Kathy Russell has been appointed chief executive of Bellarine Community Health (BCH).
Ms Russell has been acting chief executive for the past few months while an extensive recruitment process has been undertaken, BCH said.
Ms Russell’s appointment is for a three-year period and effective immediately and said she is excited about the opportunity.
“My motivation to continue to work in this space is to make a difference,” she said.
“The social determinants of health have a major impact on people’s health, well-being and quality of life and community health is ideally placed to influence this.
“The volunteer pioneers who first established community health for residents on the Bellarine more than 50 years ago knew that strong, vibrant and connected communities are healthy communities and it’s a privilege to be part of this history.”
The BCH board of directors are confident the organisation will thrive under Ms Russell’s leadership and guidance.
“We are confident she will continue to build and elevate the presence of BCH in our community in the challenging economic environment faced by the health sector,” BCH board chair Fay Agterhuis said.
“We’ve undergone a rigorous recruitment process facilitated by specialist health sector recruitment company HRS. A board-selected panel which included community representation conducted the interviews and we are delighted with the outcome.”
Ms Russell has been with BCH for several years as chief financial officer and has more than 25 years’ experience in the not-for-profit, hospital, disability, and community health sectors, along with board director experience.
