New leadership team named at SA’s top medical research institute
A new leader will take the top job at the state’s preeminent medical research institute while chair and former SA Governor Hieu Van Le is also being replaced.
Cancer researcher Professor Deborah White is stepping into the top role of executive director at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).
And experienced healthcare executive Stephen Walker has been appointed chair of the SAHMRI board, replacing former Governor of South Australia Hieu Val Le, who concluded his five-year tenure as chair in September.
White has been at SAHMRI for more than a decade, and was previously deputy director and leader of the Institute’s cancer research division for the past four years.
The new executive director specialises in treatment for blood cancers.
White said she came “to this role as a researcher”.
“I know first-hand the commitment it takes to move a discovery from the lab to the clinic, and the life-changing difference it can make when that work reaches patients and families in our community,” White said.
“SAHMRI has an excellent research base built over many years. My focus will be ensuring our staff are best placed to continue translating their work into tangible health benefits for local, national and international communities.”
New chair Walker brings extensive experience in the healthcare space, having previously spent 23 years as CEO of St Andrew’s Hospital.
Walker is also a director of the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, a board director of Helping Hand Aged Care and a member of SA Health’s Statewide Clinical Support Services Committee.
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“SAHMRI has earned a strong reputation for the quality and impact of its research, and our job now is to build on that and make sure we take advantage of the significant opportunities ahead,” Walker said.
Five new directors also joined the SAHMRI board, alongside its continuing directors.
The new directors include a number of Adelaide University leaders including Deputy Vice Chancellor People and Culture Joanne Fox, Interim Deputy Vice Chancellor First Nations Tina Brodie, Deputy Vice Chancellor Corporate Paul Beard, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation Anton Middelberg and Pro Vice Chancellor College of Health Andrew Zannettino.
Continuing directors include Sherbon Advisory principal Tony Sherbon, Hayborough Investment Partners chairman Jeff Ellison, philanthropist Kathryn House and Cancer Council SA board member Karen Hayes.
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