HeartKids Limited announces new chair following departure of Jan McClelland AM
Commencing on Monday, April 4, 2022, Elizabeth brings exceptional and highly relevant skills and knowledge to HeartKids Limited. This includes extensive experience in health research and patient support organisations, the fundraising sector and stakeholder engagement with senior political and bureaucratic levels of federal, state and territory governments.
Over the past ten years, Elizabeth has worked in the Australian health and medical research sector, five years as CEO and managing director of Research Australia, six years on the Board of the Population Health Research Network (PHRN), and three years creating the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (DHCRC).
Most recently, Elizabeth led a digital transformation project for The Australian Institute of Project Management, which resulted in an increase in membership and services offered, and a dynamic turnaround in profitability. Elizabeth is currently on the Board of the Australian National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Speaking of her appointment, Elizabeth said, “Following the achievements of Jan McClelland, I am as ambitious to see Australians who have congenital heart disease or who develop heart disease as children lead fulfilling and healthy lives.”
After six years as the inaugural Chair of HeartKids Limited and having helped to secure significant Federal funding to aid the national charity’s important ongoing work, Jan felt it was time for her to hand over to a successor who could lead HeartKids Limited in its next chapter.
Reflecting on her time with HeartKids Limited, Jan said, “It has been a great honour and privilege to be the inaugural Chair of HeartKids Limited. I have really enjoyed working with my fellow Directors, CEO and staff of HeartKids as well as the many members of our broader HeartKids community including volunteers, clinicians, researchers and supporters.
They generously give their time, expertise and support so that children, young adults and adults with congenital and acquired childhood heart disease can lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
“I feel very proud of our work together in helping HeartKids Limited to gain recognition as the national organisation delivering much needed programs and services to more than 65,000 people impacted by CHD across Australia. Together, we have provided a strong foundation for the future growth and development of HeartKids.”
About HeartKids
HeartKids is a registered national health charity. Working with health professionals, HeartKids provides lifelong support for those with congenital or acquired heart disease and their families Australia-wide. HeartKids also funds life-saving research, advocates and informs. To date, HeartKids has committed more than $3.5 million to fund research into the causes, treatment and management of childhood heart disease.
About congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease is one of the leading causes of death of Australian babies under one and one of the most common birth abnormalities affecting one in every 100 births. Every day, eight babies are born with congenital heart disease and sadly, four lives are lost each week. There is no known cure. Congenital heart disease is a complex chronic disease requiring lifelong treatment.
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Kim Viney or John Wanna, Write Away Communication
Ph: 02 9978 1400 or 0412 868 472 / 0430 302 822
Email: kim_viney@therecognitiongroup.com.au or john_wanna@therecognitiongroup.com.au
