Heart Foundation Appoints New Leader

New Heart Foundation for Australia Chief Executive Officer Mary Barry.

Former Victorian SES Chief Mary Barry has been appointed the National Chief Executive Officer for the National Heart Foundation of Australia.

Barry, who commenced in the role last week, will replace Dr Lyn Roberts, who retired from the Heart Foundation’s top job at the end of last year. Dr Roberts had been with the Heart Foundation for 12 years.

Barry’s experience includes work in the aged-care sector and six years as the founding CEO of the Victorian Association of Health and Extended Care (VAHEC).

Barry also transformed the Victorian SES into an independent, high profile statutory authority playing a crucial role in the community.

The Heart Foundation’s National President, Associate Professor Peter Sexton said the organisation would benefit greatly from Barry’s experience.

“Mary is an outstanding appointment and brings with her significant senior management experience. She’s had frontline exposure in the public health sector and certainly knows what it takes to work for an organisation founded on the generosity of volunteers,” Prof Sexton said.

“Mary’s success in lobbying for change will be invaluable to the Heart Foundation as we continue to strive towards our ultimate goal – reducing premature death and suffering from heart, stroke and blood vessel disease.”

Barry said she was ready to embrace the new challenge.

"I’m looking forward to taking on the role of CEO with such a highly respected charity, regarded for its work in improving heart health and fighting against Australia’s leading cause of death – cardiovascular disease,” she said.

“It’s a unique opportunity for me and I look forward to working with the Board and staff of the Heart Foundation, our donors and all our stakeholders and partners, as we strive to meet our ultimate goal."

New Mental Commissioner for WA

beyondblue Deputy Chairman Tim Marney has been appointed the Western Australian Mental Health Commissioner.

Marney will  take up the role as head of the commission from February 17.

Marney was appointed to the beyondblue board in 2008 before becoming Deputy Chairman in 2010, and has been Western Australia’s Under Treasurer since 2005.

“My new role will allow me to bring together the work of beyondblue and Western Australia’s Mental Health Commission,” Marney said.

“It will also give me the opportunity to leverage my role at both organisations as they work towards improving the wellbeing of millions of Australians.

“I have learnt a tremendous amount during my time at beyondblue and I cannot wait to apply these lessons at the commission.”