Introducing Hon Kerry Sanderson AC

24 Aug 2018

Kerry took over from Mr Tony Howarth AO in May 2018 and returns to the organisation, having previously served on the Board from 2012 to 2014 before taking up the role of Governor of WA.

“I see the healing that St John of God Health Care does as terribly important,” she said.

“What attracted me most to St John of God Health Care were the values. I very much support being a part of a values based organisation and St John of God Health Care has wonderful attributes when you consider the healing Mission together with values of Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Justice and Excellence.”

Kerry, who was the first female Governor of WA, brings considerable recognition and experience to the Board. In 2016, she was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the people of Western Australia through the promotion of international investment, scientific research and export opportunities and through roles with maritime, mining, emergency management and not-for profit organisations.

This experience includes 17 years as Fremantle Ports Chief Executive Officer during which time the organisation was restructured and made profitable after several years of financial losses.

She was also the former Agent-General in London, a role in which she not only promoted WA goods and services, but also joined in Western Australia’s successful bid site of the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope, to survey the skies like never before.

St John of God Health Care Chair of Trustees Eva Skira said Kerry’s leadership, governance and experience would be highly valued by the organisation now and into the future.

“Kerry has excellent credentials to lead our organisation as we continue in our Mission to offer hospitality, hope and healing through the care we provide,” she said.

“She has an impeccable record of service to the community at the most senior levels in Western Australia including extensive board experience and we look forward to her leading St John of God Health Care for many years to come.”

Kerry said she was excited about the future of the organisation but acknowledged that the current healthcare environment would present challenges.

“St John of God Health Care has a long and established history of providing healthcare in Australia, dating back to the work done by the Sisters of St John of God and then built on by the Board and Trustees,” she said.

“We are currently in a disruptive and competitive environment and we need to show the benefits of private hospital care, including focusing on the patient and investing in technology to improve outcomes for patients.

“Our new Group Chief Executive Officer Shane Kelly is committed to this and is experienced in implementing technology in healthcare in his previous roles.

“In 2019 the Trustees will be reviewing our Vision and we need to focus on our strategy to guide St John of God Health Care through the next five years, and at the core of this planning and review process will be a focus on the patient.”

Did you know?

Kerry is St John of God Health Care’s eighth Board Chair.