.
Dr Cusack contributes to the profession as a committee member of the Australian Society of Dental Anaesthesiology and an occasional guest lecturer in Nitrous Oxide Sedation. He is a Commander in the Royal Australian Navy.
President
Jo Glover FCHSM CHE
Vice-President
Mark Brommeyer AFCHSM CHM
Treasurer
Chris Barber FCHSM CHE
SA Rep on National Board
Christine Dennis LMFCHSM CHE
Mentor Program Coordinator
Heidi Silverston FCHSM CHE
Fellowship Program Coordinator
Suzanne Delaney FCHSM CHE
Branch Councillors
Di Mantell FCHSM CHE
Renee Giannopoulos MCHSM
Gerry O’Callaghan AFCHSM CHM
In attendance at Branch Council meetings
Ex-officio members
Lisa Hester (Executive Officer SA, ACHSM)
Jo started her career as a Specialised Clinical Scientist in inherited metabolic diseases in children, across London UK before moving into operational management, general management and executive leadership of Clinical Laboratories, Cancer, Diagnostics and whole hospital systems.
Jo is a highly competent senior operational and strategic lead with significant expertise in clinical service transformation, workforce redesign, remodeling and reconfiguration, coupled with a proven track record in change management.
Jo demonstrates excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire confidence and build strong stakeholder relationships including in politically charged arenas.
Mark has spent over 35 years in the health and aged care sector, with significant experience in digital health strategy, change, training and risk management across primary, secondary and tertiary care. Mark has provided healthcare consultancy, training and change management services in public and private health sectors in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Oman, India, England, Ireland and Wales.
Mark is a Senior Lecturer in Health Care Management, Flinders University, where he has developed a Health Informatics course which he delivers in China, Singapore and Australia for the Master of Health Administration award, as well as lecturing in Strategic Management and Clinical Governance. Mark also co-designed the Graduate Certificate in Digital Health Management, which commences in 2023.
Mark trained as a Registered Nurse, he is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Digital Health, an Associate Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management, and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mark is completing his Doctor of Philosophy research looking at Digital Health Competencies for Health Service Managers.
Chris has a background in medical research and has worked in both the private and public health sectors. She is a Fellow and CHE of ACHSM, holds an MBA and is a graduate of Company Directors.
Having worked on large health infrastructure projects, Chris is currently working at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Network leading a number of projects.
Associate Professor Christine Dennis was appointed as the Chair of the Women’s and Children’s Health Network in February 2023. Prior to commencing with WCHN, Christine held the position of Deputy Dean Rural and Remote SA, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University. She continues to lecture in Strategic Leadership and Management (Health Service Management) with the College of Business, Governance and Law, Flinders University. She has held health executive positions in South Australia, Victoria and Northern Territory and, between 2014 and 2019 was the CEO of the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) and ACHS International.
Christine is well regarded in South Australia and nationally for her commitment to the hospital and health care industry, her contribution to the growth and development of our emerging health leaders and her extensive experience in clinical governance.
Christine is a strong business development professional with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) focused on International Business and Strategic Planning from University of South Australia.
Christine is an ACHSM Fellow and Life Member and was previously the Chief Examiner for the prestigious Fellowship Program.
Heidi is an experienced clinician, manager and health leader. She is currently Director of the Clinical Leadership and Team Effectiveness Unit for SA Health, where she leads a state-wide interprofessional clinical leadership development program.
Heidi joined the ACHSM as a student while undertaking a Master of Health Administration and was elected to the SA Branch Council in 2013. She has led the SA Branch Mentoring Program since 2021.
Suzanne has worked in senior health care leadership roles for sixteen years including with Divisions of General Practice, Medicare Locals, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Rural Doctors Association.
Her areas of expertise include health leadership, organisational governance, change management, service design and program management. Suzanne has a passion for aligning consumer and clinical voice for health service design so that communities may live the best, most well life possible.
Di Mantell’s leadership journey is underpinned by the belief that anything is possible when you combine purpose, perseverance, and partnerships.
From becoming a nurse unit manager in critical and intensive care at just 23, Di has risen through the ranks of the Australian healthcare industry to now hold the role of CEO of Celsus, managing the biggest infrastructure project in South Australian history – the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Celsus is the first public-private partnership at Royal Adelaide Hospital, and under Di’s leadership, the organisation secured the world’s largest sustainability loan: $2.2 billion as part of its commitment to environmental and sustainable practices within South Australia.
With a leadership approach strongly influenced by a desire to create a brighter future and the results to prove it, Di is a sought-after mentor and keynote speaker known for her ability to challenge norms, break down stereotypes and reimagine what leadership can look like.
Her forward-thinking approach to sustainability, social purpose and project management have seen Di recognized as:
Di holds a Bachelor of Health Science Management, Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management, Certified Health Executive and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Di was a judge for the Telstra Best of Business Awards in 2022 and 2023, a former Mentor for the ACHSM Leadership program, Australian Mental Health Leaders Fellowship Programs and is currently a Mentor for Mentor Walks and Elladex.
Renee brings a wealth of expertise as a health Executive, with over 24 years experience in the public health sector, exemplifying values-driven leadership. Her expertise spans comprehensive operational and strategic planning, in both acute and non-acute settings. Her background as a critical care Registered Nurse and extensive experience in operational and strategic roles are augmented by her roles across South Australia’s health and academic sectors. Her leadership capabilities have been finely tuned through extensive service in various roles within the hospital and in the Department for Health and Wellbeing in South Australia, complemented by academic undertakings and roles. She is committed to the development and delivery of modern, safe, effective, efficient and sustainable healthcare services to the South Australian community she serves.
Background, Undergraduate studies in Dublin Ireland, postgraduate fellowships in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine in Ireland, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Previous Executive Director Medical Services, Central Adelaide Local Health Network. Clinical Professor School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adjunct Professor, University of South Australia. Long term interests: resource utilisation and system design, culture change and quality improvement, health policy development, evaluation and implementation, sustainable service delivery in intensive care medicine/acute care, clinical practice improvement and health reform specifically the use of educational, interdisciplinary and team-based strategies to improve patient centred outcomes and consumer engagement. Local and national experience in clinician engagement, health reform, policy development, clinical guidelines and subsequent implementation. Current health service research programs in hospital operations and patient flow, emerging roles and scope of practice in health care teams, addressing incivility and professional accountability.
Previous Roles:
Executive Director Medical Services, Central Adelaide Local Health Network
Clinical Services Director, Division of Critical Care
Director Intensive Care Services, CALHN
National Medical Director, Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority/DonateLife.
President
Adam Stormont FCHSM CHE, GAICD
Vice President
Mark Upton FCHSM CHE
Treasurer
Adam Sacks MCHSM
Immediate Past President
Briana Baass FCHSM CHE MAICD
Secretary
Nonie Chan MCHSM
Branch Councillors
Debra Benger FCHSM
Paul Butler MCHSM
Hayden Fletcher FCHSM CHE
Ahmed Gharib MHSM
Scott Gibbings AFCHSM
Colin Hackwood FCHSM CHE
Usman Iqual AFCHSM CHM
Angela Jacob FCHSM CHE
Hanan Khalil AFCHSM
Hannah Kennedy FCHSM
John Kirwan LMAFCHSM CHM
Cassie Moore FCHSM CHE
John Rasa LMFCHSM CHE
Melita Ryan FCHSM CHE
Viney Joshi FCHSM CHE
Marg Way FCHSM CHE
Bruce Weston AFCHSM
Cody Yuen MCHSM
EHM co-representatives
Ren Cazar AFCHSM
Lucy Sutherland MCHSM
In attendance at Branch Council meetings
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Julie Owen AFCHSM CHM (Executive Officer Vic/Tas ACHSM)
Adam provides strategic leadership for the service planning, commissioning and operationalisation of the Sunbury & Point Cook Community Hospitals.
He has over 20 years of public health experience in Australia. He has held roles as a clinical pharmacist, project manager and program director within the Victorian health system. He has led the implementation of electronic medical records in several hospitals and has also published on this topic.
He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy and Master of Health Services Management from Monash University. He is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). He has been a Victorian Branch Councillor for ACHSM since 2017 and President since 2021. He is also a current Board Director.
He has a keen interest in improving the equity of healthcare delivery and experience for disadvantaged parts of the population. He is passionate about developing emerging leaders to enable the health system to be sustainable and effective into the future.
Mark is the Director of the Strategy, Information Management and Governance Office (SIMGO) within the Tasmanian Department of Health.
Mark has worked in Health Management for 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Health (Professional Honours), a Graduate Certificate in Health Service Management (Safety and Quality) and a Master’s in Health and Human Services.
Mark has acted in the role of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director on the Board of the Health Information Management Association Australia (HMAA).
Mark is a passionate and authentic patient/client advocate and believes in a person-centered approach. Over his years of service, Mark has amassed significant corporate knowledge pertaining to the operational function of the state health services; the national and international health landscape and champions the need to support health care professionals and their organisations in the pursuit of excellence in information management and governance.
Mark currently sits on a number of state and national work groups and governance committees based on his expertise in information management, clinical information systems, governance, leadership and hospital operations.
Mark has undertaken and lead multiple major health related statewide projects and information systems, based on his expertise in information and informatics operations and governance.
Mark is the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) representative on a number of Department of Health (DoH) committees at the state and national level.
Adam has over 16 years’ experience in health sector and is currently the Senior Business Manager of Investigative Services, Capital and the Chief Medical Officer Portfolio at Monash Health. Adam is a past graduate of the College Management Residency Program and has previously sat on the Committee for the Emerging Health Managers between 2011 and 2012.
Adam holds a bachelor of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences at Deakin University and a Masters of Health Administration at Latrobe University. Interests of expertise include investigating innovative approaches to achieve financial sustainability and process improvement to achieve a more sustainable health system. He has a passion to assist emerging leaders enter into the health system to continue driving innovation and change.
Briana has over 20 years of experience in the health sector across Australia. She currently holds the role of Chief Allied Health Officer (Victoria). With a background in clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics, her experience spans health service leadership and operations, various roles in a government department and seven years of health and human services consulting in a global firm.
Briana is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM), a graduate of the College’s Management Residency Program and she has served as both a Board Director and Vice President of the College. Briana has conducted research into Low Intensity Cognitive behavioural Therapy programs in collaboration with beyondblue; and has published on Business Continuity Management in Hospitals.
Briana is passionate about developing the health system and supporting emerging health managers to enable healthy communities across the country.
Nonie is currently the Research Programs Coordinator at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) Alliance, a partnership of ten clinical, research and academic institutions working together to transform cancer outcomes in Victoria. A graduate of the ACHSM Health Management Internship Program, Nonie is skilled in stakeholder engagement, program management and governance, strategy planning and implementation. Known for her analytical mindset, she has over ten years of professional experience in the health sector, including public, private, and not-for-profit organisations. She holds a Master of Health Management (UNE), Master of Pharmacy (USyd), and Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Hons) (Monash).
Debra is an accomplished senior executive with over 25 years’ experience in the health, aged care and disability sectors including accountability for and oversight of multistate operations. She is passionate about consumer experience and staff development with a commitment to people, diversity, health and wellbeing to enable all individuals to live their best lives. Debra has been responsible for development and execution of strategic plans through to operationalising Governance, Safeguarding and Quality Systems (including clinical governance) to meet new and challenging requirements in each of these sectors. As a Governance Executive with operations experience, she understands the importance of working closely with operational divisions to ensure sustainable and embedded outcomes.
Paul has had an extensive career in the Victorian public health system, including executive and senior management roles at Monash Health, Alfred Health, in the Victorian Department of Health (and formerly Health and Human Services) in regional and program management, and in disability services. His interests include health system and service planning and management and, particularly, the intersection of primary health care and acute hospital services. Paul has been a Board director on a variety of non-government organisations in the health and human services fields.
Paul’s most recent role at Monash Health, saw him responsible for strategy and planning, transformation, capital and infrastructure, engineering and procurement and supply, legal services and Monash Health Foundation.
Paul’s previous role as inaugural ED of the South East Metro HSP involved leading system-wide improvement projects and pandemic response across south east Melbourne in a partnership of the major Public Health Services (Alfred, Monash and Peninsula), Better Health Network and the Primary Health Network.
Hayden is an experienced health and public sector leader with 13+ years of experience spanning government and not-for-profit sectors at regional, state, and national levels.
He is a Fellow and Certified Health Executive with the Australasian College of Health Service Management. He has a breadth of professional experience as a policy generalist with expertise in public health and primary health care, ranging from system redesign, program commissioning, strategic engagement, and policy development to project management.
He has been a Victorian and Tasmanian Branch Council member since July 2022 and coordinates the Education and Events Committee (EEC), which is responsible for curating an engaging range of professional learning and event offerings that meet the evolving development needs of health managers. Hayden holds qualifications in Public Health with a major in Primary Health Care and Health Management from The University of New South Wales. He is a values-based leader, passionate about addressing health inequity experienced by consumers, carers and communities by engaging them in decision-making on issues that affect and matter to them.
Ahmed is a dynamic healthcare professional and academic dedicated to advancing healthcare education and service delivery innovation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry, a Master of Advanced Health Service Management from Griffith University, and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Tasmania. His diverse experience spans clinical and managerial roles within healthcare systems in both Australia and overseas, providing him with a broad and nuanced perspective. This background has afforded him valuable insights into the complexities of healthcare management and the imperative for innovative solutions. He has extensive experience in program evaluation, project management, Healthcare curricular development and academic training innovation.
Since 2018, Ahmed has been actively involved with the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM). His roles have included organising the Tasmanian One Day Conference 2023 and the Tasmanian Breakfast Event 2024, as well as participating in the Emerging Health Managers Committee (EHM) and the Education and Events Committee (EEC). These engagements reflect his commitment to the professional community and have significantly contributed to his professional growth, challenging him to think critically and act thoughtfully.
Scott is a Physiotherapist with 12 years of professional experience. He recently relocated to Melbourne where he is a Manager in the Allied Health Workforce Unit at Alfred Health. Prior to this Scott was in Launceston where he took on a newly-created role with the Tasmanian Health Service, as the Statewide Consultant – Allied Health Workforce Recruitment & Development.
Scott believes that making healthcare accessible – geographically, financially, and culturally – is a primary lever for addressing the socioeconomic maldistribution of health outcomes. Facilitating an engaged and informed workforce, especially in rural areas, plays a large role in this.
Prior to taking on this position, Scott was the Acting Physiotherapy Manager at Joondalup Health Campus in Perth for two years, before the call to adventure and new challenges in a different jurisdiction saw him looking abroad.
Since Physiotherapy studies, Scott has completed a Master of Health Leadership & Management at UNSW, and a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health at Monash University. He also contributes to SARRAH (Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health) as a director.
My career pathway is founded on a clinical nursing platform, and to some may appear unconventional, but I have attempted to develop a career that provides me broad exposure to many aspects of hospital and health service management , and health infrastructure planning/development/delivery in the public sector and the not-for-profit sector in Australia and abroad.
I have particular interests in building the careers of others through my own leadership skills, continue my own career in executive roles that are associated with transformative change, and advocate utilising expanding digital platforms to improve healthcare access and equity for all.
Usman is a distinguished Digital Health professional with a Doctor of Pharmacy, MBA in Healthcare Management, Graduate Certificate in Health IT, and a PhD in Health Informatics. His career includes roles as Associate Professor and Digital Health Consultant at Taipei Medical University, Taiwan. Currently, he serves as Senior Manager at the Tasmanian Department of Health and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales, Australia.
Angela has had extensive experience in healthcare spanning both public and private rural, regional, and metropolitan acute and primary care settings, initially as a physiotherapist with an interest in women’s health and later as a General Manager at Latrobe Regional Hospital. She is currently employed as the Chief Operating Officer at Gippsland PHN. Her qualifications include a Masters in Health Service Management. She has a strong interest in governance, risk, and strategy through her experience as a non-executive director and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Angela is a Fellow and a Certified Health Executive, and her involvement with the college includes mentoring in the Health Management Intern program.
Hanan is a registered pharmacist with extensive experience in Health services administration and management and the aged care sector. She holds various leadership positions at La Trobe University including the course co-ordinator of Master of Health Administration and the lead of health services management. Hanan has led several research projects in health services and has more than 200 peer reviewed publications. Her work has been highlighted in several media outlets including the ABC radio and TV. In 2021, Hanan completed a graduate certificate in Safety, Quality, Health Informatics and Leadership (SQIL) from Harvard University.
Professionally, Hanan has been a member of the Therapeutic Goods Administration labelling of medicines Committee, she was involved in the development and the implementation of the new Therapeutic Goods Orders for medicine labels (TGO 91 & 92) to ensure the safe labelling of prescription and non-prescription medicines in Australia. She is also an advisory member on the Monthly Index of Medical Specialties (MIMS).
Hannah has a proven track record working, and delivering successful projects in the tertiary health setting.
Hannah has worked as a project manager across several tertiary and government health settings, including Cabrini Health, Alfred Health and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Hannah has demonstrated her expertise on a variety of projects, including design, implementation, evaluation and reviews within the acute health setting, with a strong focus on improvement.
Hannah currently works for management consulting firm, Impact Co. that deliver projects with a positive social impact. In her previous role at Cabrini Health, Hannah worked in the business development team; working closely with medical staff and General Practitioners (GPs). Hannah played a part in Cabrini Health’s COVID-19 operational response, as a COVID-19 project lead. Assisting with project managing and implementing many of the DHHS guidelines and health service directives across multiple health service sites.
Hannah has been the chair of the Emerging Health Manager (EHM) committee in Victoria since 2019. The EHM is a sub-committee of the Australasian College of Health Service Managers (ACHSM) Victorian State Branch Council.
John has over 40 years of IR, HR and operational health experience. John was also a full-time health union official in WA. He has been the Executive General Manager responsible for the Acute, Community, Public and Aboriginal Health areas of the Health Department of Western Australia (HDWA). The General Manager responsible for Health Workforce Reform in HDWA. The Commissioner for Public Employment in the Northern Territory
John has held CEO positions at the Launceston General Hospital (LGH), Northern Area Health Service (NAHS), the Tasmanian Health Organisation – North (THO-N) and was the inaugural CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania, having been at the RFDS for over 7 years before he retired in 2022 and was awarded Life membership of the RFDS Tasmanian Branch.
John currently undertakes limited consulting work and serves on a number of State and National boards.
John is a former Board member and Vice President of the Launceston Chamber of Commerce and holds Fellowships from the Institute of Public Administration Australia and the Australian Human Resources Institute. John has been a member of ACHSM since the 1980s and is the former Tasmanian Branch President. In 2023 he was awarded life membership of ACHSM.
Cassie is an experienced health operations manager, having experience in rural primary health care, non-emergency patient transport, telehealth and specialist consulting. In her current role at Monash Health, Cassie leads the operations of specialist consulting clinics at Dandenong and Casey hospitals, as well as key health information management services such as referral management and scanned medical records.
Cassie co-chaired EHM for several years and has been a member since 2017.
John is a psychologist and a highly experienced CEO of Hospitals and Health Services in both Sydney and Melbourne, and has been CEO of General Practice Victoria and Networking Health Victoria.
John is currently Unit Chair of both Healthcare Financing and Healthcare Operations in the MBA (Healthcare Management) at Deakin University, having previously been Associate Professor & Sub-Dean of Health Services Management – Charles Sturt University in NSW.
John is presently ACHSM Chief Examiner (International and Alternative Pathway), but was the National President of the Australasian College of Health Service Management until 2016 and was previously awarded 2011 Gold Medal for Leadership and Achievement. Currently facilitating the ACHSM From Clinician to Manager Facilitated Learning Group.
John has held Board Directorships positions in both health and education. He is the current Chair of the Mental Health Professionals Network for Australia (since 2018), Chair of health Ability Community Health Service Board (since 2018)
Melita is passionate about how digital health can support sustainability and improve value delivered for health services and disability support. An experienced clinician, Melita is an Occupational Therapist who specialised in hand and upper limb therapy, taking her to the UK and managing large allied health practices in the UK and Australian. She has written hand and upper limb courses and contributed to the development of a hand therapy app.
Seeking a broader impact on health led Melita to a career in management consulting. Melita enjoys merging clinical and managerial skill sets to solve complex problems. Through consulting Melita possesses a broad range of health management experience across Australia, now specialising in digital health implementation as well as clinical governance and service improvement. Melita is also an experienced Board Director.
Viney is a committed Certified Healthcare Executive with proven skills in Safety and Quality, Workforce remodeling and Change Management. Some of his proven strengths are Regional and Rural Clinical Governance with emphasis on Safety and Quality and improved outcomes for Rural patients and models of care where service delivery is closer to home where appropriate within the confines of the Organizational Capability and Clinical Services Capability Framework. Viney has developed papers and models for contemporary Safety and Quality Structure and revamp of Surgical services in his Network.
Viney’s vision is to lead and facilitate the creation of patient centered, culturally appropriate and Safe Health services with clearly identifiable and benchmarked KPIs and specifically keeping in mind the vulnerable communities especially our Indigenous and Torres Strait people. Viney has a transformational leadership style, but can easily adapt to circumstances requiring a change in approach e.g. Transactional as required to deal with situations as they arise.
He believes in building teams and enjoys seeing his team realize their potential and develop self-confidence and harness their potentials in talent and work.
Dr Margaret Way is currently the Clinical Governance Director in the MBA Healthcare Management Program at Deakin University. She is an experienced Health Service Leader, Researcher and Educator with significant expertise in health service management, corporate and clinical governance, strategic and clinical service planning and stakeholder engagement, working in government, not for profit and university sectors. She has a Masters of Business Administration from Monash University, a Professional Doctorate in Public Health at LaTrobe University and is a graduate of the Leadership Victoria Program. She was an inaugural recipient of a Victorian Quality Council Travelling Fellowship and established the Clinical Governance Units at Austin Health and Alfred Health in Victoria and the Innovation, Quality, Research and Education (IQRE) Directorate at the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service in Queensland. She was most recently the Director of Safety, Quality and Improvement at Barwon Health in Victoria and is currently an Improvement Fellow with Safer Care Victoria.
Margaret is an Assessor with the Australian Council on Health Care Standards (ACHS) and a Fellowship Coordinator and examiner with Australasian College of Health Service Managers (ACHSM). She is also a Board Director and Chair of the Clinical Governance Committee for Beaufort and Skipton Health Service.
Bruce is an experienced heath leader with specialist expertise in governance, strategy and partnerships. Throughout his career Bruce has worked across public, not for profit and commercial enterprises giving him a diverse lens on the opportunities and challenges of the health system.
Currently Bruce is the Program Director of the North East Metro Health Service Partnership, based at Austin Health. The Health Service Partnerships bring the skills of the tertiary, primary and community health sectors together, to find solutions to complex sector problems.
Bruce is an experienced Board Director, with current Directorships with Thorne Harbour Health and as an advisor to the Doherty Institute. Bruce has a Master of Health Administration, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is currently completing his fellowship with ACHSM.
Cody is currently a Manager at Scyne Advisory. Cody is focused on designing and delivering complex, organisation-wide digital change within the healthcare industry to improve health outcomes. Cody has worked with many states, jurisdictions, health services and health insurance companies to develop digital health strategies and growth plans. Cody is also an experienced project manager, who has worked across multiple hospitals in the Asia Pacific region implementing Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Patient Administration Systems (PAS).
Prior to joining Scyne, Cody has held multiple roles during the COVID-19 pandemic response for the Victorian Department of Health, professional services consulting and healthcare IT project implementation and delivery consulting. Cody has been an active member of ACHSM since 2018.”
Ren is a cross functional leader working across in healthcare and government. He specialises in strategy and transformation within the Victorian healthcare context.
He is a graduate of the ACHSM Health Management Internship Program, holding a Masters in Health Management and Bachelor of Nursing. As a trained Cardiothoracic Nurse, he brings a unique understanding of patient care, enabling him to “join the dots” between both operational and strategic imperatives.
In his current role is at Northern Health as Project Manager he leads strategic projects for the organisation including the successful voluntary amalgamation Northern Health and Kilmore District Health. Prior to this he has held roles across Victorian Department of Health, professional services consulting and public health services. His special interests include public policy and digital health.
Lucy is a devoted healthcare professional with a wealth of experience in both government and clinical settings. As a graduate of the ACHSM Health Management Internship Program, she brings a unique combination of practical knowledge and strategic insight to her roles. Lucy holds a Bachelor of Midwifery, a Bachelor of Clinical Science and a Master of Health Management.
With a background as a midwife spanning health services in both New South Wales and Victoria, Lucy has acquired invaluable expertise in system trends, health policy, health service operations and stakeholder management. Her diverse experience includes active involvement in priority government programs, further enriching her perspective on the intricacies of the healthcare sector.
Her current role as Senior Policy Advisor at the Department of Health, Lucy plays a pivotal role in influencing and shaping strategic priorities for maternity and newborn care in Victoria.
President
Dr Neale Fong FCHSM CHE
Treasurer
Colin Young FCHSM CHE
Branch Councillors
Karen Bradley FCHSM CHE
Ben Noteboom FCHSM CHE
Dr Erica Davison FCHSM CHE
Renee de Prazer FCHSM CHE
Kim Gibson FCHSM CHE
Fleur Gilroy FCHSM CHE
Karen Gullick FCHSM CHE
Dr Catherine Stoddart FCHSM CHE
Kerry Winsor FCHSM CHE
Karen Horsley FCHSM CHE
Mary Miller FCHSM CHE
Elizabeth Rohwedder FCHSM CHE
Suzanne Robinson AFCHSM CHM
David Russell-Weisz FCHSM CHE
Pam O’Nions FCHSM CHE
Dr Neale Fong is a registered medical practitioner with over 35 years’ experience in a wide range of leadership roles in the private and public hospital systems.
He is currently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director of Bethesda Health Care, Professor of Healthcare Leadership at Curtin University, and a director of several health companies. He is President of the Australasian College of Health Service Management, and Chair of the International Hospital Federation Global Healthcare Management Special Interest Group. He was Project Lead to the Australian Health Ministers Council in developing Australia’s first Health Leadership Development Capability Framework. Dr Fong has been the Director General of the WA Department of Health, CEO of St John of God Hospital Subiaco and Director of the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute at Curtin University.
Dr Fong was the Chairman and Commissioner of the WA Football Commission for 12 years, and was Chaplain to the West Coast Eagles Football Club for 22 years. He has Bachelor’s degrees in medicine and surgery, a Masters in Theological Studies and a Masters of Business Administration.
Dr Fong was awarded the Gold Medal of Australasian College of Health Service Management in 2019, named a finalist in the 2010 WA Citizen of the Year Awards and awarded a Centenary Medal in 2011 for services to healthcare by the Australian Government.
Colin has over 20 years’ experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit health sector and is currently the Director of Finance and Business Services at St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals. Colin has been a member of the College for 7 years, completing the fellowship program in 2017. Colin holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Master’s degree in Accounting from Curtin University and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Colin is passionate about delivering person-centred care in a sustainable way.
With over 30 years’ experience in the healthcare sector, across government, private and not-for-profit organisations, Karen is an experienced health service executive and non-executive Director. Karen currently contributes to health system improvement and leadership development through her own solo consultancy and coaching business, is a Board Director with Rural Health West and Forrest Personnel and holds an Adjunct Associate Professor position with the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Edith Cowan University.
Karen’s clinical background as a Registered Nurse, contributes to her career versatility, motivation for serving the community and strong focus on safety, quality, people and improvement. Karen’s previous executive roles include Executive Director Clinical Leadership and Reform, and Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer with the WA Department of Health, and executive nursing and midwifery leadership roles with the South Metropolitan Health Service and WA Country Health Service.
Karen’s professional qualifications and memberships include Fellow and Certified Health Executive with the Australasian College of Health Service Management, Master of Leadership, Bachelor of Nursing, Graduate Member Australian Institute of Company Directors and Member Australian College of Nursing.
Colin has over 20 years’ experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit health sector and is currently the Director of Finance and Business Services at St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals. Colin has been a member of the College for 7 years, completing the fellowship program in 2017. Colin holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Master’s degree in Accounting from Curtin University and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Colin is passionate about delivering person-centred care in a sustainable way.
Dr Erica Davison is an experienced leader with over 15 years in the WA healthcare system and has strong skills in the areas of health reform, strategy and business management, commissioning and procurement, and government policy. Erica is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management and Certified Health Executive, and a graduate of AICD. With expertise spanning government, private and not-for-profit sectors, Erica brings experience serving on the boards of Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Australasian Injury Prevention Network, Palliative Care Australia, and WA Health Promoting Schools Association.
Her current role is Senior Manager, Executive Services & Commonwealth Reporting at WA Primary Health Alliance leading the Commonwealth reporting, quality improvement/accreditation, evaluation, and Executive Office teams. Erica holds a Doctor of Education, Master of Science, Post Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion and Bachelor of Education.
Renee is the Executive Manager, Clinical Services at Bethesda Health Care, a private, not-for-profit acute surgical and specialist palliative care hospital. Renee was seconded to the State Health Incident Coordination Centre at the Department of Health in April 2020 in the role of Team Leader- Facilities and Movements. The role managed the state quarantine facilities (hotels), the allocation and movement of passengers into Western Australia requiring quarantine in a state facility, as well as the standing up of various facilities to support the state response to the pandemic.
Renee’s substantive role was the Coordinator of Nursing- Education for Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group, having moved to Fiona Stanley Hospital in the pre-commissioning phase. Renee has delivered education on a number of credentialled training courses in both metro and rural settings. Renee is a comprehensive trained nurse with a Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Specialisation in Emergency Nursing) and a Masters of Nursing (Leadership and Management). She is a member of the WA state board for the Australasian College of Health Service Management and a Fellow and Certified Health Executive through this College.
Renee demonstrates endeavours globally previously undertaking roles within the Nursing and Midwifery Office in this space and leading volunteer teams overseas on an annual basis since 2006 (notwithstanding the current pandemic).
Renee was named the 2019 WA Nursing & Midwifery Excellence Awards winner in the education category for her work in the SPEAK UP for safety program and for her above contribution to nursing at a local level and abroad.
Kim is a registered physiotherapist with over 40 years of health industry experience including clinical physiotherapy practice, clinical education, clinical governance, health professional regulation, health service management and governance and health reform. A diverse work history has taken her from Perth to regional WA, Switzerland, Egypt and the UK working in a range of public, private, community and hospital settings. Current Chair of the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, Deputy Chair of South Metropolitan Health Service Board and Chair of the Board’s Safety and Quality Committee, Kim looks to bring both work experience and governance expertise to a broad range of roles wherever she can add value. Kim is passionate about leadership development and enjoys mentoring.
Fleur has a background as a Registered Nurse and Midwife, with a diverse range of experience spanning clinical service delivery in metropolitan and rural settings, clinical & tertiary education, telehealth, health practitioner regulation, project management and hospital commissioning, clinical planning and reform, and most recently safety, quality and consumer engagement. She currently holds the position of Manager Clinical Governance with the South Metropolitan Health Service, which allows her to both maintain a focus on minimising patient harm and identify opportunities to improve outcomes for patients, their families and the wider health care system.
Fleur is a Fellow of the ACHSM and member of the WA Branch Council. She has an interest in developing emerging leaders, and coordinates the WA Branch ‘The Morning Network’ program, which provides an opportunity for health professionals in WA to meet and be inspired by senior health leaders in an informal & intimate setting. For more information on ‘The Morning Network’ visit our events section.
Karen Gullick (Fellow & CHE ACHSM, GAICD, RN, MSc ) has had a long career in health spanning 40+ years, and has worked in public, private and education sectors. She held several Executive roles, as the Director of Nursing and Midwifery at St John of God Hospital Bunbury, and more recently as the Director of Clinical Services at Hollywood Private Hospital, in Perth. She is currently the National Nursing Leadership Support Officer for Ramsay Health Care, providing mentorship to new Directors of Clinical Services across the 72 Ramsay Australian Hospitals. She has two non-executive directorships, with Juniper (aged care) and North Metropolitan Health Services. Karen is passionate about health leadership, clinical governance and supporting the next generation of health leaders. To that end, she works with others on the ACHSM Council to coordinate the WA ACHSM Fellowship Program.
Catherine has been Chief Executive Officer of Brightwater Care Group since April 2022. Prior to this she was Deputy Director General Communities (2021-2022). She was Chief Executive of Northern Territory Health in Australia (2017-2021), Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Nurse at Oxford University Hospital Foundation Trust (2014-2017) and Chief Nurse WA (2009-2014) along with both WA metropolitan and country health Executive roles.
Catherine has extensive Board experience including OUHFT Board, Menzies School for Health Research, and WA Country Health Service Board. Catherine continues to be an Associate Editor for the BMJLeader (2015- 2024).
Catherine is a Churchill and Nuffield Fellow, and Fellow of Australasian College of Health Service Managers. She holds a Doctorate and Master of Business, and Master of Project Management, Bachelor of Nursing. Having had the opportunity to work nationally and internationally including Tanzania and UK across multiple sectors Catherine feels these experience have been an adventure and significant learning that has shaped her expertise.
Kerry Winsor is the Executive Director Western Australian Country Health (WACHS) Service South West and Fellow of the College, Certified Health Executive, member State Branch Council and Graduate of Australian Institute Company Directors.
Kerry has had extensive experience in clinical nursing, primarily emergency, coronary care and general medicine/endocrine, before gaining experience in Nurse Regulation as Nurse Advisor Legislation with the Queensland Nursing Council and executive leadership roles in Country Queensland.
Kerry is a member of the Edith Cowan University Community Advisory Board and Curtin University Health Administration Post Graduate Course Advisory Board.
Kerry considers herself privileged to work in executive leadership roles in the WA Country Health Service. Kerry has great respect and admiration for the clinical and non clinical teams, partner agencies, local community representatives and consumers who are determined in their efforts to improve the health and well being of the communities, who rely on our services.
Kerry has particular interests related to the College, including fostering development of women in leadership, supporting College activities including conference activities, Fellowship coordination and examinations and ACHSM webinars.
President
Jan Adams FCHSM CHE
Secretary
Cathy Cummings FCHSM CHE
Treasurer
Therese Jeffs FCHSM CHE
Branch Councillors
Jagpal Benipal FCHSM CHE ‘The Fellowship Coordinator is an Ex-Officio Member of the Council’
Dr Christine Clark FCHSM CHE
Paula Murray FCHSM CHE
Dave Nicholl FCHSM CHE
Craig Tamblyn FCHSM CHE
Natalie Lindsay MCHSM
Jacqueline Jeffs – Student Member
Before joining Pinnacle, Jan was the managing director for Bupa villages and aged care in Australia and New Zealand and was Bupa’s global chief nurse. She is a registered nurse and midwife and has held various senior nursing and management posts in the UK, New Zealand and Australia across the public and private sectors.
Jan’s career in health spans forty-nine years. She was chief operating officer at Waikato DHB for eight years and was closely involved in the redevelopment programme as well as managing the operational and financial day-to-day performance of the provider arm. Her time
with Bupa included working with nurses across the globe as well as having overall responsibility for the retirement villages and aged care facilities across Australia and New Zealand.
Jan has served as a member of the Nursing Council of New Zealand, as a board member of the New Zealand Aged Care Association and the National Aged Care Steering Group and represented nursing on the national InterRAI board. Jan is a Fellow of the College and a Certified Health Executive. She was awarded an Honorary Professorship at the University of Waikato in 2022.
Cathy is director of The DAA Group, a health accreditation and auditing agency.
Cathy has wide and in-depth experience in health and disability services, having worked in the health sector as a registered nurse in New Zealand, Australia and in the United Kingdom.
Cathy has extensive auditing and quality management experience in most sectors of health. She has managed a quality auditing agency for more than twenty-five years and has in-depth expertise in certification, accreditation, contracts and issues-based auditing, as well as standards development.
Cathy has extensive experience in standards development having been a member of numerous standards development committees in NZ. For this work she has been awarded the Standards NZ Meritorious Service Award.
Cathy is also a member of the Australian Council for Healthcare Standards committee and is an international surveyor for ISQua – the organisation that accredits the accreditor.
Cathy is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Thérèse is the Chief Executive of The Care Village, Ngongotahā, Rotorua. She is a Registered Nurse with a Graduate Dip Business Studies, PG Infection Control and PG Dip Health Management. She has worked in health for over 45 years and spent over 30 years in senior management, training and development, auditing, change and project management.
Inspired by the Dutch De Hogeweyk care model for those living with dementia, Thérèse has successfully led, designed, built, and introduced the first New Zealand interpretation of a homelike model of aged care based on lifestyles.
In 2020 The Care Village was the winner of the Supreme NZ Aged Care Association EBOS Healthcare Overall Excellence in Aged Care Award.
Cathy was appointed President of ACHSM-Aotearoa in June 2021. She is the Director of Kowhai Health Associates Limited, a health consultancy company established 2012. She has been involved with ACHSM-Aotearoa (formerly NZ Institute of Health Management) since 1998 and completed her ACHSM Fellowship in 2010.
Cathy is a Registered Nurse and Midwife, the Chief Executive of Lakes District Health Board from 2001 to 2012 and the Director of Nursing and Midwifery from 1994-2000. She has a background in governance, health sector leadership, executive management, public health nursing and community development.
Cathy is currently the Chair of Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology; Chair of interRAI NZ Leadership Advisory Board; Independent Facilitator Kaiāwhina (non-regulated) Workforce Plan; Chair Whānau, Community and Social Services Workforce Reference Group; a member of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal; Co-Chair for Healthy Families Rotorua; a member of Institute of Directors; and a Fellow and Censor of the College of Nurses, Aotearoa. She is also very involved in her local community including as a Judicial Justice of the Peace and Convenor of her church Community Facing Ministries.
Cathy was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours Awards for her contribution to health and the community.
Jagpal is currently employed as a Service Development Manager Primary Care Integration at Waikato DHB. He has worked in the health sector since 1988 in a variety of clinical nursing, leadership and management within the DHB environment. He has lead quality improvement, workforce and service development initiatives, and has made substantial contributions through innovations in hospital, primary and community care services. Jagpal’s background in quality improvement and workforce development, both in clinical and leadership excellence, is supported by his academic credentials in health sciences, business studies, and PhD research related to acute admissions.
Jagpal has also made a substantial contribution to development of a Bachelor of Nursing, and Postgraduate leadership & quality improvement courses at The University of Auckland. Jagpal has presented numerous papers related to quality improvement, leadership and health service management, at national and international conferences and has contributed to a book entitled ‘Making Quality Improvement Work’. Jagpal received Silver Fern Award in 2019 for recognising his outstanding to the College. (Local branch – Hamilton).
Christine Clark is Chief Executive and visionary of Kalandra Group, a family-based organisation focussing on improving the lives of the vulnerable person, not just in New Zealand but internationally. Kalandra was established to do something about this, improve education, develop training that was quite different and to source products that are normally not affordable.
Christine has been Chair of several boards and associations that advocate for improving lives of communities, strengthening education, and supporting vulnerable people. Christine has been a guest speaker on multiple forums, encouraging people to collaborate and look for opportunities because she passionately believes that by working together there is strength.
A Registered Nurse, a fellow of the Australasian Council of Health Service Management and a Doctor of Health Science, Christine is the mother to two daughters both of whom work in Kalandra, grandmother to Spencer aged 9, Savannah and Lucas (twins) aged 2 and pseudo mum to two dogs and two cats. In her spare time Christine enjoys half marathons completing over 60 of these and has been known to race cars and owned a Harley.
Paula has been a fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM) since 2017. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Kakariki Hospital but over the last 20years has held a number of senior executive roles in the New Zealand Private hospital setting. Most recently focusing on the commissioning of new private surgical hospitals, to support the health needs of New Zealanders. Paula prides herself on being a strong communicator, a skillful networker and life long learner and is committed to developing a future workforce as we move into a more digitalised healthcare system.
Paula’s doctoral study is focused on the impact computerised clinical decision support systems are having on the decision latitude of nurses.
Dave has worked for Canterbury District Health Board, (now Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand), since 2011, managing General Medicine, Dermatology and Clinical Pharmacology.
Prior to this, he managed the audit programme for the South Island Alliance Office, commissioning audits of DHB-funded health services around the South Island.
Before moving to Christchurch, he managed the quality audit programme within the Disability Services Directorate at the Ministry of Health. As well as extensive experience working in Quality and the operational side of health delivery, David has experience working in the disability field, previously with IHC and the Christchurch City Council. He currently sits on the Disability Steering Group for the Canterbury District Health Board.
Craig became a Fellow of ACHSM in December 2018, joining the New Zealand Council in that same year.
Craig has also been the health representative on Whānau Āwhina Plunket Board since 2016 and over this time, has developed an understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by national health NGOs.
Craig is currently the Chief Executive of Hospice Waikato, the only hospice in New Zealand that, in addition to its adult service, has a children and young person’s service palliative care service – Rainbow Place. This service provides end-of-life care to children and psychological support to siblings and family members.
Previously, Craig has held varied management roles in government and non-government health, the disability, volunteer and community sectors and understands the environments in some detail. Craig is a registered nurse, with a business degree in health service management, an MBA from Massey University and Post Grad Cert (Leadership and Governance) from Waikato University.
Natalie is a nurse academic leading the Health Leadership and Management specialisation within the Faculty of Health at Victoria University of Wellington. Having worked as a registered nurse in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom, Natalie has expertise in clinical nursing, and leadership and management roles in the public hospital setting. Natalie is committed to lifting the capability and capacity of students to advance their careers and improve the health outcomes for those in Aotearoa New Zealand. She has developed academic programmes and courses, collaborating with stakeholders to respond to health sector needs. Supervising Masters research and teaching postgraduate (domestic and international) students from across the health sector, Natalie supports diverse learning needs to develop critical inquiry and intellectual rigour.
Through her role, Natalie is influencing the development of the health workforce, organisational culture and performance, and quality and strategic outcomes. Natalie’s PhD study focuses on nursing leadership practices and the influence of team and organisational culture on these.
Jacqueline is a student member of ACHSM and is currently studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science, Leadership and Management. She is the Quality Manager at an aged residential care facility in Rotorua. Before this role, she worked in Pathology as a Medical Laboratory Scientist for over 15 years, holding several Team Leader Roles in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
ACHSM – Aotearoa has a National Council and holds a range of activities such as the Journal Club; webinar, fellowship and certification programmes; mentorship and professional advice. There are four regions: Northern, Midland, Central and Southern for networking and support.
Interested in joining ACHSM – Aotearoa? Please get in touch using the contact form.
Documents
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM) and ACHSM – Aotearoa (the New Zealand Branch of ACHSM) in September 2022.
Australasian College of Health Service Management — Aotearoa Incorporated was established with a Constitution adopted at the Annual General Meeting on 15 June 2021.
This is a great opportunity for NZ members to engage with your national professional network; to share new ideas, innovation and research; to advance your management and leadership competencies.
Coming soon. Please visit our Events section for the latest.