Meet the new Chief Executive of Barwon Health

11 Jul 2019

Frances Diver commenced in her new role as CEO, Barwon Health on 30 April 2019 after an extensive international search by HardyGroup that identified several very highly qualified candidates.

Frances is a well-known and respected healthcare leader, having held senior leadership roles for more than 15 years. Initially trained as a nurse and midwife, Frances worked clinical settings in metropolitan and regional hospitals across New Zealand and Australia. Her clinical background led to roles in health promotion and education for BreastScreen, before moving to Monash Medical Centre where she worked on capital project development, and then as Site Manager for the Monash Medical Centre. Following this, Frances was the Manager Patient Access with Bayside Health (The Alfred). Frances joined the Department of Health and Human Services as Manager of the State-wide Emergency Program, eventually rising to the position of Deputy Secretary, Hospital and Health Service Performance. Most recently, Frances was the Chief Executive Officer of the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

Brian Cook, Board Chair, was delighted to announce Frances’s appointment. “Appointing a person of such high calibre, with such a solid background in leadership, is a real coup for Barwon Health. “Frances’ experience, both in clinical settings and through her work with the Department of Health and Human Services, will support Barwon Health’s focus on patient-centred care and our role in working with our partners throughout south-west Victoria. “Her vast experience and understanding of healthcare services and leadership, coupled with experience in strategic planning and service planning will be vital for the organisation’s future success.”

Frances said “I have worked with many of the leaders within Barwon Health through my time at the Department of Health and Human Services and feel my more recent experience with the CFA, coupled with my commitment and energy, will help guide Barwon Health through the next phase of its development. “On a personal level, Geelong is a vibrant city that is evolving and changing; Geelong is renowned for its strong sense of community and I am looking forward to taking advantage of all that it offers.”

Qualifications:

· Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors

· Senior Executive MBA, University of Melbourne

· Participant in the Victorian Government Leadership Development Program

· Executive Fellows Program, Australia New Zealand School of Government (ANZOG), University of Melbourne

· Bachelor of Applied Science (Advanced Nursing), La Trobe University, Melbourne

· Diploma of Comprehensive Nursing, Wellington Technical Institute, New Zealand